Job Description:

Job Title: Project Officer

Location: Cape Town

Reporting To: Director

Overview

An established organisation is seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Project Officer to support the planning, implementation, coordination, and reporting of various development and donor-funded projects across Southern Africa.

This role requires a proactive and analytical professional with strong project management, reporting, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director to ensure projects are implemented effectively, reporting requirements are met, and all activities align with donor regulations and organisational objectives.

The role also includes research, event coordination, bilingual communication (English and German), and support across administrative, operational, and communications functions.

Main Purpose of the Role

To support the successful coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of projects by ensuring compliance with donor requirements, maintaining effective stakeholder communication, managing project administration, and supporting organisational initiatives across project management, events, reporting, and communications.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Coordination

• Assist the Director with the planning, coordination, and implementation of projects
• Monitor and evaluate ongoing project activities and deliverables
• Draft concept notes, project proposals, and logical frameworks for donor submissions
• Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements, regulations, and frameworks
• Prepare quarterly, annual, and project-specific reports in accordance with donor guidelines
• Draft and administer project budgets in line with organisational and donor requirements
• Prepare agreements, contracts, and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for project partners
• Support and advise on procurement processes and project-related administration
• Coordinate implementation of project activities according to approved project plans and budgets

Reporting, Research & Communication

• Analyse social, economic, environmental, and political developments within Southern Africa
• Draft reports and briefing documents in both English and German
• Edit and prepare reports and publications for distribution
• Prepare speeches, presentations, meeting minutes, and conference reports
• Manage professional correspondence in both English and German
• Provide translation support between English and German where required

Event Planning & Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate and organise conferences, seminars, workshops, and related events
• Assist with the planning and coordination of expert visits, delegations, and study tours
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful event delivery
• Manage logistical arrangements and administrative support for meetings and events

Website & Social Media Support

• Update and maintain website content
• Assist with preparing and coordinating social media content, including videos, snippets, and campaign material
• Support digital communication initiatives and organisational visibility

General Administration & Support

• Provide operational and administrative support across projects and organisational activities
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and filing systems
• Perform additional duties as reasonably required by the organisation

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant qualification in Project Management, International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field
• Previous experience within project coordination, donor-funded programmes, or NGO/NPO environments advantageous
• Experience drafting donor reports, proposals, and project documentation
• Experience managing project budgets and compliance processes advantageous
• Strong understanding of Southern African socio-economic and political environments preferred

Language Requirements

• Fluent in English (written and verbal)
• Fluency in German is advantageous (written and verbal)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong project coordination and organisational skills
• Excellent written communication and reporting ability
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and research capability
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team environment
• Professional, adaptable, and proactive approach to work
• Strong administrative and documentation management skills

Working Environment

• Cape Town-based position
• Dynamic, project-driven environment
• Opportunity to work on regional development and donor-funded initiatives
• Exposure to international stakeholders, events, and policy-related projects

What Success Looks Like

• Projects implemented effectively and within agreed timelines
• Accurate and compliant donor reporting and documentation
• Well-coordinated events, workshops, and stakeholder engagements
• High-quality bilingual communication and reporting
• Strong administrative oversight and project organisation
• Positive collaboration with internal teams, donors, and project partners