Project Manager - Rural Development Initiatives

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 69,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Project Manager to lead Rural Development Initiatives around Queenstown, Eastern Cape, driving infrastructure, agriculture, and socio-economic development. You’ll manage projects from conception to completion, coordinating with communities, government bodies, and NGOs to deliver sustainable outcomes.

The role is hybrid, offering site visits alongside strategic planning and active stakeholder engagement, with a focus on measurable impact and delivery on funding

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in development, community projects or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of rural development challenges in South Africa.
• Experience managing budgets, timelines and stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning and implementation of rural development projects.
• Develop proposals, budgets, timelines, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with communities, government, NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Monitor progress with KPIs and report outcomes and impact.
• Manage risks, resolve issues, ensure funding compliance and regulations.
• Promote community engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Development Studies / Social Sciences degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Project Manager to lead impactful Rural Development Initiatives in and around Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for driving community upliftment projects, focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, and socio-economic development. You will manage projects from conception through to completion, ensuring they meet community needs and organizational objectives. Working closely with local stakeholders, government bodies, and NGOs, you will foster collaboration and ensure sustainable outcomes. This hybrid position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of the Eastern Cape , balancing site visits with strategic planning and coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning and implementation of rural development projects, ensuring alignment with community needs and strategic goals.
• Develop detailed project proposals, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation plans.
• Coordinate with local communities, government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Monitor project progress, track key performance indicators, and report on outcomes and impact.
• Manage project risks, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with funding requirements and regulations.
• Promote community engagement and participation throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management , with a focus on development, community projects, or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of rural development challenges and opportunities in South Africa.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relationships effectively.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, particularly with diverse community groups.
• A relevant degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with funding agencies and grant management is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and benefits.
• Opportunity to make a significant social impact in the Eastern Cape .
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work-life balance.
• Exposure to diverse development projects and partnerships.
• Continuous professional development in project management and development practice.