Apply Now: Zenex Foundation NPO Leadership Development Programme 2026 in South Africa

The Zenex Foundation has officially opened applications for its NPO Leadership Development Programme 2026–2028 in South Africa. This two-year flagship initiative is designed to strengthen senior leadership capacity within education-focused non-profit organisations and build long-term organisational sustainability.

If you are a senior leader in an education NPO operating in South Africa, this programme offers structured learning, leadership coaching, mentorship, and international network exposure.

About the Zenex Foundation NPO Leadership Programme

The Zenex Foundation is committed to strengthening South Africa’s education ecosystem through targeted capacity-building initiatives. As part of this strategy, the NPO Leadership Development Programme focuses on empowering senior leaders who influence organisational sustainability, sector collaboration, and long-term education outcomes.

Education NPOs play a vital role in supporting quality education delivery. However, many organisations face persistent challenges, including:

• Limited resources for leadership development

• Weak succession planning

• Difficulty attracting and retaining skilled talent

This programme directly responds to those challenges.

Programme Duration and Structure (2026–2028)

The programme runs from April 2026 to April 2028 and follows a cohort-based, blended learning model combining online and in-person engagement.

1. Short Courses (Across Two Years)

Participants will complete 2–4 short courses aligned with their leadership needs. Courses will be selected from reputable institutions and approved by Zenex.

Focus areas may include:

• Financial management and sustainability

• Fundraising and proposal writing

• Strategic communication

• Governance and compliance

• Organisational culture and change management

• Stakeholder and partnership management

2. Leadership Coaching – Personal Mastery (Year 1)

Participants will receive 10 leadership coaching sessions delivered by experienced external coaches.

Coaching will focus on:

• Leadership identity and self-awareness

• Behavioural patterns and decision-making

• Managing complexity, pressure, and influence

3. Work-Based Leadership Project & Mentorship (Year 2)

Each participant will design and implement a leadership project addressing a real organisational or sector challenge.

Participants will receive up to 10 days of specialist mentorship to support project development, implementation, and reflection.

4. International Network Exposure

Selected participants will engage in an international exposure component aimed at broadening perspectives, strengthening innovation, and building global learning connections. The format will be determined in consultation with participants.

Eligibility Criteria

Organisational Eligibility

To apply, the organisation must:

• Be a registered non-profit operating in South Africa

• Work within the basic education sector

• Nominate only one candidate

• Provide written endorsement of the candidate

• Commit to releasing the candidate for full participation over two years

• Support integration of learning within the organisation

If the CEO applies, Board endorsement is required.

Candidate Eligibility

The nominated candidate must:

• Hold a senior leadership role with decision-making authority

• Have at least three years’ experience in that role

• Be under the age of 50 at the time of application

• Be available for full participation

Zenex is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Application Process

Organisations must submit a single application package including:

1. Organisational Endorsement (Maximum 2 Pages)
Confirming support and outlining post-programme employment arrangements.

2. Candidate Motivation Letter (Maximum 2 Pages)
Covering leadership experience, development needs, and a proposed work-related case study.

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The candidate’s most recent CV.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a panel interview.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 12 February 2026

• Application Deadline: 5 March 2026

• Shortlisting & Interviews: 9–20 March 2026

• Contracting: April 2026

• Programme Implementation: April 2026 – April 2028

Contact for Enquiries

For further information, contact:

Thabisile Zuma
Programme Manager
[email protected]

Quick Summary

Programme: NPO Leadership Development Programme
Host: Zenex Foundation
Location: South Africa
Duration: April 2026 – April 2028
Deadline: 5 March 2026

Official Notification & Apply

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