Community Engagement Officer

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Community Engagement Officer to strengthen relationships with Soweto residents and local organizations. You will develop engagement plans, organize events, and promote services through in-person and digital channels.

The role requires a degree in a related field, proven engagement experience, and excellent communication skills. You will work in a hybrid setting with fieldwork in Soweto and remote planning tasks.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Social Sciences, Communications, or Community Development.
• Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or public relations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of community development principles and practices.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and build trust.
• Proficiency in social media management and digital communication tools.
• Comfortable with a hybrid work model, including fieldwork.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute community engagement plans tailored to Soweto.
• Organise outreach events, workshops, and information sessions.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders and groups.
• Promote awareness of services and programs.
• Gather feedback and identify community needs.
• Manage communication channels, including social and local media.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align services with community needs.
• Collect and analyse data on engagement activities and report outcomes.
• Represent the organization at community gatherings and forums.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers for initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Public relations

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Social Sciences / Communications / Community Development

Tools

Social media management tools

Digital communication tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and skilled Community Engagement Officer to enhance our presence and impact within Soweto, Gauteng. This role is dedicated to building strong relationships with community members, local organizations, and stakeholders to identify needs and promote social support services. The officer will be responsible for developing and implementing engagement strategies, organizing community events, and ensuring effective communication between the organization and the community it serves. This hybrid role involves both fieldwork within Soweto and remote administrative and planning duties. We are looking for an individual with excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of community dynamics, and a passion for social betterment. The ideal candidate is adept at fostering trust and collaboration, driving participation in programs, and ensuring our services are accessible and relevant to the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive community engagement plans tailored to the Soweto context.
• Organise and coordinate community outreach events, workshops, and information sessions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, residents, and local groups.
• Promote awareness and understanding of our client's services and programs.
• Facilitate dialogue between the community and the organization to gather feedback and identify needs.
• Manage communication channels, including social media and local media, to reach the community.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure services align with community requirements.
• Collect and analyse data on community engagement activities and report on outcomes.
• Represent the organization at community gatherings and relevant forums.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers for community-based initiatives.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Social Sciences, Communications, Community Development, or a related field.
• Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or public relations, preferably within a social sector context.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of community development principles and practices.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and build trust.
• Proficiency in social media management and digital communication tools.
• Comfortable with a hybrid work model, including fieldwork in Soweto.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A genuine commitment to community empowerment and social impact.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to make a significant positive impact within the Soweto community.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Be part of a dynamic and mission-driven organisation.
• Gain valuable experience in community development and social services.