Location: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg
Project: Africa-Europe Partnership for Culture – Sub-Saharan Africa
Position: Goethe Application Portal Officer
Start date: 01.05.2025
Type of employment: Full-time (40 hours/week)
Contract duration: Until 31.01.2028
Application deadline: 09.04.2025
Email for applications: Philina.wittke@goethe.de
The Goethe-Institut Johannesburg is looking for two Goethe Application Portal Officer from 1 May 2025 until 31 January 2028, 40 working hours per week. The position is connected to the availability of funds from the European Union.
About the Goethe-Institut
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global presence in over 90 countries. We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. Through our cultural and educational programmes, we encourage intercultural dialogue, strengthen the development of civil society structures, and promote worldwide access to information and education.
The Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg coordinates activities across Sub-Saharan Africa with a particular focus on strengthening pan-African dialogue and promoting access to information and education. We connect people, ideas, and cultural innovations while valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
About the Goethe-Application Portal (GAP)
The Goethe-Application Portal (GAP) is our digital platform that manages grant applications across various funding programmes. For the Africa-Europe Partnership for Culture project, GAP will serve as the central system through which:
- Applicants register and submit their grant proposals
- Selection committees review and evaluate applications
- Project staff manage the full grant lifecycle from application to reporting
The system requires technical administration, user support, and content management to ensure smooth operation throughout the project.
About the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture Project
The Goethe-Institut is launching two components under the umbrella of the AFRICA-EUROPE PARTNERSHIPS FOR CULTURE (2025-2028) project, funded by the European Union:
A) Connect & Create component
This component promotes cultural integration and dialogue between countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union by exploring Arts and Cultural Spaces across the continent. The project connects spaces, artists, and stakeholders through mobility and co-creation grants.
B) Southern African component: "Heritage Narratives"
This component focuses on cultural heritage narratives from Southern Africa, bringing them to life through various media including guided tours, texts, music, film, video games, visual arts, and dance—creating new frameworks of cultural relations and references.
Main Responsibilities
As Goethe Application Portal Officer, you will:
- Configure and manage grant calls – Set up application forms, configure evaluation workflows, and maintain the technical aspects of multiple grant schemes
- Provide technical support – Guide applicants and jury members through the portal's functionality and resolve user issues
- Extract and analyze data – Generate reports from the system to monitor application trends and support project evaluation
- Ensure system quality – Test new features, monitor system performance, and coordinate with the GAP team at headquarters on technical improvements
- Manage user accounts – Create and maintain accounts for project staff, jury members, and support users when they encounter access issues
- Train project team members – Provide guidance on using the portal's features for application review and grant management
- Coordinate with content teams – Work closely with project managers to ensure application forms accurately reflect grant requirements
- Document processes – Create and maintain documentation on portal usage for internal and external users
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field
- Experience with digital platforms, content management systems, or similar applications
- Experience in database management
- Strong content management skills
- Good technical aptitude and problem-solving abilities
- Strong team player with collaborative approach
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
- Proficiency with MS Office and digital collaboration tools
- Excellent command of written and spoken English; German and French are advantages
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Valid work permit for South Africa
What Sets You Apart
- Experience with grant management systems or application platforms
- Background in or understanding of the cultural sector
- Ability to bridge technical and content-focused team members
- Experience providing user support in multicultural environments
- Knowledge of data collection and basic reporting techniques
- Interest in arts and culture across Sub-Saharan Africa
What We Offer
- A dynamic work environment in Johannesburg with a committed international team
- Competitive remuneration based on the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg salary scale
- The opportunity to contribute to significant cultural exchange initiatives
- Professional development opportunities
- Being part of a respected international cultural organization
Application Procedure
Please send your CV, copies of certificates/diplomas, and a short motivation letter by email to Philina.wittke@goethe.de by Wednesday, 9 April 2025. In your email subject line, clearly state "Application: Goethe Application Portal Officer".
Please include the following declaration: "I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes of the admission procedure at the Goethe-Institut."
Due to South African labour law, we can only accept applications from residents of South Africa or persons with a South African work permit. If you are a foreign national, please provide proof of your work authorization with your application.
Only complete applications will be considered. If you have not received a reply by 20 April 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful.
For questions, please contact Philina Wittke at Philina.wittke@goethe.de.
