Management Consultant - Rural Development Strategy

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Management Consultant to lead Rural Development Strategy in the Northern Cape. The role is hybrid, requiring collaboration with communities, local government, and development agencies to foster sustainable growth in Upington and surrounding areas.

You will analyze regional needs, develop strategic frameworks for agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, and engage diverse stakeholders to deliver measurable impact across the Northern Cape.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, Agriculture, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in rural development, economic development consulting, or a related field.
• Proven experience in strategy development and project implementation in rural contexts.
• Strong understanding of rural economies, social dynamics, and development challenges.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to community needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid model, including travel throughout the Northern Cape.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct socio-economic assessments of rural areas to identify development needs and opportunities.
• Develop strategic plans for economic diversification, job creation, and infrastructure development.
• Advise on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy projects, and eco-tourism initiatives.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and community consultations.
• Support the implementation of rural development projects and programs.
• Analyze funding opportunities and assist in proposal development for development initiatives.
• Monitor project impact and provide recommendations for program enhancement.
• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners.

Skills

Socio-economic analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Project implementation

Communications

Education

Master's degree in Development Studies, Economics, Agriculture, Public Policy, or a related field

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected management consultancy, is seeking an experienced Management Consultant to focus on **Rural Development Strategy** within the **Northern Cape**. This **Hybrid** role involves working with communities, local government, and development agencies to foster sustainable economic growth and improve living standards in rural areas. You will analyze regional needs, identify key opportunities, and develop strategic frameworks for sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. This position requires a deep understanding of socio-economic challenges and a passion for making a tangible difference in rural communities. Be prepared to engage directly with stakeholders across **Upington** and the wider **Northern Cape** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct socio-economic assessments of rural areas to identify development needs and opportunities.
• Develop strategic plans for economic diversification, job creation, and infrastructure development.
• Advise on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy projects, and eco-tourism initiatives.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and community consultations.
• Support the implementation of rural development projects and programs.
• Analyze funding opportunities and assist in proposal development for development initiatives.
• Monitor project impact and provide recommendations for program enhancement.
• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Development Studies, Economics, Agriculture, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in rural development, economic development consulting, or a related field.
• Proven experience in strategy development and project implementation in rural contexts.
• Strong understanding of rural economies, social dynamics, and development challenges.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to community needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a **Hybrid** model, including travel throughout the **Northern Cape**.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• You will have opportunities for professional growth and engagement in highly rewarding development projects.
• The **Hybrid** work model provides a flexible approach, balancing office-based strategy development with on-site community engagement.
• Join a committed team contributing to meaningful development within the **Northern Cape**.