Project Manager jobs in South Africa

Energy Democracy Project Manager at groundWork

Deadline: 13 February 2026

Region: Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Type of employment: Full time

Contract: Fixed-Term, 12 Months (Full-Time)

Start Date: 1 April 2026

Location: Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal

groundWork seeks a skilled, motivated and politically grounded Energy Democracy Project Manager to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Energy Democracy Project within the Climate and Energy Justice (CEJ) Campaign

The Energy Democracy Project is a partnership between community-based movements and service organisations, including Abahlali baseMjondolo (ABM), South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action (VEM), Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA), and groundWork.

The project seeks to strengthen and enable social movements in South Africa to engage government and advocate for community-led renewable-energy solutions that advance energy democracy and just-transition objectives.

The Energy Democracy Project Manager will lead and coordinate the implementation of the Energy Democracy Project within the CEJ Campaign.

This role combines strategic leadership, political engagement, and hands-on project management. The Project Manager will oversee project delivery, partner coordination, financial tracking, and learning processes, while contributing to policy advocacy, and mentoring the Energy Democracy Campaigner.

The successful candidate will have experience managing complex projects, working across community and policy spaces, and a strong commitment to environmental and social justice.

• Lead the coordination and day-to-day delivery of the Energy Democracy Project.
• Develop and monitor project workplans, budgets, and progress reports.
• Facilitate collaboration between social-movement and technical partners.
• Provide political leadership and represent groundWork in relevant forums and advocacy spaces.
• Support partner-led campaigns and contribute to national energy-policy engagement.
• Implement monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems.
• Mentor and guide the Energy Democracy Campaigner.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field
• Minimum five years’ experience in campaign and project management within the environmental or social-justice sector
• An understanding of South Africa’s energy and climate-policy landscape and just-transition debates
• Experience working with social movements, community-based organisations, and/or civil- society networks
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, partnerships, and donor reporting
• Demonstrated ability to follow organisational process, manage time and ensure that project deliverables are met
• Strong communication skills in English (isiZulu an advantage)
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace
• Valid Code 8 or 10 driver’s license and willingness to travel nationally

• Commitment to environmental and social justice values and principles
• Political awareness and ability to navigate diverse community and policy contexts
• Integrity, accountability, and collaborative working style
• Strong organisational, facilitation, and problem-solving skills

GroundWork is committed to diversity and transformation. Applications from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act are encouraged.

Please email your CV including portfolio of projects managed and referees (maximum 5 pages) and a motivation letter (maximum 1 page) to Tracy Lee Nyman tracy@actionappointments.co.za by 17h00 on Friday, 13 February 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews are expected to take place in final week of February 2026, with the successful candidate commencing employment on 1 April 2026.

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03 February 2026