Sustainable Development Project Lead

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Sustainable Development Project Lead for projects across the Eastern Cape. This contractor role requires steering initiatives from inception to completion, aligning with SDGs, and engaging diverse stakeholders to deliver measurable outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s in Sustainable Development and 5–7 years of relevant experience, with strong management and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sustainable Development or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience managing development projects with a focus on sustainability.
• Experience working with communities in rural contexts, preferably in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and monitoring of sustainable development projects in the Eastern Cape.
• Develop proposals, work plans, budgets, and timelines with stakeholders.
• Manage project teams, consultants and partners for timely delivery.
• Facilitate participatory processes with local communities to identify needs and solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with government, NGOs and private sector partners.
• Oversee procurement per donor requirements and project guidelines.
• Monitor risks and challenges; implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure integration of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
• Prepare progress, financial, and impact reports for donors and stakeholders.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

SDG knowledge

Communication

Education

Master's in Sustainable Development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an international development agency with a strong focus on empowering local communities through sustainable practices, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sustainable Development Project Lead for projects in the Eastern Cape region. This role is offered on a contractor basis and offers a significant opportunity to shape and drive impactful initiatives. You will be responsible for managing projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with sustainable development goals, fostering stakeholder engagement, and achieving measurable outcomes. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of development challenges, excellent project management capabilities, and a passion for creating lasting positive change. We are looking for a proactive leader who can navigate complex project environments and deliver results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of sustainable development projects in the Eastern Cape .
• Develop project proposals, work plans, budgets, and timelines in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Manage project teams, consultants, and partners to ensure timely and quality delivery of project activities.
• Facilitate participatory processes with local communities to identify needs and co-create solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, community leaders, NGOs, and private sector partners.
• Oversee the procurement of goods and services according to project guidelines and donor requirements.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and challenges, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure the integration of environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles throughout project lifecycles.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports, including progress updates, financial reports, and impact assessments for donors and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, Economics, International Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience managing development projects, with a focus on sustainability.
• Demonstrated experience working with communities in rural or developing contexts, preferably in South Africa.
• Strong understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their practical application.
• Excellent project management skills, including planning, budgeting, risk management, and reporting.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and presentation abilities.
• Experience with remote work tools and collaborative platforms is essential.
• Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Eastern Cape is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• This contractor role offers a competitive remuneration package, providing an excellent opportunity to work on impactful projects in the Eastern Cape .
• You will have the autonomy to lead significant initiatives and contribute to sustainable development outcomes.
• Our client offers professional growth and the chance to work with a dedicated team committed to positive change.
• This position allows for remote work flexibility, enabling you to manage your projects effectively while contributing to community upliftment in the region.