Ncidi Cso Project Manager

Oribi; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A social impact incubator in Cape Town is seeking a Program Manager to oversee the NCIDI CSO Project. The role involves managing a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the successful implementation of the program, and engaging with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have 3-5 years of relevant experience in program management, particularly in civil society or agri-food systems, and possess strong communication skills. The position offers a one-year fixed-term contract with a monthly gross compensation of ZAR 40.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in program or project management.
• Experience with grassroots communities, particularly youth and women.
• Comfortable in donor-funded project environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of program activities.
• Build and manage a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultivate partnerships with civil society organizations.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Budget oversight

Team management

Monitoring and evaluation

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

NCIDI CSO Project Manager

Cape Town, South Africa

ORIBI (Oribi) is a social impact incubator based in Cape Town, dedicated to growing social innovation and impact entrepreneurship in South Africa.

We support entrepreneurs through skills development, access to funding, and strong community networks.

Our mission is to help build a financially thriving and inclusive Social and Solidarity Economy— one that creates real opportunities for a fairer, more sustainable society.

We believe meaningful change must come from within communities, especially with and for those who have been historically marginalised. ORIBI is one of the PULSE GROUPE SOS incubators.

PULSE is an international association established in

• whose mission is to support and promote entrepreneurship as a lever for inclusive and sustainable development.

NDICI CSO PROGRAM

This upcoming 3-year EU-funded project, coordinated by ORIBI, aims to strengthen civil society and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems in South Africa, with a focus on green and sustainable agri‑food systems.

With a national scope and €1M in funding, the program targets historically marginalised youth and women, as well as early‑stage ecosystem actors, in both urban and rural contexts.

It promotes social and solidarity economy (SSE) principles to foster job creation, climate resilience, and community empowerment.

The project is structured around three pillars :

• Strengthening local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as drivers of change
• Supporting inclusive entrepreneurial journeys through incubation and seed funding
• Fostering collaboration and learning among public, private, and non‑profit actors

MISSIONS

Based in Cape Town and reporting to the Ops and Finance Director of Oribi, the Program Manager will be responsible for the successful implementation of this EU‑funded initiative, from strategic planning to delivery, team coordination, stakeholder engagement, and donor reporting.

This is a pivotal and hands‑on position, ideal for a dynamic and autonomous professional with strong program management and people skills.

Program implementation and national coordination (30%)

Oversee the implementation of all program activities, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and in line with contractual obligations and quality standards.

Translate the program's strategic framework into clear operational plans, adjusting as needed based on evolving field realities and feedback.

Represent and embody the program at the national level, ensuring its coherence, visibility, and impact across multiple territories and stakeholder ecosystems.

Ensure alignment with ORIBI's broader mission and PULSE's continental vision, positioning the program as a national reference in inclusive and green entrepreneurship.

Resource planning and team management (20%)

Build, manage and support a multidisciplinary team (project officer, coaches, consultants, etc.) with clear roles, objectives, and deliverables.

Lead the planning and execution of recruitment processes required for smooth program rollout — including needs assessment, drafting of ToRs, and onboarding.

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance working culture with a focus on autonomy, learning, and meaningful results.

Stakeholder engagement and ecosystem building (15%)

Cultivate strong partnerships with civil society organisations, grassroots initiatives, public institutions, and private actors.

Coordinate with at least three regional implementation partners and ensure alignment with national priorities.

Create connections between this program and ORIBI's broader portfolio, fostering cross‑program synergies and community growth.

Monitoring, evaluation and learning (15%)

Lead the monitoring of activities and outcomes in close coordination with the M&E team.

Collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data to support adaptive program management and learning.

Coordinate the production of high‑quality narrative reports for internal use and donor submission, including success stories and lessons learned.

Budget oversight and fundraising Support (10%)

Ensure financial oversight in collaboration with ORIBI's Operations & Finance team, including procurement and forecasting.

Monitor expenditure and budget execution according to EU requirements and internal compliance procedures.

Contribute to co‑financing strategies by identifying complementary funding opportunities and supporting proposal development as relevant.

Strategic development and cross‑program contribution (10%)

Identify opportunities for program innovation, scale‑up, or replication in other contexts.

Contribute to ORIBI's overall strategic development and learning culture.

Actively participate in the life of the organisation, including joint events, knowledge sharing, and collaborative initiatives across programs.

PROFILE

Has 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in program or project management, ideally in the fields of civil society, entrepreneurship, or agri‑food systems.

Understands the realities of working with grassroots communities, especially young people and women from historically marginalised backgrounds.

Has experience managing or supporting multidisciplinary teams, including recruitment planning and day‑to‑day coordination.

Is comfortable with donor‑funded project environments, including budget oversight, reporting, and working with international standards.

Brings excellent communication and facilitation skills, and can adapt to diverse partners and audiences.

Is familiar with South Africa's green and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem, and ideally has worked in rural or township contexts.

Is fluent in English (oral and written); knowledge of additional South African languages is a plus.

Is autonomous, organised, and deeply motivated by social and environmental impact.

We are committed to employment equity and to building an inclusive and diverse team.

We strongly encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from historically disadvantaged communities.

DETAILS

Contract : 1‑year fixed‑term contract

Compensation : ZAR 40, per month (gross)

Work location : Workshop17, Kloof Street, Cape Town

Expected start date : October

How to apply : Please send your CV and a motivation letter to and , with "APPLICATION ORIBI CSO PROJECT MANAGER" in the subject line. Please note the position is subject to funding.