Project Manager - Disaster Relief Operations

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work

Accommodation during deployment

Per diems during field deployments

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead disaster relief operations in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga and surrounding areas. The role blends field coordination with office planning, requiring hands-on leadership in crisis contexts and a strong track record in humanitarian or emergency response.

The successful candidate will plan, implement, monitor relief projects, manage budgets, supervise field teams, and liaise with government bodies, NGOs, and UN partners to ensure timely aid

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in project management within humanitarian or emergency contexts.
• Experience managing complex relief projects in challenging environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and oversee disaster relief projects from start to finish.
• Coordinate delivery of essential services and supplies to affected populations.
• Prepare and manage project budgets with financial accountability.
• Lead field teams and support staff during crises and deployments.
• Engage with government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and partners.
• Conduct rapid needs assessments and craft proposals for funding.
• Monitor progress, report to donors, and ensure compliance with humanitarian principles.
• Oversee logistics including procurement, transport, and warehousing of relief goods.
• Provide training and capacity building for local staff and volunteers.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis management

Budget management

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Relations / Development Studies / Public Administration

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Project management software

Job description

About the Role Our client, an international humanitarian aid organization, is seeking a highly capable and experienced Project Manager to oversee disaster relief operations in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region and surrounding areas. This role is critical in coordinating responses to natural disasters and other emergencies, ensuring timely and effective delivery of aid and support to affected populations. The Project Manager will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring relief projects, managing budgets, leading field teams, and liaising with local authorities, community leaders, and partner organizations. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership, logistical, and crisis management skills, with a proven track record in humanitarian aid or emergency response. This hybrid role requires flexibility, with significant time spent in the field coordinating operations, balanced with office-based planning and reporting. If you are dedicated to serving vulnerable communities during times of crisis and possess the expertise to manage complex relief efforts, we encourage you to apply for this vital position in Nelspruit .

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage disaster relief projects from initiation to completion.
• Coordinate the timely and efficient delivery of essential services and supplies to affected populations.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring adherence to financial guidelines and accountability.
• Lead and supervise field teams, providing guidance and support during crisis situations.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government agencies, local NGOs, community leaders, and UN bodies in Mpumalanga .
• Conduct rapid needs assessments and develop project proposals for further funding.
• Monitor project progress, evaluate outcomes, and prepare comprehensive reports for donors and management.
• Ensure compliance with humanitarian principles and organizational policies.
• Manage logistical operations, including procurement, transportation, and warehousing of relief supplies.
• Provide training and capacity building to local staff and volunteers involved in relief efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, specifically within humanitarian aid, disaster response, or emergency management.
• Proven experience in managing complex projects in challenging environments.
• Strong understanding of disaster management cycles and humanitarian principles.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing situations.
• Experience working with diverse cultural groups and communities in the Nelspruit area is an advantage.
• Willingness to undertake frequent travel to project sites.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package up to R .
• Comprehensive health insurance and risk cover.
• Hybrid work arrangement allowing for field operations and office-based work in Nelspruit .
• Opportunities for professional development in emergency management and humanitarian response.
• A mission-driven work environment focused on providing critical support.
• Accommodation and per diems provided during field deployments.