Project Officer (People-led Housing Solutions Programme)

Hashtag Nonprofit NPC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 350 000; Full time

Job summary

A key nonprofit organization in Cape Town is seeking a Project Officer for the People-Led Housing Solutions Programme. This full-time role involves providing technical support, stakeholder engagement, and conducting research to facilitate community-led housing projects. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in urban development or housing. Strong management and communication skills are essential. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to vital housing initiatives in the region.

Qualifications

• At least two to three years of training and research experience in housing, land, or urban development.
• Background in construction or property development.
• Familiar with urban development technical aspects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the People-Led Housing Solutions Programme.
• Assist in stakeholder engagement and partnerships.
• Conduct and support research on housing and land issues.

Skills

Strong management skills

Excellent English writing skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to plan independently

Effective communication abilities

Education

Relevant university degree or diploma

Job description

Project Officer (People-led Housing Solutions Programme) | Development Action Group

Deadline: 16 January 2026 / Region: Cape Town / Type of employment: Full time / Start Date: 01 March 2026 (or as soon as possible) / This position is based in Cape Town; no relocation costs will be covered.

Job Description

DAG seeks to employ a Project Officer for the People-led Housing Solutions Programme, 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.

Essential Job Requirements

• Provide technical support to the People-Led Housing Solutions Programme under the guidance of the Programme Manager.
• Assist in research, lobbying, and partnership development activities in the various Programmes.
• Analyse policies, formulate proposals, and engage in advocacy work.
• Participate in consultancy related to housing and urban development.
• Support the development and implementation of training programmes.
• Assist with the production of annual plans and budgets.
• Align with organisational systems and ensure easy access to project documentation.
• Assist in creating reports for partners, funders, and the DAG Board.

Key Responsibilities

• Township Development Charge Fund (TDCF) Applications & Support
  • Review the (TDCF) applications from homeowners to ensure compliance with current municipal planning bylaws.
  • Provide guidance to align applications with subsidy requirements, assist in packaging the submission, and assist in the final submission process.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
  • Assist the Project Coordinator and Manager in sector engagement processes, particularly with Built Environment Professionals (BEP).
  • Assist in partnership development and info sessions on the Contractor & Developer Academy (CDA) and the TDCF, explaining the subsidy terms to homeowners for clarity and informed participation.
• Sector Knowledge & Advocacy
  • Stay updated on housing, land, and urban development trends, as well as municipal planning bylaws.
  • Design and implement advocacy strategies to enhance visibility and messaging.
• Research & Policy Work
  • Conduct and support research on land and housing, review policy documents, and contribute to lobbying and programme partnerships.
• Content & Materials Development
  • Create user-friendly materials on housing/urban issues, advocacy, and training; produce outputs for workshops, events, and post‑training sessions.
• Organisational Visibility & Submissions
  • Increase visibility through media and marketing, assist with tenders, proposals, and consultancy contract negotiations.
• Training & Capacity Building
  • Contribute to the design and delivery of training courses, workshops, and public events by providing input and support throughout the process.
  • Assist in coordinating participants and help develop methodologies to strengthen capacity‑building initiatives.
• Project Planning & Monitoring
  • Support preparation of annual plans and budgets, monitor project progress, and ensure timely reporting.
• Data & Documentation
  • Coordinate data collection and processing specifically for the (TDCF) subsidy applications.
  • Additionally, play a supportive role in other (CDA) data and documentation processes as needed.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Educational Qualifications / Experience
  • Relevant university degree or diploma, such as one of the built environment or human settlements professions (e.g., Urban Planning, Construction Management, Property Studies, Human Settlement Development, etc.).
  • At least two to three years of training and research experience in the field of housing, land, and/or urban development.
  • A background in construction-related fields or property development, with the ability to provide technical support in line with new bylaw requirements and an interest in the built environment sector.
  • Some exposure to housing and/or urban development, along with knowledge of issues relating to the development sector.
  • Good theoretical knowledge of research methodologies and techniques.
  • Familiarity with some of the technical aspects of urban development.

Requirements

• 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.

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. Thank you for your interest in Development Action Group!

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

Posted on 08 January 2026