Project Officer (Asivikelane Campaign Project)

Hashtag Nonprofit NPC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization in Cape Town is seeking a Project Officer for the Asivikelane Campaign Project. The role involves leading community-based initiatives in urban development, managing project finances, and conducting research related to housing and social issues. Applicants should have a relevant degree and significant experience in urban planning or social development. This full-time position is essential for providing leadership in improving community infrastructure and advocating for social justice.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in housing, land, or urban development.
• Experience working in poor or informal communities is required.
• Strong understanding of social justice and related issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery and monitor progress in communities.
• Manage project finances and report variances.
• Facilitate advocacy and undertake thematic research.
• Enhance visibility through media and communication strategies.

Skills

Project planning and oversight

Data management and analysis

Knowledge of housing and urban development

Excellent communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Experience with social justice issues

Education

Relevant university degree or diploma

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

MS Excel

Job description

Project Officer (Asivikelane Campaign Project) at Development Action Group
Location: Cape Town
Type of Employment: Full time
Deadline: 16 January 2026
Start Date: 01 March 2026

DAG seeks to employ a Project Officer for the Asivikelane Campaign Project, based in Cape Town. The position will be permanent, subject to continued donor funding, related co‑financing, consultancy income, and any financial constraints that may arise. It will also be subject to a probation period. This position is based in Cape Town; no relocation costs will be covered.

Essential Job Requirements

• With support, lead DAG’s Asivikelane Campaign in Knysna, primarily focusing on providing project planning and oversight to community facilitators and plumbers to test and implement a model for community‑level repairs and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure in informal settlements.
• With support, lead and participate in research, lobbying and partnership development activities in the various Programmes.
• With support, analyse policies and formulate policy proposals and undertake advocacy work.
• With support, participate in consultancy work related to housing, land, and urban development.
• With support, lead course conceptualisation, development, and implementation of training programmes. Assist with the production of annual plans and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Implementation & Oversight: Support and lead project delivery, monitor progress, and ensure effective collaboration with stakeholders to identify and test an effective community fault reporting system.
• Financial Management: Track project expenditure, report variances, and work with the Programme Manager on budget control.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Document the outcomes of the pilot in Knysna and Cape Town with reference to speed, cost, safety and operational model.
• Advocacy & Research: Facilitate CSO participation in advocacy, lead annual thematic research, and produce advocacy materials.
• Reporting & Administration: Manage documentation, filing, and reporting in line with contractual and organisational standards.
• Visibility & Communications: Enhance organisational profile through media, marketing, and communication strategies.
• Compliance & Support: Ensure adherence to ICT protocols and organisational systems, while assisting with additional tasks as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Relevant university degree or diploma in Urban Planning, Social Development, Human Settlement Development, Social Anthropology, or a related field.
• Appropriate experience may be considered in place of a degree or diploma.
• Minimum three (3) years of training and research experience in the field of housing, land, and/or urban development.
• At least two to three years of experience in data management, analysis, and research.
• At least three years of experience working in poor or informal communities.
• Strong understanding of issues relating to social justice, housing, land, and poverty.
• Familiarity with social movements and informal settlements.
• Knowledge of government policies, human rights law, and housing/land policy frameworks.
• Ability to engage with key stakeholders and concepts relevant to the role.
• Prior experience in developing intellectually demanding subject matter into materials for diverse audiences.
• Working knowledge of training methodologies and techniques.

Additional Requirements

• Basic technical knowledge of housing delivery.
• Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint (intermediate level) and MS Excel (beginner level).
• Strong management skills, including time, resource, financial, programming, and budgeting.
• Ability to plan independently and meet deadlines.
• Excellent English writing skills and effective communication abilities (both written and verbal).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with limited supervision.
• Ability to investigate and identify pertinent information to determine causes and select appropriate solutions.
• Creative thinking and ability to use own initiative.
• Ability to earn the respect and confidence of team members and project partners, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Diplomacy, discretion, and confidence in liaising with partners.

DAG is an equal opportunity organisation, values diversity, and pursues employment equity.

How to Apply

Before applying for this position, please review the job qualifications, key responsibilities, and competency requirements carefully to ensure your eligibility. To apply for this position, please email your Motivational Letter outlining your experience, along with your CV and three contactable references, to [e-mail] by 16:00 on Friday, 16 January 2026. Only short‑listed candidates will be contacted three weeks after the closing date. Should you not hear from us, please consider your application unsuccessful.