Job Description

Community Development Manager - Port ElizabethFull job descriptionPosition Title : Community Development ManagerAcademic Level : A qualification in the Social Science/Community Developmentor relevant experienceEmployment Type : FulltimeCOMPANY DESCRIPTIONThe Gem Project is a youth-based education NGO, situated in Port Elizabeth. Our programs include an Education and Skills Training Academy, a private residential care programs, Community outreach initiatives and community-based education and after school programs. Our core focus is on youth that may have experienced difficulties with school attendance, school drop-out, learning difficulties, behaviour issues, substance abuse and come from very disadvantaged backgrounds. Our programs include Adult Education and Training, Life-skills, Vocational skills training, Entrepreneurship training, Work Readiness Skills, feeding programs, community gardens, afterschool support, scholarships, community-based training as well as Sports, Recreation, Outdoor Education and Community Camps. Our model is a holistic educational and skills training program, which focus on the psychosocial, educational, skills development and life skills empowerment of the youth beneficiary.GENERAL ROLE DESCRIPTIONThe roles primary responsibility for the strategic management of all community programs, projects and partnerships and to ensure delivery of the programs to our beneficiaries, in various communities in and around Port Elizabeth.The Gem Project is seeking an experienced person to oversee and implement community-based outreach, educational and enrichment programs to children and youth. The position plays a crucial role in the organization, delivering high quality programming, building relationships with community youth and community partners and ensuring continuous program improvement through data-driven evaluation.The programs include (but are not limited to) youth enrichment activities for children and youth through soup kitchens, kitchen gardens, after school support, literacy programs, life skills, sports, recycling initiatives and community-based camps.The Community Development Manager will foster a partnership between the public schools, children and youth and the communities.This requires advanced organizational and managerial ability, good listening and communication skills, and a strong knowledge of and commitment to positive youth development practices. This position reports directly to Operations Manager.We are looking for an innovative thinker who will manage all aspects of the Community Department and is able to revise, design, implement and manage various projects that are traditional, innovative, and thought provoking.As transformation, rehabilitation and empowerment of the beneficiaries are core, the employee is responsible for designing and implementing effective monitoring and evaluation tools.ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TYPICAL ACTIVITIESCommunity Outreach Projects - The development, implementation, oversight and monitoring of- Soup kitchens- Kitchen Gardens- Community Gardens- Recycling projects - Integral to have understanding of and ability to start up, implement and manage various- income generating community recycling hubs- Swap shopYouth Based Education - The improvement, implementation, oversight, facilitation and management of- After school homework clubs- Reading and literacy programs- Remedial intervention- Scholarship beneficiariesLife Skills Programs - The development, revision, implementation, facilitation and management of- Life skills education- Social Skills- Financial Literacy- Peer pressure- Health and nutrition- Parenting workshops- HIV/AIDS awareness- Sexual Health awareness- Preparation of educational materials, including curriculum, posters, pamphlets and contributions to the Projects websiteCommunity Animal Care- Animal Ambassadors Program- Animal care in disadvantaged communitiesYouth Based Camps - The Development, implementation and management of- Day hikes and outings- Weekend Outdoor Education / Edutainment / Life skills camps- Week long Outdoor Education / Edutainment / Life skills camps- 3 different age categories as well as both male and female cohortsDrug awareness campaignsStaff Management- Staff training- Ongoing Liaison with and support of members of the staff through weekly meetings and reporting feedback.- Identifying training and upskilling requirements and ensuring that the necessary training takes placeCommunity Internship and Volunteer Programs- Build, network and implement a volunteer program- Build, source, implement and oversee an Internship program, in collaboration with various learning institutions and SETAsPartnership Development and Fundraising- Scope potential and develop new partnerships to with local authorities, funders, partners, education- organizations, NGOs, stakeholders where relevant to the project programs- Build relationships with program specific support partners to develop outcomes-based intervention and support program e.g., Dept of Social Development, Dept. of Health, Universities, Professional services, networks etc.- Represent the Gem Project in coordination of meetings and partnerships with internal and external partners- Spearhead fundraising initiatives and drives- Maintain organizational consistency through maintenance of strong and positive relationships with all stakeholdersStakeholder relations & managementSource and secure:- Funding- Partnerships- SponsorshipsBudget Planning and ManagementReporting and Data/Information ManagementMonitoring and Evaluation of all programsManage & Control all the program administration, operations & support staffKEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIESAbility to implement a project from concept to close out stageability to delegate tasks and supervise a project teamExcellent planning and organizational skillsExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsTeam working and resource mobilization skillsDemonstrate passion for development of marginalized and disadvantaged communities, with focus on youthAdvanced training in positive youth developmentKnowledge of local environmentKnowledge of basic Financial Management & Budgeting.Excellent computer literacy skillsExcellent staff development and managementHigh level of experience in managing a team - conflict resolution, HR, skills and training and performance managementGood written and oral communication skillsGood people skills, (listening, empathy, and ability to motivate)High capacity to represent the GEM brandA passion for youth development, education and community developmentMINIMUM REQUIREMENTSFluent English,Afrikaans, and Xhosa language abilitiesA valid driver license and own transport is essentialA minimum of 5 years-experience in a similar role (With a formal degree) / Minimum of 10 years experience in a similar role (With minimum grade 12 qualification)Experience in Youth program management and staff supervisionExperience working with children and youth at grassroots levelsMust be willing to travel to Cape Town at times to oversee Community Development initiatives.A competitive market related salary will be offered based on qualifications and experience. Shortlisted applicants will be expected to undergo a panel interview and will be required to undergo a practical assessment.Job Type: Full-timeLicense/Certification:Drivers License (Required)Application Deadline: 2024/07/15

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