Project Manager jobs in South Africa

Join Enko Education as a Project Manager

Enko Education is looking for talented Project Managers to join our pipeline of future leaders. We are building a pool of high-potential professionals ready to be deployed on exciting projects across Africa - from opening new schools to driving strategic initiatives that support our growth.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to transforming the African educational landscape by joining a fast-scaling organisation with a strong mission and ambitious goals.

As a Project Manager, you will take ownership of key projects – leading them from start to finish – with the full support of the Enko Central team. Projects can include:

School Launches: Incorporating new subsidiaries, securing and upgrading school facilities, obtaining government licences, recruiting and training school teams, implementing marketing campaigns, sourcing school equipment, and embedding Enko’s culture and standards.

School Integrations: Leading change management and communication plans during acquisitions, aligning existing school cultures with Enko’s, training teams, and ensuring a smooth transition.

Strategic & Operational Projects: Running feasibility studies, due diligences, process improvements, internal consulting missions, or other growth-related initiatives across multiple countries.

Supporting School Leaders: Acting as a trusted project lead for Heads of School or Campus, driving key initiatives such as process improvements, operational audits, or the implementation of new systems and practices - ensuring schools operate at their best.

Your responsibilities will vary by project – which means no two assignments will look the same. This role is ideal for agile professionals who thrive on variety, can adapt quickly, and are motivated by building something impactful.

We are looking for versatile, entrepreneurial and hands‑on Project Managers who can own a project from start to finish and thrive in a fast‑changing environment. The ideal candidate ♀ ♂ :

Brings an entrepreneurial spirit – proactive, creative, with a strong “can‑do” attitude and the drive to build and deliver tangible results.

Thrives in dynamic, start‑up‑like environments – comfortable with shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, and fast‑paced execution.

Is a strong operator – highly organised, able to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and work under pressure with minimal supervision.

Communicates and collaborates effectively – able to build trust with diverse stakeholders, seek and integrate feedback, and drive alignment.

Is globally mobile and adaptable – ready to work on assignments in different African countries for several months at a time.

Has the right skills & background – Master’s degree from a recognised university, professional proficiency in French and English, proficiency in MS/Google tools.

Previous experience in Sub‑Saharan Africa and/or in start‑ups, consulting, or project‑based roles is a strong advantage.

• A meaningful mission with real impact on one of Africa’s biggest challenges - access to quality education.
• An international, diverse team with strong values.
• A challenging environment with opportunities for growth and career development.
• Flexibility - including remote working arrangements.
• The chance to shape a fast‑growing organisation and leave your mark.

Current and former team members have noted the points below as positive features of Enko's work environment and culture:

• The group combines entrepreneurialism with a focus on impact ;
• You work with highly diverse people and across a diversity of contexts ;
• There is a high level of trust that supports you to work autonomously ;
• The people in the group encourage innovation and experimentation ;
• Achieving results is prioritised over rigid structures and workflows ;
• You are never bored and always challenged.

Current and former team members have noted the points below as negative features of Enko’s work environment and culture:

• Collaborating with geographically dispersed teams requires flexibility and patience ;
• Working remotely can make you feel isolated and so requires you to invest time in communication ;
• A high‑growth phase means flexibility and adaptability as the Group’s systems evolve quickly;
• It can be fast‑paced so you need to be productive and able to prioritise effectively.

We have a strong culture of constant learning. You will have weekly check‑ins with your manager, and quarterly touchpoints on your objectives. We hold performance appraisals every year and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You'll have the opportunity to shape a growing organisation and set the foundations of a rewarding long‑term career.

Contract: full‑time position, end‑of‑studies internship accepted ;

Location: Africa – Country of assignment will change over time (e.g.: 4 months in Abidjan, then 6 months in Addis‑Ababa, then 2 months in Johannesburg) ;

Timing: We are constantly looking for talented Project Managers and review applications on a rolling basis. Successful candidates can be deployed as soon as a project is available.

All applicants must be legally able to work in our countries with the correct visa/status/work permit. Full‑time jobs may be offered to the most successful school launchers.

• A culture fit interview with a member of the HR team to get to know you better, give you visibility on the role, and confirm the mutual match ;
• A quick case study to test your project management skills & mindset;
• One or two skills interviews with members of the Expansion team to assess your technical and interpersonal skills.
• A final career interview with the Project Portfolio Manager to review your education and past experiences;
• Welcome to Enko!

Enko Education is an equal opportunities employer, committed to inclusivity, diversity, and valuing difference. Enko Education schools are committed to child safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people, and we expect all staff, volunteers, and third parties to share this commitment. Our safer recruitment practices aim to ensure that only individuals committed to child safeguarding join our schools. You can read our Safer Recruitment Statement here.

• Successful candidates must provide a police clearance (or equivalent) from every country where they have lived in the past 10 years before signing an employment contract.
• Reference checks with previous employers will also be conducted for each successful candidate.

International education with Africa at heart and the world in mind.

Enko Education is a fast‑growing network of 15 international schools in 10 African countries, offering international education with Africa at heart and the world in mind. Our mission is to make high‑quality international education accessible to more African learners and to guide them towards the world’s best universities through innovative programmes leading to globally recognised qualifications.

Since 2014, Enko Education has helped thousands of students secure admission to top universities such as Yale College, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, and the University of Toronto. Backed by leading development finance institutions and funds including Proparco, I&P, Adiwale, BIO Invest, Oiko Credit and Liquid Africa, we are on track to reach 20,000 students by 2028.

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Do you have full professional proficiency in ENGLISH; writing, reading, listening, speaking?

Do you have full professional proficiency in FRENCH; writing, reading, listening, speaking?

Do you have full professional proficiency in PORTUGUESE; writing, reading, listening, speaking?

Are you willing to live and work in one or more African countries?

Are you mobile (= ready and able to work during several months in one country and to move to other countries afterwards)?

Do you have previous working experience in one or more African countries (internships included)?

Have you ever been convicted of any offence, been bound‑over, or given a caution?

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Do you know any other matters not covered above relating to you and/or your background, which might cause your reliability or suitability to be called into question regarding working with children?

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Have you ever been the subject of a disciplinary hearing, forced to resign or dismissed from a previous role?

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I certify that the above information is true and I understand that it will be examined during reference checks if I am offered the role. Any false information may lead to the invalidity of the offer.