Economic Empowerment Officer - Soweto

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks an Economic Empowerment Officer to design, implement, and manage programs aimed at boosting economic opportunities for residents and micro‑enterprises. You will lead skills development, entrepreneurship support, financial literacy, and job placement initiatives.

The role requires strong experience in economic development and community engagement, with excellent stakeholder management and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related field.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• 4-5 years of experience in economic development, small business support, or community development program management.
• Experience in designing and delivering training programs related to entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
• Strong understanding of Soweto's socio-economic landscape and township development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement economic empowerment programs for individuals and small businesses in Soweto.
• Provide training and mentorship on entrepreneurship, business management, and financial literacy.
• Develop and manage partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and financial institutions.
• Identify funding opportunities and assist in proposal development for empowerment projects.
• Conduct needs assessments and facilitate workshops for entrepreneurs and job seekers.
• Monitor progress, collect data on impact, and prepare reports.

Skills

Community engagement

Program management

Data analysis

Partnership building

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics / Business Administration / Development Studies

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization committed to fostering economic development and self-sufficiency in Soweto , Gauteng, is actively seeking an experienced Economic Empowerment Officer. This role is designed to develop, implement, and manage programs aimed at enhancing the economic opportunities for individuals and small businesses within the community. You will work on initiatives related to skills development, entrepreneurship support, financial literacy, and job placement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in economic development, community engagement, and program management, with a deep understanding of the socio-economic landscape of Soweto . This is a rewarding opportunity to drive sustainable economic growth and create lasting positive change.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement economic empowerment programs and initiatives for individuals and small businesses in Soweto . Provide training and mentorship on entrepreneurship, business management, and financial literacy. Develop and manage partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and financial institutions. Identify funding opportunities and assist in proposal development for economic empowerment projects. Conduct needs assessments to understand the economic challenges and opportunities within the community. Facilitate workshops and networking events for entrepreneurs and job seekers. Monitor program progress, collect data on economic impact, and prepare reports. Advise individuals and businesses on accessing resources, funding, and market opportunities. Stay informed about local economic trends and policy developments affecting small businesses in Gauteng . Foster a supportive ecosystem for economic growth and job creation in Soweto .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in economic development, small business support, or community development program management.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering training programs related to entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
• Strong understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities in South African townships, particularly Soweto .
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management and data analysis.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently, with a strong commitment to community impact.
• Familiarity with local economic development initiatives and resources in Gauteng .
• Passion for empowering individuals and fostering sustainable economic growth.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork and engage directly with community members.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. You will have the opportunity to lead initiatives that foster significant economic change in Soweto . Our client provides a supportive and dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. This remote-friendly position offers flexibility while maintaining strong community ties. Join a dedicated team focused on creating tangible economic opportunities and empowering the community of Soweto and the wider Gauteng province.