Senior Program Manager - Social Impact

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead and grow its social impact initiatives in Cape Town. You will shape strategic planning, oversee implementation, and evaluate programs to address community needs.

Ideal candidates bring a Master's degree and at least seven years of NGO program leadership experience, with strong budgeting, stakeholder relations, and team mentoring skills. Travel within Western Cape may be required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Policy / International Development / Social Sciences or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in program management within NGO/development sector.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate complex social programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development and management of multiple social impact programs.
• Oversee budgets and ensure responsible resource allocation.
• Build relationships with government, partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders in Western Cape.
• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess impact.
• Mentor program officers and staff to foster high performance.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to proposals for sustainability.
• Represent the organization at forums, conferences, and public discussions.
• Align programs with mission and strategic objectives.
• Stay updated on best practices in social impact programming and philanthropy.
• Troubleshoot and resolve implementation challenges.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Budgeting

Monitoring & evaluation

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree in Public Policy / International Development / Social Sciences

Tools

MS Office

PM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected non-profit organization based in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , is seeking an accomplished Senior Program Manager to oversee and expand its vital social impact initiatives. This leadership position is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at addressing key social challenges within the region. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in program development, stakeholder management, and a proven ability to drive meaningful change. You will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of our client's work, ensuring that their interventions are effective, sustainable, and responsive to community needs. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful work in the vibrant city of Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development, implementation, and management of multiple social impact programs.
• Oversee program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with government bodies, community partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders in Western Cape, ZA .
• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess program impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage and mentor a team of program officers and support staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Identify new funding opportunities and contribute to proposal development to secure program sustainability.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums, conferences, and public discussions.
• Ensure programs are aligned with the organization's mission, values, and strategic objectives.
• Stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in social impact programming and philanthropy.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex challenges that may arise in program implementation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Public Policy, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in program management within the non-profit or development sector, with a focus on social impact.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating complex social programs.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, secure funding, and conduct resource mobilization.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation abilities.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders in the Cape Town context is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Willingness to travel within the Western Cape, ZA region as needed.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary of R , commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with comprehensive benefits. You will be part of a dedicated and passionate team committed to making a significant difference in the community of Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA . Our client provides a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development, including leadership training and attendance at relevant industry conferences. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional looking to leverage their expertise in program management to drive substantial social change and further their career in the non-profit sector.