Rural Development Facilitator

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 11,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Travel opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Rural Development Facilitator for our client, a non-profit dedicated to sustainable rural development and poverty alleviation in Upington, Northern Cape. The role emphasizes engaging communities, identifying development needs, and supporting project implementation to promote growth and livelihoods.

The successful candidate will work with communities, government agencies, and partners to drive participatory planning, monitor impact, and build local capacity.

Qualifications

• Experience in rural development, community facilitation, or related field.
• Strong understanding of rural livelihoods and sustainable development practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively within rural areas.

Responsibilities

• Engage with rural communities to understand their needs and priorities for development.
• Facilitate community meetings, participatory planning sessions, and stakeholder consultations.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable economic development projects, such as agriculture, small business support, and skills training.
• Assist communities in developing project proposals and accessing resources.
• Coordinate the implementation of rural development projects in the Northern Cape.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local government, and partner organizations.
• Monitor project progress, impact, and sustainability, providing regular reports.
• Provide training and capacity building to community members and local groups.
• Advocate for the needs of rural communities within relevant policy and decision-making forums.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in a culturally sensitive and participatory manner within Upington.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization committed to sustainable rural development and poverty alleviation, is seeking a dedicated Rural Development Facilitator for their operations in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is essential for engaging with rural communities, identifying development needs, and facilitating the implementation of projects that promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance community well-being. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of rural dynamics, excellent community engagement skills, and a passion for sustainable development. You will be instrumental in fostering collaboration between communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders in Upington and the wider Northern Cape province. This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to tangible improvements in rural areas and empower local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with rural communities in Upington to understand their needs and priorities for development.
• Facilitate community meetings, participatory planning sessions, and stakeholder consultations.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable economic development projects, such as agriculture, small business support, and skills training.
• Assist communities in developing project proposals and accessing resources.
• Coordinate the implementation of rural development projects in the Northern Cape.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local government, and partner organizations.
• Monitor project progress, impact, and sustainability, providing regular reports.
• Provide training and capacity building to community members and local groups.
• Advocate for the needs of rural communities within relevant policy and decision-making forums.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in a culturally sensitive and participatory manner within Upington.

Requirements

• Experience in rural development, community facilitation, agriculture, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of rural livelihoods, socio-economic challenges, and sustainable development practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with diverse rural communities in the Northern Cape.
• Experience in project management and monitoring & evaluation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in field settings around Upington.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within rural areas.
• Passion for rural empowerment and community-driven development.
• Knowledge of local languages and cultural practices in the Northern Cape is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on rural livelihoods in Upington.
• Professional development and training in rural development practices.
• Work within a dedicated team focused on sustainable change.
• Gain valuable field experience in the Northern Cape province.
• Contribute to a respected organization working towards rural upliftment.