Program Associate (Project Delivery Lead)

About the role

CPI, an analysis and advisory organisation focused on finance and policy, is recruiting a Program Associate (Project Delivery Lead) for a 12-month fixed-term, full-time (40-hour) position in Cape Town. The role supports CPI's work across its South Africa-based programmes and its recently established GTPariF programme in the US, covering the full grant lifecycle from proposal to closeout, budget and resource planning, business development, contracting, risk management and financial and narrative reporting.

Key responsibilities

• GTPariF (50%): track financial spending, budget health and key performance metrics across projects with CPI Finance; lead discussions on staff and consultant resourcing; support contract management, compliance and risk; lead financial forecasting to identify funding gaps and business development opportunities; prepare narrative reporting and work with Finance on financial reports.
• South Africa programme support (50%): coordinate business development, manage timelines and gather input from the Programme team; support engagement with funder finance and operations teams on budget or contract changes; support contract management, compliance and risk; provide ad hoc support to programme managers with tools, templates and written inputs for proposals, budgeting and contracting.

Required profile

• BA or BS degree required.
• Professional experience in grants or contract administration or project management in international development, sustainability, climate change or a related field.
• At least 3 years of progressive experience administering high-profile programmes or grants for government, business and/or NGOs, with growing budget and resource management responsibilities.
• Exceptional project management skills; fluency in spoken and written English.
• Eligibility to work in South Africa; no visa sponsorship offered.

Required skills

• PMP certification or related qualification highly beneficial.
• Proficiency with MS Excel and grant management software.

The role is based in the Cape Town office, with a hybrid arrangement of three days per week in the office. Applications include a resume and cover letter in English, submitted through the online application portal by Monday 23 November; applications are assessed on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates are contacted.