Project Manager - Community Development & Infrastructure

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 63,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Professional development

Travel allowance

Mission-driven organization

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a non-profit focused on sustainable development to recruit a Project Manager for community development and infrastructure projects in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role involves planning, coordinating with community leaders, and delivering water, sanitation, education upgrades, and local economic initiatives.

You will lead diverse teams, manage budgets, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and report progress to donors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Engineering, Public Administration or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management for community development, infrastructure or humanitarian projects.
• Experience managing projects in rural or underserved communities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and participatory development experience.
• Budgeting and financial management experience for development projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of community development and infrastructure projects from conception to completion.
• Develop detailed project plans including scope, budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Engage with community stakeholders to understand needs and gain buy-in.
• Oversee procurement and manage vendor/contractor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and quality standards.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage budgets and track expenditures with financial accountability.
• Coordinate on-site activities and supervise project teams and volunteers.
• Prepare regular project reports for internal review and donors.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field

Tools

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development, is seeking a committed Project Manager to oversee crucial community development and infrastructure projects in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape region. This role is essential for improving the quality of life for local communities through the successful planning and execution of projects such as water and sanitation improvements, educational facility upgrades, and local economic development initiatives. You will work closely with community leaders, local government, contractors, and volunteers to ensure projects meet community needs and are delivered efficiently and effectively. This is a highly rewarding role for someone passionate about making a tangible difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of community development and infrastructure projects from conception to completion.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, budgets, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Engage with community stakeholders to understand needs, gather input, and ensure buy-in.
• Oversee the procurement of materials and services, and manage contracts with vendors and contractors.
• Ensure all projects adhere to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and challenges, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial accountability.
• Coordinate and supervise on-site activities and the work of project teams and volunteers.
• Prepare regular project reports for internal review and for donors or funding agencies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, with a focus on community development, infrastructure, or humanitarian projects.
• Proven experience managing projects in rural or underserved communities.
• Strong understanding of participatory development approaches and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management for development projects.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust within communities.
• Familiarity with local government structures and regulations in the Eastern Cape .
• Experience with project management software is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid package.
• Opportunity to make a significant positive impact on communities.
• Exposure to diverse project environments and challenges.
• Professional development opportunities in community development and project management.
• Travel allowance for project-related travel within the region.
• Work within a mission-driven organization.