Rural Development Specialist

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Rural Development Specialist to lead initiatives that improve livelihoods in the Northern Cape, with a focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and small business development. You will work closely with local leaders in and around Kimberley to design and implement community-driven projects.

The role requires a strong background in rural development, excellent project management, and a commitment to sustainable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in development-related field required.
• Minimum 4 years of rural development or community project management experience.
• Strong understanding of socio-economic issues in rural areas.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess rural communities to identify development opportunities.
• Plan and manage projects related to agriculture, water, infrastructure, and small business development.
• Facilitate community consultations and participatory planning.
• Build relationships with community members, local government, NGOs, and stakeholders.
• Mobilize resources and funding for initiatives.
• Monitor implementation, track progress, and evaluate impact.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building.
• Prepare proposals, reports, and case studies documenting outcomes.
• Stay updated on rural development policies and best practices.
• Represent the client at community meetings in Kimberley region.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Agriculture, Economics, Public Administration, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development in the Northern Cape , is seeking a proactive and experienced Rural Development Specialist . This role is key to designing and implementing initiatives that improve the livelihoods of rural communities, focusing on areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of rural challenges, excellent project management skills, and a commitment to community-driven development. You will work closely with local leaders and residents in and around Kimberley to create impactful and sustainable change. This is a fulfilling opportunity to contribute to the growth and resilience of rural communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the needs and potential of rural communities in the Northern Cape to identify development opportunities.
• Design, plan, and manage rural development projects, including those related to agriculture, water, infrastructure, and small business development.
• Facilitate community consultations and participatory planning processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, local government, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Mobilize resources and secure funding for rural development initiatives.
• Monitor project implementation, track progress, and evaluate impact, ensuring sustainability.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to community members and local organizations.
• Prepare project proposals, reports, and case studies documenting project activities and outcomes.
• Stay abreast of relevant policies, trends, and best practices in rural development.
• Represent our client at community meetings and relevant forums in the Kimberley region.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Agriculture, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in rural development, community project management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in designing and managing development projects, preferably in rural settings.
• Strong understanding of socio-economic issues affecting rural communities.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in Kimberley .
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with relevant development software is an asset.
• A commitment to community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Northern Cape province.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement fund.
• We provide opportunities for professional growth and development and a supportive work environment.
• This role offers the chance to make a significant contribution to the development and well-being of rural communities in the Kimberley area.