Program Development Specialist

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Program Development Specialist in Centurion, Gauteng, to design, develop, and evaluate new nonprofit programs aligned with our client’s mission. The role blends remote work with in-person collaboration and community engagement in Centurion.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in a relevant field and at least 6 years’ experience in program development, management, or evaluation, plus strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Development Studies, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in program development, management, or evaluation within the non-profit sector.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing successful programs.
• Strong analytical, research, and written/verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies to identify opportunities for new programs and service enhancements.
• Design comprehensive program frameworks, including objectives, activities, outcomes, and evaluation metrics.
• Develop detailed program proposals, budgets, and implementation plans.
• Collaborate with internal teams, community stakeholders, and external partners to ensure program relevance and buy-in.
• Manage the pilot phase of new programs, monitoring progress, gathering feedback, and making necessary adjustments.
• Develop and implement robust program evaluation strategies to measure impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay abreast of best practices, research, and innovations in the non-profit sector and in the specific field of our client's work.
• Prepare reports and presentations on program development activities and outcomes for stakeholders and leadership.
• Contribute to securing funding for new initiatives through grant writing and donor engagement support.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions related to program development and implementation.

Skills

Research and needs assessment

Program design

Stakeholder engagement

M&E experience

MS Office

Education

Master's degree in Social Sciences or related

Tools

MS Office

Grant management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable charitable organization focused on (specific cause, e.g., education and skills development), is seeking a highly analytical and innovative Program Development Specialist to join their team in Centurion, Gauteng, ZA.

This role is responsible for designing, developing, and evaluating new programs and initiatives that align with our client's mission and address community needs. The ideal candidate possesses strong research capabilities, program design expertise, and a collaborative spirit. This hybrid role balances remote work with essential in-person collaboration and community engagement. You will be at the forefront of shaping impactful programs that drive positive change in Centurion and surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies to identify opportunities for new programs and service enhancements.
• Design comprehensive program frameworks, including objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and evaluation metrics.
• Develop detailed program proposals, budgets, and implementation plans.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, community stakeholders, and external partners to ensure program relevance and buy-in.
• Manage the pilot phase of new programs, monitoring progress, gathering feedback, and making necessary adjustments.
• Develop and implement robust program evaluation strategies to measure impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay abreast of best practices, research, and innovations in the non-profit sector and in the specific field of our client's work.
• Prepare reports and presentations on program development activities and outcomes for stakeholders and leadership.
• Contribute to securing funding for new initiatives through grant writing and donor engagement support.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions related to program development and implementation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in program development, management, or evaluation within the non-profit or development sector.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing successful programs.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) frameworks and tools.
• Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and in-office responsibilities.
• Knowledge of the Gauteng, ZA non-profit landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

This hybrid role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work model, combining remote efficiency with valuable in-person collaboration and community engagement. Our client provides opportunities for professional development, a dynamic and supportive work environment, and the satisfaction of contributing to the design and implementation of impactful programs in Centurion. Your work will directly contribute to positive social outcomes.