Project Manager | Johannesburg | Fixed-Term Contract

Introduction

Our client is a purpose-led non-profit organisation committed to strengthening democracy by encouraging active citizenship and greater youth participation across South Africa.

Description

Shape the future of South African democracy.

Are you a values-driven leader with a passion for youth participation? Our client, a non-partisan non-profit organisation, is looking for a dynamic Project Manager to lead a civic education and voter participation programme ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in a growing national initiative. Initially based in Johannesburg, you will lead pilot programmes across schools, campuses, parishes and youth networks, helping to build and refine a delivery model that can scale nationally.

Working closely with partners, the IEC, and internal stakeholders, you will coordinate day-to-day delivery across multiple workstreams, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure that all programme activity remains accurate, compliant, and aligned to a non-partisan, values-driven approach.

Our client is a respected non-profit organisation focused on strengthening democracy through active citizenship and youth participation. They work across trusted institutions and community networks to support meaningful civic engagement among young people.

What You’ll Do
• Lead the day-to-day coordination and delivery of the civic education programme
• Translate strategic priorities into clear implementation plans, timelines and deliverables
• Coordinate pilot projects in Johannesburg, including site selection, logistics and partner follow-up
• Manage multiple workstreams across schools, universities, faith-based engagement, social media and IEC activations
• Serve as the central coordination point for partners and stakeholder relationships
• Act as the operational liaison with the Independent Electoral Commission
• Support voter education and registration activities that are accurate, compliant and IEC-aligned
• Work closely with digital and communications teams to align activations with broader messaging
• Track budgets, expenditure, risks, milestones and reporting requirements
• Support the transition from pilot phase to broader provincial and national rollout

What You Bring
• 5 or more years of project or programme management experience
• Experience in NGO, youth development, civic education, social impact or related environments
• Proven ability to manage pilot programmes and support scale-up
• Strong stakeholder coordination and relationship management skills
• Excellent planning, communication and organisational ability
• High integrity and a clear commitment to non-partisan work
• A practical, hands-on approach combined with strong strategic thinking
• The ability to remain calm, diplomatic and delivery-focused in a fast-moving environment

What Success Looks Like
• A well-executed Johannesburg pilot programme
• Strong partnerships across schools, campuses, faith-based and youth networks
• Effective IEC-aligned voter education and registration activations
• A refined implementation model ready for wider rollout
• Clear progress, risk and impact reporting to leadership and stakeholders