Management Consultant (Rural Development)

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Field experience with impact

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape seeks a Management Consultant to drive rural development initiatives. You will work with communities, government, and NGOs on needs assessments, project design, implementation support, and impact evaluation across agriculture, small business, infrastructure, and empowerment.

The role emphasizes community engagement, development economics understanding, and strong project management. Travel within rural areas is expected as part of field activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in rural development or consultancy.
• Experience with rural communities and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies in rural communities.
• Design and develop project proposals and implementation plans.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to local stakeholders.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and inclusive participation.
• Monitor project progress, collect data, and report on outcomes and impact.
• Identify challenges and risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Liaise with government departments, NGOs, and development partners.
• Contribute to sustainable economic models for rural areas.
• Promote best practices in rural development and community engagement.

Skills

Communication skills

Facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree (Development Studies / Economics / Agriculture / Business Admin / related)

Master's degree advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialized management consultancy focused on impactful development, is seeking a dedicated Management Consultant to contribute to projects in rural areas. Based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , this role will involve working with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to drive sustainable economic and social development initiatives. You will be responsible for needs assessments, project design, implementation support, and impact evaluation, focusing on areas such as agricultural development, small business support, infrastructure, and community empowerment. The ideal candidate possesses a strong commitment to rural development, excellent community engagement skills, and a solid understanding of development economics and project management principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies in rural communities.
• Design and develop project proposals and implementation plans for development initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to local stakeholders, including community leaders and small businesses.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and ensure inclusive participation in project activities.
• Monitor project progress, collect data, and prepare reports on outcomes and impact.
• Identify challenges and risks in project implementation and propose mitigation strategies.
• Liaise with government departments, NGOs, and other development partners.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable economic models for rural areas.
• Promote best practices in rural development and community engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Economics, Agriculture, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in rural development, community project management, or consultancy in a development context.
• Proven experience working directly with rural communities and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of development challenges and opportunities in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape .
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and travel extensively within rural areas.
• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture, small enterprise development, or relevant infrastructure sectors is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and the immense satisfaction of contributing to tangible positive change in rural communities. The role provides significant opportunities for field experience and direct impact. Professional development and training tailored to the development sector are provided. You will be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in Queenstown, Eastern Cape and surrounding regions. This role offers unique exposure to the complexities and rewards of grassroots development.