Community Outreach Officer - Durban Central

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 112,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Outreach Officer in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on a contract basis to connect with community groups, promote services, and identify unmet needs. The role involves planning outreach strategies, building relationships with local leaders, and representing the organization at community events.

You will conduct significant fieldwork within the Durban area, engaging diverse communities, gathering insights, and reporting progress to the program team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in community outreach or public relations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to engage diverse community groups effectively.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities for multiple outreach activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement targeted community outreach plans and strategies.
• Identify key community stakeholders, leaders, and organizations to engage with.
• Organize and participate in community events, workshops, and information sessions to promote services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members and representatives.
• Gather feedback from the community regarding needs and challenges, reporting insights to the program team.
• Distribute informational materials and resources to relevant community groups.
• Represent the organization professionally in all community interactions.
• Track outreach activities, measure effectiveness, and provide progress reports.
• Identify potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities with local entities.
• Provide basic support and referrals to individuals seeking assistance.

Skills

Community outreach

Public relations

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and community-minded Outreach Officer to join their team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , on a contract basis. This role is vital for connecting with various community groups, promoting our client's services, and identifying unmet needs. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, have excellent communication skills, and a passion for making a difference. You will be responsible for planning and executing outreach strategies, building relationships with local leaders and organizations, and representing our client at community events. This position requires significant fieldwork within the Durban area and a proactive approach to community engagement. Your efforts will directly contribute to the expansion and effectiveness of our client's social programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement targeted community outreach plans and strategies.
• Identify key community stakeholders, leaders, and organizations to engage with.
• Organize and participate in community events, workshops, and information sessions to promote services.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with community members and representatives.
• Gather feedback from the community regarding their needs and challenges, reporting insights to the program team.
• Distribute informational materials and resources to relevant community groups.
• Represent the organization professionally and positively in all community interactions.
• Track outreach activities, measure their effectiveness, and provide regular reports on progress.
• Identify potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities with local entities.
• Provide basic support and referrals to individuals seeking assistance, as appropriate.

Requirements

• Proven experience in community outreach, public relations, or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities to manage multiple outreach activities.
• Knowledge of the social landscape and community issues within Durban .
• Ability to work independently and manage your own schedule effectively.
• Proficiency in standard office software for reporting and communication.
• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for fieldwork.
• Enthusiasm, resilience, and a genuine passion for community development.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, as required by outreach events.
• Experience in the non-profit or social services sector is an advantage.

Benefits

• This contract position offers a competitive remuneration package based on experience and the successful completion of project milestones.
• While this is a contract role, it provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in community engagement within the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Travel expenses incurred during official outreach activities will be reimbursed.
• You will have the opportunity to work with a supportive team and contribute to meaningful social impact.
• Potential for contract renewal or extension exists based on performance and project needs.
• Gain exposure to various community development strategies and networking opportunities within the sector.
• This role is perfect for someone looking for impactful, flexible work within the community services field.