Senior Program Officer - Community Development

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional growth

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Program Officer for a leading NGO in Pretoria to shape strategic programs and oversee their delivery. You will collaborate with community stakeholders, government partners, and internal teams to drive sustainable development in Gauteng.

This hybrid role demands a Master's in a related field and at least seven years in program management, with proven leadership and donor-compliance experience. You will mentor staff and guide complex projects to successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field as stated.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive program management experience in development.
• Experience with community-based projects in Pretoria or surrounds.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement community development programs aligned with goals.
• Manage program budgets and ensure financial accountability.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and monitor progress against objectives.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify new opportunities.
• Build relationships with community leaders, authorities and partners.
• Provide technical guidance to staff and partners.
• Develop and manage M&E frameworks to track impact and lessons learned.
• Prepare program reports, proposals and donor documentation.
• Represent the organization at forums and conferences.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and policies.
• Mentor and supervise program staff to foster collaboration.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

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

Tools

M&E tools

Budget management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading non-governmental organization focused on sustainable community development in Pretoria, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Program Officer. This role is critical for the strategic planning, implementation, and oversight of key development programs aimed at empowering local communities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in program management, a deep understanding of development principles, and exceptional leadership skills. You will work closely with community stakeholders, government partners, and internal teams to drive impactful initiatives. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape and execute programs that foster socio-economic growth and resilience in the Gauteng region. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of our client's projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of community development programs in line with organizational goals.
• Manage program budgets effectively, ensuring financial accountability and efficient resource allocation.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of assigned programs, monitoring progress against objectives.
• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies to identify opportunities for new program initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local authorities, and partner organizations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to program staff and implementing partners.
• Develop and manage M&E frameworks to track program performance, impact, and lessons learned.
• Prepare high-quality program reports, proposals, and other documentation for donors and stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at relevant forums, conferences, and working groups.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.
• Mentor and supervise program staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in program management within the development sector, preferably with experience in community-based projects in Pretoria or surrounding areas.
• Proven ability to design, manage, and evaluate complex development programs.
• Strong understanding of development theories, methodologies, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, management, and team-building skills.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management and budget oversight for large projects.
• Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methodologies and tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing office-based and remote responsibilities.
• Fluency in English and at least one other local South African language is an advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Opportunity to lead impactful development programs in the Gauteng province.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Work on challenging projects that contribute significantly to community well-being.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of passionate development professionals.
• Potential for international exposure and networking.
• Comprehensive health benefits and retirement plan.