Community Development Officer - Rural Empowerment Programs

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Direct community impact

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Live and work in Queenstown

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Community Development Officer for the Queenstown region to lead empowerment programs, work with local leaders, and design initiatives for sustainable livelihoods and social well-being.

You will facilitate workshops, manage projects, monitor progress, and build partnerships with government and NGOs. A Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years in community development are required; travel and a valid driver’s license are expected.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in development-related field (Development Studies, Social Sciences, Community Management, or related).
• Minimum 3 years in community or rural development or similar field.
• Experience in project implementation, community mobilization, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel and valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assess community needs and assets to inform development programs.
• Facilitate community consultations, workshops, and participatory planning processes.
• Implement and manage development projects (agriculture support, small business incubation, skills training).
• Build and maintain relationships with community, local government, NGOs, and other partners.
• Mobilize community participation and local ownership of initiatives.
• Monitor progress, collect data, and report outcomes and impact.
• Ensure transparent management of resources and budgets.
• Advocate for community interests and facilitate access to services.
• Organize training sessions for community members on relevant topics.
• Contribute to strategic planning and reporting of development activities in the Eastern Cape.

Skills

Community development

Stakeholder engagement

Project implementation

Facilitation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Development Studies / related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an established non-profit organization committed to uplifting rural communities, is seeking a dedicated Community Development Officer to lead empowerment programs in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape region. This crucial role involves working directly with community members, local leaders, and various stakeholders to design and implement initiatives focused on sustainable livelihoods, economic development, and social well-being. The successful candidate will be a hands-on professional, deeply invested in the progress and empowerment of the Queenstown community. This is an on-site role requiring consistent presence and active participation within the local community.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess community needs and assets to inform the development of targeted development programs.
• Facilitate community consultations, workshops, and participatory planning processes.
• Implement and manage community development projects, including agricultural support, small business incubation, and skills training.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with community members, local government, NGOs, and other development partners.
• Mobilize community participation and foster local ownership of development initiatives.
• Monitor project progress, collect relevant data, and prepare reports on outcomes and impact.
• Ensure the efficient and transparent management of project resources and budgets.
• Advocate for community interests and facilitate access to essential services and opportunities.
• Organize and conduct training sessions for community members on relevant development topics.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and reporting of the organization's development activities in the Eastern Cape.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Community Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in community development, rural development, or a similar field.
• Demonstrated experience in project implementation, community mobilization, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and build trust.
• Proficiency in project monitoring and basic report writing.
• Experience working within the Eastern Cape region, particularly Queenstown, is a significant advantage.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within the community and surrounding areas.
• Passion for community empowerment and sustainable development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Opportunity to make a significant direct impact on rural communities.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Professional development opportunities to enhance skills in community work.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment dedicated to social change.
• Chance to live and work within the vibrant Queenstown community.