Energy Democracy Project Manager

Action Appointments Development Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental justice organization in Durban is seeking a skilled Energy Democracy Project Manager to lead and manage the Energy Democracy Project. This full-time position requires a strong background in project and campaign management within the environmental sector. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and an understanding of South Africa's energy policies. Join a dynamic team advocating for community-led renewable energy solutions and supporting social movements. Applications are encouraged from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience in campaign and project management within the environmental or social-justice sector.
• An understanding of South Africa’s energy and climate-policy landscape.
• Strong communication skills in English (isiZulu an advantage).

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination and daily delivery of the Energy Democracy Project.
• Develop and monitor project workplans, budgets, and reports.
• Facilitate collaboration between social-movement and technical partners.

Skills

Project management

Campaign management

Strong communication skills

Budget management

Knowledge of energy and climate policy

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental or Social Sciences

Tools

MS Office

Google Workspace

Job description

groundWork is a non-profit environmental justice organisation established in 1999, working towards a just transition and open democracy in South Africa and beyond. Our vision is that people live well with each other and with the earth. To realise this vision, groundWork partners with affected communities to resist dirty energy and toxic production, building solidarity and local alliances that advocate for open debate and democratic control of resources.

The Climate and Energy Justice (CEJ) Campaign aims to strengthen the environmental justice movement in South Africa and across the continent. The Energy Democracy Project is a partnership between community-based movements and service organisations, including ABM, SDCEA, VEM, Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA), and groundWork. The project seeks to strengthen and enable social movements in South Africa to engage government and advocate for community-led renewable-energy solutions that advance energy democracy and just-transition objectives.

About the Job

The Energy Democracy Project Manager will lead and coordinate the implementation of the Energy Democracy Project within the CEJ Campaign. This role combines strategic leadership, political engagement, and hands-on project management. The Project Manager will oversee project delivery, partner coordination, financial tracking, and learning processes, while contributing to policy advocacy, and mentoring the Energy Democracy Campaigner. The successful candidate will have experience managing complex projects, working across community and policy spaces, and a strong commitment to environmental and social justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination and day-to-day delivery of the Energy Democracy Project.
• Develop and monitor project workplans, budgets, and progress reports.
• Facilitate collaboration between social-movement and technical partners.
• Provide political leadership and represent groundWork in relevant forums and advocacy spaces.
• Support partner-led campaigns and contribute to national energy-policy engagement.
• Implement monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems.
• Mentor and guide the Energy Democracy Campaigner.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field
• Minimum five years’ experience in campaign and project management within the environmental or social-justice sector
• An understanding of South Africa’s energy and climate-policy landscape and just-transition debates
• Experience working with social movements, community-based organisations, and/or civil-society networks
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, partnerships, and donor reporting
• Demonstrated ability to follow organisational process, manage time and ensure that project deliverables are met
• Strong communication skills in English (isiZulu an advantage)
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace
• Valid Code 8 or 10 driver’s license and willingness to travel nationally

To apply

Contract: Fixed-Term, 12 Months (Full-Time)

Employment Equity - GroundWork is committed to diversity and transformation. Applications from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act are encouraged.

To apply, email your application (completed AA bio form, one page motivation letter and updated CV including portfolio of projects managed [all in MS Word format]) by Friday 13th February 2026 to [e-mail]