WHO WE ARE

Iranti was founded in 2012 with the greatest visionary intention to create authentic stories on the lived experiences of Lesbian, Trans and Intersex persons in Africa. Iranti is a Yoruba word, which means memory. Iranti was formed to imagine a world free of homophobia, transphobia and intersexphobia. Iranti is managed and led by persons who live and identify as Lesbian, Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex. We also hire allies who strongly align with Iranti’s Vision and Mission.

VISION

A just world where sexual, gender and bodily diversity is celebrated; where everyone lives with dignity, respect and equality.

MISSION

We use media, narratives and evidence to advocate for LBQTI people’s rights, transfer knowledge and skills, and contribute to building a strong and effective LBQTI movement in Africa.

LBQTI people, movements, and networks are the heart of our organisation – we amplify efforts to combat oppression, exclusion and invisibilisation; and strive to ensure that LBQTI people live good lives of their own choosing; are well, and flourish. We do this by influencing policy and pushing for structural reform. Movement strengthening is central to the sustainability of Iranti’s work and to achieving our goals. We therefore consciously strengthen activists, change agents, leaders and organisations that share our goals.

Iranti is based in Brixton, Johannesburg. Iranti proudly purchased property to affirm that we are here to build a long term sustainable presence for our mission. We are determined to reduce violence and stigma. Iranti has twelve staff members, with some of its staff based outside of South Africa. Iranti is governed by a five-person board.

For more information on Iranti, go to: https://www.iranti.org.za

THE OPPORTUNITY

Over the past decade, Iranti has proven that its mission is needed now more than ever. Our challenges remain great and our people need us. With the rise of state oppression against LGBTI organisations, growing enforcement of criminalisation towards gay men and sex workers, conversion therapy, increased pathologised health care and lack of state recognition which renders Trans persons as non-citizens and the rise of Intersex genital mutilation against Intersex born children, our battles against a growing anti LGBTI+ movement work is on the rise.

Over the past decade, Iranti has consistently been a thought and change leader in creating an integrated feminist framework to dismantle patriarchy and systemic oppressive laws and policies.

We are not alone in this struggle for freedom and justice. Iranti works with incredible partners, nationally, regionally and globally. We are all interconnected.

THE POSITION/S

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director or Co-Directors will build on Iranti’s decade long existence and strengthen its radical human rights framework to attain freedom and equality.

In collaboration with the board and staff, the new Executive/s will leverage the organisation’s expertise to centre and expand its media, research and advocacy work on LTI rights. The board is open to structuring the role for an individual Executive Director or for a team of Co-Directors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

Professional Requirements

The ideal candidate/s will be transformative leader(s) and respected social justice thought partner(s). They will have nuanced understanding and experience in leading an LTI rights organisation, or any other human rights feminist organisation. They will have deep connections to movements, donors, and other significant stakeholders such as the media. have a postgraduate degree-level education, preferably in the in social sciences, or law, coupled with a minimum of three(3) years experience working within the human rights sector in a programme management role.

● Executive or senior leadership experience with a national or regional organisation, including experience managing remote teams;

● Prior executive or senior leadership experience in fundraising and donor engagements;

● Proven success building strong and effective teams and creating cultures defined by transparency, accountability, trust and respect;

● Strategic fundraising experience that includes cultivating individual and institutional donor relationships, soliciting major gifts, and negotiating government contracts;

● Prior experience working with a nonprofit board and a demonstrable understanding of board development, governance and decision-making;

● Financial acumen to develop, track, and manage Iranti’s budget that includes restricted government contracts, foreign funds, complex investments, and fiscal sponsorships;

● An understanding of the fiscal and donor reporting requirements associated with grassroots grantmaking;

● Demonstrated experience leading the creation and implementation of strategic plans;

● Exceptional communications skills including the ability to effectively convey radical ideas and to engage individuals and large groups;

● Fluency in English. Fluency in another language desirable;

● Availability for significant and domestic and international travel; and,

● Authorisation (for the Executive Director or at least one Co-Director) to work in South Africa.

Personal Characteristics

The new Executive Director or Co-Directors will be fierce feminist leaders with an uncompromising commitment to advancing Trans, LBQ and Intersex rights. We seek (an) Executive Director/s that identify/ies as Lesbian, Transgender, Intersex or Non-binary.

They will be rooted in the politics of regional and global solidarity, and comfortable holding and articulating a radical vision. They will be innovative, transparent and adaptive leaders with a commitment to lifelong learning and a drive to mentor, coach, and support leadership. They will bring a regional perspective to Iranti and ideally will have lived experience in Africa. The ideal candidate(s) will have the emotional intelligence to engage in honest self-reflection and receive constructive feedback, and the humility to share power and make collective decisions.

Compensation

The remuneration package is commensurate with the experience required for person/s in the Regional NGO sector and is inclusive of medical-aid, provident fund, mobile phone allowance, performance assessment bonus and annual leave.

Lesbian and Bisexual women, Intersex, Trans, Gender-diverse, and Non-binary persons from Africa are especially encouraged to apply.

Submit a comprehensive CV of not more than 5 pages, and a covering letter detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to recruitment@iranti.org.za

The application process will remain open until a suitable candidate/s are appointed.

This position is re-advertised and previous applications are not required to apply.

We reserve the right not to make an appointment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not be contacted within 2 months of the closing date please do consider your application unsuccessful.

Full job description here is available on enquiry.

Employment Type
Full-time

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