Senior Program Manager - Social Impact

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, SA, is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead strategic social impact initiatives on-site. You will design, implement, and evaluate complex programs, ensuring measurable outcomes aligned with the mission.

The role requires a Master’s in a relevant field and 8+ years of leadership experience, with strong budgeting, monitoring and stakeholder engagement skills. You will mentor teams and drive funding partnerships.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Work, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive program management and leadership experience.
• Proven track record designing and evaluating large-scale programs.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, development and execution of high-impact programs in Stellenbosch.
• Manage budgets and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Oversee project teams, mentorship and performance management.
• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Build partnerships with community stakeholders and government agencies.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and funding requirements.
• Represent the organization in forums and fundraising efforts.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

M&E frameworks

Education

Master's degree in Public Administration/Development Studies/Social Work

Tools

M&E software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to (specific cause, e.g., environmental sustainability/educational access), is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Program Manager to lead key initiatives in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA. This impactful role involves overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of complex social impact programs, ensuring they achieve measurable outcomes and align with the organization's mission. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with exceptional project management capabilities, a deep understanding of program lifecycles, and a proven track record of managing large-scale initiatives. This is an on-site position requiring a commitment to working directly within the Stellenbosch community and collaborating closely with local partners and beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of high-impact social programs within the Stellenbosch region.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation.
• Oversee project teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program progress and measure impact against defined goals.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations.
• Identify potential risks and challenges, developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and funding requirements.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums, conferences, and community meetings.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by providing program expertise and supporting grant development.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in the field of social impact and program management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Work, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in program management and leadership within the non-profit or social impact sector.
• Demonstrated success in designing, managing, and evaluating complex, large-scale programs.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and manage effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight.
• Proficiency in M&E frameworks and reporting tools.
• Deep understanding of the Western Cape, ZA social landscape is highly valued.
• Commitment to the mission and values of our client.

Benefits

This on-site position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. You will have the opportunity to lead impactful programs in Stellenbosch and contribute to significant social change. Our client provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the immense satisfaction of making a tangible difference in the community. Join a dedicated team committed to creating lasting positive impact.