Call for applications: Sound Connects Fund Grants Officer

Supported by the European Union, the fund is a multifaceted programme aimed at developing the creative sector in southern Africa through funding interventions, while also upskilling recipients across the SADC region. The fund will focus on the broad creative sector, including but not limited to, performing arts, gaming, animation, film, photography and videography using “sound” as a central focus area.

The MIAF seeks to appoint a Grants Officer for the fund. The successful candidate will take a lead in officiating grants, especially related to the performing arts, and should be able to fully support all the other focus areas, including the administrative and logistical functions of the fund. The successful candidate must be self-driven with exceptional project management skills, people skills, outstanding knowledge of the arts, grant management experience, and more importantly, agility – the ability to execute different functions within the project and the MIAF as a whole.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the conceptualisation and implementation of grants in the music/performance field. 
• Take a lead in the timely review and preselection of grant applications.
• Set up local implementation partners in different countries.
• Work with local partners remotely to ensure that services are delivered effectively.
• Communicate effectively with grant recipients, project partners, management etc. 
• Assist in quality control processes.
• Copy and report writing: service provider briefs, reports and, where necessary, press releases, advertisements, posters and flyers.
• Assist in the management and monitoring of prescribed project budgets (strong Excel experience is a must).
• Assist in grant management  and reporting processes (financial and reporting).
• Collaborate with project administrators to ensure adherence to set control systems, including documentation and filling processes.
• Manage timelines and meet deadlines.
• Assist in risk management.
• Prepare and submit reports to management (financial and narrative).
• Where applicable, review and submit documents for payment, and check compliance of grant recipients and service providers.
• Support procurement purposes. 
• Support contracting processes for grant recipients, partners and service providers.

Requirements

1. Educated to degree level or higher.
2. Solid track record of project management (minimum 6 years) in the creative industries (music or performing arts being key). Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience, with reference to the above mentioned responsibilities. 
3. Excellent writing skills. The successful candidate must be able to write perfect and mature copy in English without needing someone to edit their work.
4. Strong knowledge of the arts scene in southern Africa.
5. Experience working on big-scale arts programmes, especially those of a similar nature.
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (French or Portuguese advantageous).
7. Experience in research and benchmarking.
8. Highly proficient with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). Excel experience is a must.
9. Supervision, mentoring and teamwork.
10. Experience in administration, especially of cultural projects.
11. In-depth understanding of operational characteristics, services and activities of arts development projects.
12. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
13. Ability to travel.

The successful candidate will work from our head office in Johannesburg (Rosebank), South Africa. If you are interested, send your CV to Violet Maila at violet@musicinafrica.net no later than 9 January 2021.

A cover letter stating why you are interested in and qualified for this position should be attached to your application, including three contactable references and your financial expectations (range).

Job title: Grants Officer – Music In Africa Sound Connects Fund.
Type: Fixed 36-month contract (full time).
Starting: 1 February 2021 (or as soon as possible).