Community Engagement Specialist - Urban Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a dynamic Community Engagement Specialist to design and implement engagement strategies, facilitate dialogue, map stakeholders, and ensure community voices shape urban development.

You will organize public meetings, develop communications materials, liaise with local authorities, and monitor feedback to support socially sustainable growth in urban projects.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in urban planning, community development, social sciences, or communications.
• Minimum 4 years in community engagement, stakeholder relations, or public participation.
• Proven ability to design and implement engagement strategies for diverse audiences.
• Excellent facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to present complex information clearly.
• Experience developing communication materials and managing project feedback.
• Familiarity with stakeholder management tools and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive community engagement plans for urban development projects.
• Identify and map key stakeholders including residents, community groups, and local authorities.
• Organize and facilitate public meetings, workshops, focus groups, and information sessions.
• Communicate project information clearly to diverse community audiences.
• Build and maintain trust with community members and leaders.
• Gather, analyze, and report on community feedback and concerns related to development projects.
• Develop communication materials, including newsletters, social media content, and project updates.
• Liaise between project teams, local government, and community representatives to address issues.
• Monitor effectiveness of engagement strategies and recommend improvements.
• Ensure compliance with social impact assessment and community consultation protocols.

Skills

Community engagement

Stakeholder relations

Public participation

Facilitation

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Communication

Materials development

MS Office

Stakeholder management tools

Urban planning understanding

Education

Urban Planning

Community Development

Social Sciences

Communications

Tools

MS Office

Stakeholder management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking urban development consultancy, is seeking a dynamic Community Engagement Specialist for their operations in Sandton , Gauteng. This role is pivotal in fostering positive relationships between development projects and the communities they impact. You will be responsible for designing and implementing engagement strategies, facilitating dialogue, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring community voices are heard and integrated into urban planning processes. This hybrid role offers a mix of on-site engagement, community meetings, and office-based strategy development and reporting. If you are passionate about sustainable development and community empowerment in the context of urban growth in Sandton , this is an excellent opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive community engagement plans for urban development projects.
• Identify and map key stakeholders, including residents, community groups, and local authorities.
• Organize and facilitate public meetings, workshops, focus groups, and information sessions.
• Communicate project information clearly and effectively to diverse community audiences.
• Build and maintain trust and positive relationships with community members and leaders.
• Gather, analyze, and report on community feedback and concerns related to development projects.
• Develop communication materials, including newsletters, social media content, and project updates.
• Liaise between project teams, local government, and community representatives to address issues and facilitate consensus.
• Monitor the effectiveness of engagement strategies and recommend improvements.
• Ensure compliance with social impact assessment requirements and community consultation protocols.
• Contribute to the social sustainability aspects of urban development projects in Sandton .

Requirements

• A degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Social Sciences, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, or public participation, preferably within urban development or infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to design and implement effective engagement strategies for diverse audiences.
• Excellent facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Experience in developing communication materials and managing project feedback.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with stakeholder management tools.
• Understanding of urban planning processes and social impact assessment principles.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to inclusive and participatory development practices in Sandton .
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as required for site visits and community meetings.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting expertise and experience in community engagement.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and a balanced professional life.
• Opportunity to shape impactful urban development projects in Sandton .
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• Work within a dynamic and innovative consultancy with a strong focus on social responsibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• The satisfaction of bridging communities and development initiatives for mutual benefit.