Rural Development Project Lead — Eastern Cape

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Rural Development Project Manager to plan, implement and oversee development initiatives that enhance livelihoods and infrastructure in rural communities.

You will engage with communities, local authorities and donors, develop proposals and budgets, monitor progress, report outcomes, and ensure sustainable, real-world impact in line with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive project management experience in rural development.
• Experience in community engagement, participatory planning, and stakeholder management.
• Strong understanding of rural socio-economic challenges and opportunities.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, timelines and resources.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution and monitoring of rural development projects.
• Engage communities to identify needs, priorities and opportunities.
• Develop proposals, budgets and work plans aligned with donor requirements.
• Manage resources including personnel, finances and materials.
• Build relationships with community leaders, authorities and NGOs.
• Oversee implementation and ensure timely completion of activities.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and implement mitigations.
• Prepare progress reports, financial statements and impact assessments.
• Facilitate community participation and local ownership.
• Promote sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Skills

Project management

Community engagement

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Master’s degree in Development Studies / Rural Development / Social Sciences / Public Administration

Tools

Project management software

Office applications

Job description

Placements24 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Rural Development Project Manager to plan, implement and oversee development initiatives that enhance livelihoods and infrastructure in rural communities.

You will engage with communities, local authorities and donors, develop proposals and budgets, monitor progress, report outcomes, and ensure sustainable, real-world impact in line with organizational goals.