Job Description

Steering the overall operational, administrative, and strategic execution of a charitable children's home network, this leadership role ensures a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children in need. Operating within the South African non-profit sector and underpinned by Christian values, the position balances direct facility oversight with key support to professional social work functions and community engagement efforts. Working standard hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM , the General Manager maintains total operational compliance, leads home personnel, and coordinates resource allocation to preserve long-term organisational sustainability . The position requires flexibility to attend school engagements, handle daily errands, and remain available for unforeseen emergency response during weekends . Key Responsibilities Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day operations of the children’s home, including child welfare, staffing, and directing maintenance or IT support requests to respective leads . Policy & Compliance: Develop, implement, maintain, and update child safety and emotional development policies, ensuring both staff and children are fully educated on procedures . Financial & Donation Governance: Maintain strict tracking, management, and documentation of petty cash, receipts, pocket money, and supplies . Actively monitor donation usage (food, clothing, items) to prevent waste or misallocation . Staff & Relief Management: Coordinate relief worker activities for payroll processing, track staff leave, conduct performance evaluations, and direct recruitment and training of home personnel . Statutory & Government Compliance: Monitor and submit all required documentation for registration and funding to the Department of Social Development (DSD) and NPO Act timeously alongside the Finance team . Maintain active DSD engagement and ensure on-site availability for compliance visits . Social Worker & Development Support: Partner with the Social Worker to assess child needs, implement therapeutic and recreational programmes, monitor academic progress, and engage young adults on career or tertiary plans . Youth & Independent Living Coaching: Mentor young adults in tertiary studies or work, manage risk through corrective actions, and enforce independent living policies . Stakeholder & Community Coordination: Direct all volunteer inquiries, donor engagements, and public requests to the Comms, Marketing and Community Manager while representing the organisation in public forums . Direct Child & Facility Support: Provide direct transport for medical visits, purchase daily or weekly supplies (e.g., uniforms, groceries), attend school progress meetings, and negotiate school fee discounts or sponsorships . Essential Requirements Experience in volunteering, social work, psychology, non-profit management, or a related field . Proven track record in a non-profit organisation, preferably within the child welfare sector . Demonstrated understanding of regulations and statutory rules governing children's homes in South Africa . Strong organisational, administrative, prioritisation, and interpersonal management skills . Knowledge of South African cultural dynamics and socio-economic context . Valid driver’s licence and access to an own reliable vehicle . Ability to work weekends for unforeseen emergencies . Required Software Skills Excellent PC literacy and proficiency in MS Office (including Microsoft Excel) . Benefits and Culture Guided by Christian values to support children in need . Annual leave starts at 15 days per annum, accruing 1 additional day per year worked up to a maximum of 20 days (capped at 15 accrued days at any one time) . Work Arrangement On-site (incorporating local travel for errands, school visits, and medical transport) . Employment Type 12 months Fixed Term contract (prospect of permanency thereafter)