Rural Development Facilitator

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Rural Development Facilitator for Paarl-based operations to engage with rural communities and drive development projects that foster economic growth, social well-being, and environmental resilience.

You will act as a link between the community and the client, ensuring projects are community-driven and responsive to local contexts, with strong facilitation and data collection responsibilities across the Western Cape region.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in community facilitation or rural development.
• Strong understanding of rural livelihoods and development principles.
• Excellent group facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build rapport with diverse community groups and travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate community consultations and participatory planning processes for development projects.
• Identify community needs, assets, and opportunities for sustainable development initiatives.
• Support implementation and monitoring of rural development projects with community ownership.
• Build and maintain relationships with community members, local leaders and stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to community groups and local partners.
• Collect data on project progress, challenges, and impacts within the Paarl region.
• Prepare regular reports on community engagement activities and project status.
• Advocate for community interests in development processes.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an organization focused on empowering rural communities through sustainable development projects, is seeking a dedicated Rural Development Facilitator for their Paarl based operations. This role is crucial for directly engaging with rural communities, understanding their needs, and facilitating the implementation of projects that foster economic growth, social well-being, and environmental resilience. You will act as a key link between the community and Our client, ensuring projects are community-driven and responsive to local contexts. The ideal candidate will possess strong facilitation skills, a deep understanding of rural development challenges, and experience working with diverse community groups within the Western Cape. This position requires an individual who is comfortable working in community settings and can navigate the complexities of rural environments in Paarl and its surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate community consultations and participatory planning processes for development projects.
• Identify community needs, assets, and opportunities for sustainable development initiatives.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of rural development projects, ensuring community ownership and participation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, local leaders, and relevant stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to community groups and local partners.
• Collect data on project progress, challenges, and impacts within the Paarl region.
• Prepare regular reports on community engagement activities and project status.
• Advocate for community interests and ensure their voices are heard in development processes.
• Collaborate with Our client's technical experts to ensure project quality and relevance to the Western Cape context.

Requirements

• Proven experience in community facilitation, rural development, or social work.
• Strong understanding of rural livelihoods, socio-economic challenges, and development principles.
• Excellent group facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with diverse community groups.
• Experience in project monitoring and data collection.
• Familiarity with the Paarl and Western Cape rural landscapes and community dynamics is essential.
• Ability to work independently and travel extensively within rural areas.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Agriculture, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Benefits

• Opportunity to directly contribute to the development and empowerment of rural communities.
• Work in diverse and dynamic community settings in Paarl.
• Competitive contract rate.
• Gain valuable experience in rural development project implementation.
• Be part of an organization committed to sustainable rural transformation in the Western Cape.