Senior Project Manager - Rural Development Initiatives

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 96,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid options for field work

Professional development and training

Comprehensive medical aid and pension

Opportunities to impact rural lives

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a non-profit to appoint a Senior Project Manager to lead rural development initiatives in Queenstown (Eastern Cape). You will oversee projects across agriculture, education, healthcare access and small business development, coordinating with communities, government, and partners to deliver tangible impact.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in community-based project management, PRA expertise, and proven ability to manage budgets and schedules in rural settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with a significant focus on rural development, community-based projects, or NGO sector work.
• Proven experience working within the Eastern Cape region and understanding its socio-economic context.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from inception through to completion.
• Strong understanding of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques and community engagement strategies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in challenging rural environments.
• Fluency in local languages spoken in the Queenstown area is a significant asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of rural development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines, ensuring efficient and effective utilization of funds and assets.
• Engage actively with local communities to identify needs, co-design projects, and ensure community participation and ownership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, local authorities, and other development partners in the Eastern Cape.
• Oversee project activities in areas such as agricultural support, skills development, infrastructure improvement (water, sanitation), and social programs.
• Identify and manage project risks, developing appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Monitor project progress, collect data, and prepare comprehensive reports for donors, stakeholders, and internal management.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, organizational policies, and ethical standards.
• Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing among community members and project staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Development Studies / Social Sciences / Agriculture / Public Administration or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable rural development, is seeking a committed Senior Project Manager to lead impactful initiatives in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape region. This role requires a passionate individual driven to make a tangible difference in community upliftment, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development in rural settings. You will manage projects spanning agriculture, education, healthcare access, and small business development. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in community-based project management, a deep understanding of rural dynamics, and a proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and other NGOs. This is a chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Eastern Cape's rural communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of rural development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines, ensuring efficient and effective utilization of funds and assets.
• Engage actively with local communities to identify needs, co-design projects, and ensure community participation and ownership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, local authorities, and other development partners in the Eastern Cape.
• Oversee project activities in areas such as agricultural support, skills development, infrastructure improvement (water, sanitation), and social programs.
• Identify and manage project risks, developing appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Monitor project progress, collect data, and prepare comprehensive reports for donors, stakeholders, and internal management.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, organizational policies, and ethical standards.
• Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing among community members and project staff.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Public Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with a significant focus on rural development, community-based projects, or NGO sector work.
• Proven experience working within the Eastern Cape region and understanding its socio-economic context.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from inception through to completion.
• Strong understanding of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques and community engagement strategies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in challenging rural environments.
• Fluency in local languages spoken in the Queenstown area is a significant asset.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and the impact of the role.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in development methodologies.
• The profound satisfaction of contributing to tangible community improvements in Queenstown.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options to facilitate field work.
• Potential for growth within the development sector.
• Direct impact on improving livelihoods and sustainability in rural areas.