About Company
Childline South Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting children from all forms of violence and abuse. For over 30 years, we have been at the forefront of child protection, providing a vital lifeline through our toll-free helpline, direct intervention, and community-based programmes. Our mission is to ensure every child in South Africa grows up in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. We work tirelessly with communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to advocate for children’s rights and build resilient, protective communities.
Job Description
Childline South Africa is seeking a dedicated and passionate NGO Project Officer for Community Development to join our team in Welkom, Free State. This pivotal role involves the planning, implementation, and oversight of community-focused projects aimed at child protection, advocacy, and empowerment. As a Project Officer, you will be instrumental in fostering strong relationships with community leaders, local authorities, and beneficiaries to ensure the effective delivery and sustainability of our initiatives. You will be responsible for conducting needs assessments, developing project proposals, and managing all aspects of project cycles from inception to evaluation, ensuring alignment with Childline’s strategic objectives and donor requirements.
This position requires a dynamic individual with a deep understanding of community development principles, excellent project management skills, and a proven ability to work collaboratively in diverse settings. You will be expected to facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community dialogues, empowering local stakeholders to take ownership of child protection issues. Your work will directly contribute to creating safer environments for children in Welkom and surrounding areas, driving positive social change and strengthening community resilience against child abuse and neglect. If you are a proactive problem-solver with a commitment to social justice and a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children, we encourage you to apply and become a vital part of our mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of community development projects focused on child protection and advocacy.
- Conduct thorough community needs assessments to identify key challenges and opportunities related to child welfare.
- Develop detailed project proposals, work plans, and budgets, ensuring adherence to organisational guidelines and donor specifications.
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with community leaders, local government agencies, schools, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Organise and facilitate community workshops, awareness campaigns, and training sessions on child protection issues, parenting skills, and children's rights.
- Monitor project progress against agreed-upon indicators, collect data, and prepare comprehensive narrative and financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage project resources efficiently, including human resources, finances, and materials, ensuring accountability and transparency.
- Provide technical support and guidance to community volunteers and local partners involved in project activities.
- Actively participate in advocacy efforts to influence local policies and practices that impact child protection.
- Identify potential risks and challenges to project implementation and develop mitigation strategies.
- Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories for knowledge sharing and future project development.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in project management within an NGO or community development setting.
- Demonstrated experience in community engagement, mobilisation, and stakeholder coordination.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and at least one local language common in Free State (e.g., Sesotho, isiXhosa).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management.
- Strong report writing and presentation skills.
- Valid South African driver's license and willingness to travel frequently within Welkom and surrounding communities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
- Experience working directly with child protection programmes or vulnerable populations.
- Knowledge of national child protection policies and legislation in South Africa.
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methodologies and tools.
- Familiarity with grant writing and donor reporting requirements.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package.
- Contribution to medical aid.
- Provident fund benefits.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- The chance to make a significant positive impact on children's lives and communities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit a comprehensive CV and a cover letter detailing their suitability for the role and their experience in community development and child protection. Please ensure your application highlights how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities outlined. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. We encourage all qualified applicants to click on the link below to apply for this impactful opportunity.