Program Officer - Community Development

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Program Officer for Mossel Bay, Western Cape, to oversee planning, implementation, and monitoring of community development projects in the region. The role combines on-site engagement with remote work, requiring strong stakeholder skills and a passion for social change.

You will lead needs assessments, develop proposals and budgets, manage progress, and report using M&E frameworks, while building partnerships with government, NGOs, and community leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management or project coordination within the development or non-profit sector, with specific experience in community development.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership building.
• Proficiency in M&E methodologies and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of community development projects, from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Conduct needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to identify priority areas for intervention.
• Develop project proposals, budgets, and work plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Manage project implementation, including coordinating activities, monitoring progress, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local community leaders, government officials, partner organizations, and beneficiaries.
• Monitor project performance using established M&E frameworks, collecting data and preparing regular progress reports.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Facilitate community engagement and participation in project activities.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by providing program-related information and supporting proposal development.
• Stay informed about local development trends and best practices in community development.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Development Studies or related field

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable community development, is seeking a proactive and experienced Program Officer to be based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA. This role is instrumental in overseeing the planning, implementation, and monitoring of various community development projects within the region. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of community needs, excellent project management skills, and a passion for driving positive social change. This hybrid position requires regular engagement within the Mossel Bay community and with project beneficiaries, while also allowing for remote work flexibility. You will be a key facilitator in empowering local communities and enhancing their quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of community development projects, from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Conduct needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to identify priority areas for intervention.
• Develop project proposals, budgets, and work plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Manage project implementation, including coordinating activities, monitoring progress, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local community leaders, government officials, partner organizations, and beneficiaries.
• Monitor project performance using established M&E frameworks, collecting data and preparing regular progress reports.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Facilitate community engagement and participation in project activities.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by providing program-related information and supporting proposal development.
• Stay informed about local development trends and best practices in community development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management or project coordination within the development or non-profit sector, with specific experience in community development.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership building.
• Proficiency in M&E methodologies and reporting.
• Familiarity with the local context and dynamics of Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote tasks with essential on-site community interaction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• A strong commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

Benefits

This hybrid role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote efficiency with essential on-the-ground engagement in Mossel Bay. Our client provides opportunities for professional growth, a supportive and collaborative work environment, and the deep satisfaction of contributing to sustainable community development initiatives. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible difference.