We are using the Be Applied Job Application Process, however please be aware this is a freelance role, and successful candidates would be self-employed, in a tax and legal sense.

We are launching a new programme in southern Africa to scale ambitious solutions to improve women’s economic empowerment.  We are seeking associates to work with us on this programme – to bring knowledge of the sector and the region, and to use their skills in supporting organisations to increase their impact.

• Type of Role: Associates will be engaged through a professional services agreement with Spring Impact. The duration of this programme of work will be up to 3 years.

• Days: During the initial period of the programme (January to June 2023) we are seeking associates to work for a minimum of 2 days a month.  There are opportunities to work for up to 12 days a month depending on projects assigned to and stage of projects. Please indicate your preference for number of days a month during the application process.

• Reports to: Programmes Manager

• Location: Home-based in southern Africa. Access to online meetings and other internet services is essential. Associates will be working on projects based in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe or Malawi with locations confirmed at project selection stage (around December 2022). We are seeking associates who have significant experience of living and working in these countries in order that they have a good understanding of the cultural, social and economic context within the region. Most work can be conducted online but visits to project bases will occasionally be required. During the application process, please advise on preferred country to work in, level of flexibility and any constraints.  Spring Impact recognises Associates may need to work within the constraints of caring responsibilities and will take this into account alongside the requirements of the role.

• Manages: N/A

• Liaises with: Spring Impact consulting team and programmes team, partner organisation teams in southern Africa, other organisations and stakeholders working on issues related to women’s economic empowerment.

Role Overview:

Spring Impact is looking for long-term associate partners to work with us as we expand globally.

We are launching a new programme in southern Africa to scale ambitious solutions to improve women’s economic empowerment.  We are seeking associates to work with us on this programme – to bring knowledge of the sector and the region, and to use their skills in supporting organisations to increase their impact.

Associates will work alongside other members of the Spring Impact team to provide bespoke consultancy and training to partner organisations. Together we will support organisations to analyse and develop clarity around the problem they see, their contribution towards solving this, and the short and long- term plans that will enable them to scale their impact. Spring Impact has been funded to provide these services at no additional cost to partner organisations. Partner organisations will be selected through a call-out process between October and December 2022, with the programme due to launch in early 2023.

About Spring Impact:

Spring Impact is on a mission to scale social impact, so that great ideas change more lives.

Our ambition is to enable the sustainable and successful scale of social impact, so that organisations and funders can address the world’s social problems at scale and bring about profound change.  Over the last 10 years, we have worked with over 250 ambitious teams across the world, helping them positively transform an ever-increasing number of lives.

Role Responsibilities:

The Associate’s role will vary depending on the stage of the programme and the partner organisations they are working with. Being flexible will be important. The role is expected to include a number of the following areas:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help our partner organisations determine how they can best scale their impact

• Producing high-quality analysis to support partner organisations

• Preparing and facilitating sections of workshops with partners, alongside other members of the Spring Impact team

• Conducting interviews and focus groups with partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries to understand issues and potential solutions

• Developing presentations, reports, financial models, and other deliverables for partners and internal Spring Impact use

• Conducting desk-based background research

• Providing guidance to other members of the Spring Impact team on issues related to women’s economic empowerment and the social sector in southern Africa

• Providing coaching to support partners

• Coordinating project logistics with other team members

Skills and Abilities

• Analytical and Flexible Thinking – the ability to identify key or underlying issues in complex situations. The ability to effectively adapt to a variety of situations, individuals and groups.

• Communications Skills – the ability to respectfully, clearly, and concisely communicate ideas and information (often technical) in writing or verbally (such as in a presentation).

• Relationship Management – establishing oneself as a trusted advisor, building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders such as delivery partners, funders, other associates, and others in the sector.

• Teamwork– the ability to work co-operatively with others, fostering a collaborative environment and working together towards shared goals.

 Experience and Knowledge

• 5+ years experience of working in the social, charity or public sector in southern Africa. This could also include voluntary work. Ideally on projects related to women’s economic empowerment in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe or Malawi

• Experience of supporting organisations to develop a strategy and implement change. This could be within an organisation or in an external advisor / consultancy type role.

• Knowledge and connections with people in the social sector in southern Africa, ideally with those working on women’s economic empowerment issues.

It would also be desirable to have knowledge of ways partner organisations can access additional funding to support scaling.

If you have not worked on scaling projects before we can provide training and development in this area, including training on Spring Impact’s methodology.

Payment of fees

 A competitive daily rate We would be happy to discuss this with you if you are interested in applying for the role.  Successful applicants will need to be self-employed, in a tax and legal sense.  Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Other benefits

Spring Impact is seeking to establish long-term partnerships with self-employed associates to deliver a range of projects across the globe. This may present future opportunities for candidates who are passionate about delivering social impact at scale, and who can effectively work with us to deliver our mission and values.

Spring Impact will provide a full induction process in the methodologies it uses.  Any reimbursement for training and development will be agreed as part of the contracting process.  Associates will also be able to shadow other Spring Impact employees to further their knowledge of approaches to scaling social impact.

Spring Impact understands that in order to provide the best possible advice to our diverse client base across a wide range of sectors, we are strongest when our team has a variety of experience, expertise, and insights to draw from. For us, diversity is an essential part of our organisational success. We are committed to ensuring that Spring Impact is an inclusive environment for all, regardless of race, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, and socioeconomic background.  This commitment applies for both permanent employees and associates.