Project Manager - Rural Development Initiatives

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Fully remote position

Health insurance and retirement

Professional development

Mission-driven culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Project Manager for a remote-first role focused on rural development across dispersed regions. You will lead planning, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination to deliver impact in agriculture, education, infrastructure, and community empowerment.

The role requires 6+ years in project management, strong community development knowledge, and excellent remote collaboration skills. Occasional travel to project sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Development Studies, Public Administration, Sociology, Agriculture, or related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, with rural development or social impact focus.
• Proven ability to manage projects in challenging/remote environments.
• Strong understanding of community development, participatory approaches, sustainable development.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, implementation, and monitoring of rural development projects aligned with goals and community needs.
• Develop comprehensive project plans with budgets, timelines, resources, and risk strategies.
• Coordinate activities across rural locations with community leaders, agencies, and partners.
• Ensure transparent communication with beneficiaries, donors, and team members.
• Oversee budgets, expenditures, and financial reporting.
• Monitor progress against KPIs and implement timely solutions.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, Sociology, Agriculture, or related field

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Project management software

Digital collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development in rural communities, is seeking a passionate and experienced Project Manager to lead impactful initiatives. This is a remote-first position, ideal for an individual committed to social impact and capable of managing complex projects across dispersed geographical areas. You will be responsible for overseeing projects focused on areas such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, and community empowerment. The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within rural development. As a remote-first role, excellent communication, self-management, and digital collaboration skills are essential. This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and progress of communities in the Eastern Cape and beyond, working from anywhere in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of rural development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.


• Develop comprehensive project plans, including budgets, timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.


• Manage project activities across various rural locations, coordinating with local community leaders, government agencies, and partner organizations.


• Ensure effective and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, donors, and team members.


• Oversee project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial accountability and reporting.


• Monitor project progress against key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying challenges and implementing timely solutions.


• Facilitate community engagement and participation in project design and implementation.


• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and relevant regulations.


• Manage project documentation, including progress reports, financial records, and evaluation data.


• Promote a collaborative and inclusive project environment, fostering positive relationships with all involved parties.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, Sociology, Agriculture, or a related field.


• A Master's degree is advantageous.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, with significant experience in rural development, community projects, or social impact initiatives.


• Proven ability to manage projects in challenging or remote environments.


• Strong understanding of community development principles, participatory approaches, and sustainable development practices.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.


• Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial oversight.


• Proficiency in project management software and digital collaboration tools.


• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.


• Must be comfortable and effective working in a fully remote capacity, with occasional travel to project sites as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the importance of this role in driving community impact.


• Enjoy the flexibility and work-life balance of a fully remote position.


• Opportunities to work on projects that create tangible positive change in rural communities.


• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings contributions.


• Professional development opportunities, including training in project management and rural development best practices.


• A supportive and mission-driven organizational culture.


• The chance to collaborate with passionate individuals dedicated to social progress.


• Regular virtual team meetings and engagement opportunities.


• The role is perfect for a dedicated Project Manager seeking to make a significant difference from anywhere in South Africa, contributing to development in areas like Queenstown, Eastern Cape.