Associate Director: Learning & Innovation
JOIN US ON THE FRONTLINE
Who we are
We’ve been on the frontline of the world’s response to HIV and AIDS for over 30 years, working with marginalised people who are denied HIV prevention and treatment simply because of who they are and where they live.
Set up in 1993 to work with community groups in the countries most affected by the global AIDS epidemic, we’ve continually adapted our approach, looking for innovative ways to break down the barriers that marginalise people living with, or at risk of acquiring, HIV. All with one goal in mind – a future free from AIDS for everyone, everywhere.
Today, we work with communities in close to 100 countries, taking local, national and global action on HIV, health and human rights. Central to who Frontline AIDS is, is the global partnership of more than 50 civil society organisations working in sub-Sarahan Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Working with our partners we drive change where it matters, shaking up the status quo and making a noise on issues the world often chooses to ignore.
Job Purpose
The Associate Director for Learning and Innovation is a key new position responsible for leading on of Frontline AIDS main organisational roles in line with the organisation’s ‘Power in Partnership’ strategy for 2026-2030. The post-holder will lead the Learning and Innovation team and will be a standing member of the five-person Senior Leadership Team. The role will have responsibility within the SLT for coordinating how the organisation works across and between its strategic priorities to deliver. You will connect, challenge and steer choices that deepen our impact.
This post lead a high-performing team responsible for identifying, developing, and disseminating evidence of effective community-led practices with and for our partners and other allies of Frontline AIDS to drive the delivery of our strategic priorities. The Associate Director will be responsible for fostering innovation, partnerships, and ensure scalable, low-cost solutions are shared across countries and regions—building resilience, influencing policy, and empowering communities to lead the HIV response. As a member of the Senior Leadership as based out of our growing South African hub the post holder will assume a key representative role, both in relation to learning and innovation, and for Frontline AIDS as a whole.
About you
You will bring insight and experience from the fields of HIV and SRHR and have a pioneering spirit to guide how the HIV response adapts in the face of the new AIDS emergency. Creative, informed and a strong advocate you will enable your team to bring new ideas to scale alongside civil society partners. You will be committed to the values of Frontline AIDS and shape how we re-imagine what it is to be one of the largest civil society partnerships working on HIV – shifting power, driving new collaborations and making things happen with others will all be things that motivate you. This is an exciting, senior role and we look forward to your application.
How to apply
Find out more by downloading the full job description and person specification. If you are excited by this opportunity and think it’s right for you, we’d love to hear from you so apply using the button at the top of this page and upload your CV along with a covering letter outlining why you are a great match for this role.
The job description is - JD Ass Director Learning Innovation.pdf
Closing Date is: 10 April 2026
Interview Date is: TBC
Please note: Salaries shown are benchmarked locally.
We have transitioned to a hybrid model of working. We are currently working from home but you will also be required to spend time working alongside your team as appropriate. The role is based in South Africa and the successful applicant will need to hold the rights to work in South Africa.
Frontline AIDS is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring approach. We welcome applications from Black people, and other people of colour, people with disabilities, people living with HIV and LGBTIQ+ and non-binary individuals.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and a criminal records check. Having a criminal conviction and/or any other information divulged on the DBS/PVG or country equivalent check would not necessarily prevent you from working for the charity, but any recruitment decision will be dependent on the nature of the position sought and the circumstances and background of the offence(s).
Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults
Frontline AIDS operates a rigorous recruitment and selection process that reflects our commitment to child protection. The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy can be downloaded.