Community Program Manager – East London

Placements24; London Borough of Newham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Community Program Manager to lead East London programs, overseeing design, implementation, and evaluation to improve livelihoods. You will manage a team of program officers and field staff, partner with local government and NGOs, and ensure financial accountability.

The role requires a Master's degree and at least 6 years in program management, with leadership in community development. Hybrid work with field travel across the Eastern Cape is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of program management experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within Community & Social Care or development sector in South Africa.
• Proven track record managing complex community development projects.
• Strong understanding of program cycle management, M&E frameworks, and financial management.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of East London and Eastern Cape socio-economic context.
• Proficiency in project management software and data analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly within the region.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, implementation, and management of community development programs in East London.
• Lead and mentor a team of program officers and field staff.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local government, CBOs, NGOs, and community leaders.
• Conduct needs assessments and situational analyses to inform program development and adaptation.
• Monitor program progress, collect data, and prepare comprehensive reports on impact and outcomes.
• Ensure programs are delivered ethically and in line with best practices.
• Facilitate community consultations and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion and fundraising within the Eastern Cape.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums and contribute to strategic planning.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Monitoring & Evaluation

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree in Development Studies / Public Administration / Social Sciences

Tools

MS Project

Excel / Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic organization dedicated to community development and social upliftment, is seeking an experienced Community Program Manager for their East London operations. This role is crucial for overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of diverse community programs aimed at enhancing livelihoods and well-being within the Eastern Cape. You will lead a team of program officers, manage budgets, build partnerships with stakeholders, and ensure programs align with community needs and organizational goals. This hybrid role allows for flexible work arrangements, combining necessary fieldwork in East London with strategic planning and administrative tasks from a local office. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented leader with a passion for community empowerment and a deep understanding of the Eastern Cape socio-economic landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of community development programs in East London.
• Lead and mentor a team of program officers and field staff.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with local government, CBOs, NGOs, and community leaders.
• Conduct needs assessments and situational analyses to inform program development and adaptation.
• Monitor program progress, collect data, and prepare comprehensive reports on impact and outcomes.
• Ensure programs are delivered effectively, ethically, and in line with best practices.
• Facilitate community consultations and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion and fundraising within the Eastern Cape.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums and contribute to strategic planning.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in program management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the Community & Social Care or development sector in South Africa.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex community development projects.
• Strong understanding of program cycle management, M&E frameworks, and financial management.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the socio-economic context and development challenges in East London and the Eastern Cape.
• Proficiency in project management software and data analysis tools.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly within the region.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional growth, leadership training, and advanced qualifications.
• A hybrid work model offering flexibility and a blend of office and field-based responsibilities in East London.
• The significant reward of driving positive change and community development in the Eastern Cape.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment within a mission-driven organization.
• Exposure to diverse projects and strategic leadership opportunities.