Project Manager - Regional Development Initiatives

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel expenses covered

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead regional development initiatives across the Eastern Cape, with emphasis on Queenstown and nearby areas. The role is primarily remote, with significant travel to project sites and communities.

You will plan, execute, and monitor diverse development projects, coordinating with government, NGOs, and beneficiaries while ensuring budgets, timelines, and success metrics are met.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in project management with focus on community/socio-economic or rural development initiatives.
• Experience managing projects across diverse environments, preferably in the Eastern Cape.
• Proven ability to engage with community members, government, NGOs and beneficiaries.
• Strong understanding of PM principles and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, implementation and management of regional development projects.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, timelines, budgets and resources.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, NGOs, government and communities.
• Manage budgets and ensure transparent reporting.
• Identify risks and adapt plans to regional challenges.
• Monitor progress and evaluate outcomes against KPIs.
• Facilitate community engagement throughout the lifecycle.
• Lead procurement for project-related goods and services.
• Prepare reports for funders and leadership.

Skills

Project management

Community development

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Risk management

Remote project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies / Social Sciences

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization focused on socio-economic development, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Project Manager to lead critical regional development initiatives. This role is vital for driving community upliftment programs and economic growth strategies across the Eastern Cape, with a primary focus on projects impacting Queenstown and its surrounding areas. While the position is primarily remote, significant travel to project sites and community engagements within the Eastern Cape will be required. You will be responsible for the successful planning, execution, and monitoring of diverse development projects.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the planning, implementation, and management of regional development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Develop detailed project plans, including scope, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Coordinate with community stakeholders, local government officials, NGOs, and beneficiaries. Manage project budgets and ensure financial accountability and transparent reporting. Identify and mitigate project risks, adapting plans as needed to address challenges in the region. Monitor project progress and evaluate outcomes against established performance indicators. Facilitate community engagement and participation throughout the project lifecycle. Manage procurement processes for project-related goods and services. Prepare comprehensive project reports for funders, partners, and organizational leadership.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, with a strong background in community development, socio-economic initiatives, or rural development projects. Demonstrated experience managing projects in diverse and challenging environments, preferably within the Eastern Cape . Proven ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including community members, government, and NGOs. Strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications. A relevant Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field. Experience managing remote projects and coordinating field activities is essential. Willingness to travel extensively within the Eastern Cape region.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including provisions for travel expenses and professional development opportunities. The position provides a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to regional development and community empowerment, working primarily remotely with significant field engagement. The project scope covers the Queenstown area and broader Eastern Cape .