Public Participation Officer

Ilembe District Municipality; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Ilembe District Municipality is seeking a dedicated Public Participation Practitioner to coordinate the municipality’s participation strategy, engaging communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes.

The role involves organizing public meetings, Izimbizo, ward committee support, IDP consultations, and feedback surveys to improve service delivery and municipal accountability. You will build capacity of ward committees and ensure reporting to the Office of the Speaker and Council.

Job description

• Coordinate and implement the Municipality’s Public Participation Strategy and associated programmes to promote meaningful community involvement in municipal decision‑making processes.
• Provide administrative, coordination and secretariat support to the Office of the Speaker in relation to public participation programmes, stakeholder engagements, public meetings and community outreach initiatives.
• Facilitate communication and engagement between the Municipality, communities, ward committees, traditional leadership structures, government departments and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate, support and monitor the establishment, functionality and effectiveness of Ward Committees in accordance with applicable legislation and municipal policies.
• Prepare, consolidate and submit Ward Committee reports, activity reports and stakeholder engagement reports to the Office of the Speaker, Municipal Manager, Council and relevant government institutions.
• Facilitate Integrated Development Plan (IDP), budget consultation and other statutory public participation processes to ensure community input into municipal planning and development.
• Organise and coordinate public meetings, Izimbizo, outreach programmes, community engagements, roadshows, stakeholder forums and other public consultation initiatives.
• Conduct customer satisfaction surveys, public opinion research and community feedback assessments to measure service delivery performance and improve municipal responsiveness.
• Investigate community concerns, service delivery complaints and stakeholder issues, and provide recommendations to improve municipal programmes and services.
• Promote public awareness of municipal policies, programmes, projects, functions, powers and service delivery responsibilities.
• Develop and implement communication and awareness initiatives that encourage active citizen participation in municipal affairs.
• Provide advice and support to municipal departments on public participation processes, stakeholder engagement methodologies and community consultation requirements.
• Identify, develop and implement appropriate public participation tools, communication platforms and technologies to enhance engagement with communities.
• Build the capacity of Ward Committees, Councillors, traditional leaders, community structures and municipal officials on public participation, local governance and community engagement processes.
• Maintain stakeholder databases, records and reporting systems relating to public participation programmes and activities.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness and impact of public participation and stakeholder engagement programmes and recommend continuous improvements.
• Represent the Municipality at community meetings, stakeholder forums, workshops and public participation structures as delegated by management.