Community Engagement Lead - Rural Development

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Leave allowance

Travel allowances

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Community Engagement Lead in Rustenburg, North West, South Africa, to design and implement community-driven development initiatives.

The role focuses on building trust with rural communities, leaders, and stakeholders, facilitating dialogue, organizing meetings, and ensuring feedback informs project design. A hybrid work model and field travel are expected, with opportunities for professional growth and meaningful social impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Development Studies, Anthropology, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in community engagement or stakeholder relations, preferably rural.
• Proven ability to build rapport and trust with diverse community groups.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of rural livelihoods and development challenges.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive community engagement strategies for rural development projects.
• Facilitate dialogue and build relationships with community members, leaders, and officials in Rustenburg.
• Organize and lead community meetings, workshops, and participatory planning sessions.
• Identify community needs, concerns, and aspirations related to development initiatives.
• Ensure community feedback is integrated into project design and implementation.
• Represent the organization in community forums and stakeholder consultations.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure effective communication and buy-in from beneficiaries.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of engagement activities.
• Prepare reports on community engagement progress for stakeholders.
• Stay informed about rural development best practices in North West.

Skills

Community engagement

Stakeholder relations

Facilitation

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sociology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an organization focused on sustainable rural development in the Rustenburg district, is seeking an experienced Community Engagement Lead. This role is vital for building trust and fostering strong relationships with rural communities, local leaders, and stakeholders across the North West province. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing effective engagement strategies that ensure our development projects are community-driven and meet local needs. This position requires a deep understanding of rural dynamics, excellent communication skills, and a passion for empowering local populations. You will be at the forefront of ensuring our initiatives have a lasting and positive impact on the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive community engagement strategies for rural development projects.
• Facilitate dialogue and build strong relationships with community members, traditional leaders, and local government officials in Rustenburg .
• Organize and lead community meetings, workshops, and participatory planning sessions.
• Identify community needs, concerns, and aspirations related to development initiatives.
• Ensure community feedback is integrated into project design and implementation.
• Represent the organization in community forums and stakeholder consultations.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure effective communication and buy-in from beneficiaries.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of engagement activities.
• Prepare reports on community engagement progress and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay informed about rural development best practices and local socio-economic contexts in the North West .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Development Studies, Anthropology, or a related social science field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in community engagement, participatory development, or stakeholder relations, preferably in a rural context.
• Proven ability to build rapport and trust with diverse community groups.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of rural livelihoods, social structures, and development challenges.
• Experience in conflict resolution and participatory methods is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis for social impact assessment.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing field visits with office-based coordination.
• Knowledge of the specific context of the North West province is a significant asset.
• A strong commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive annual salary of R .
• We provide a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a tangible impact in rural communities.
• The hybrid nature of this role allows for flexibility while ensuring crucial on-the-ground engagement in the Rustenburg area.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, generous leave days, and allowances for travel.
• Join our team and contribute to meaningful development in the North West .