1. Support the Place-Based Approach to ECD
- Support the implementation of place-based initiatives tailored to specific community contexts (e.g. farming, energy, mining, fishing, border communities).
- Assist with community mapping to understand local contexts and identify existing assets such as clinics, schools, food systems, and social services.
- Support gap analyses to adapt SmartStart delivery models (e.g. home-based, mobile classrooms, Hub & Spoke).
- Collect and document learnings, community feedback, and implementation insights to inform continuous improvement.
2. Stakeholder Coordination & Ecosystem Support
- Support coordination between community stakeholders, including NGOs, CBOs, Community Trusts, caregivers, ECD forums, and local leadership.
- Assist in organising stakeholder meetings, workshops, and engagement sessions.
- Support the establishment and maintenance of referral networks within target communities.
- Liaise with local government structures and service providers as directed by the Manager.
3. Community Engagement & Co-creation
- Support inclusive community engagement processes that prioritise listening, trust-building, and participation.
- Assist in facilitating co-design sessions with caregivers, practitioners, and community organisations.
- Promote equitable inclusion of children and caregivers excluded due to geography, disability, or affordability.
- Support efforts to strengthen local ownership and capacity for sustainability.
4. Programme Implementation & Monitoring
- Support the rollout of integrated human development programmes across early learning, caregiver support, and community-building initiatives.
- Assist with tracking activities, milestones, and implementation progress.
- Support documentation for infrastructure upgrades, practitioner registration, and subsidy processes where applicable.
- Assist with gathering data and preparing inputs for progress and learning reports.
5. Partnerships & Resource Support
- Support engagement with Community Trusts and other place-based partners by coordinating activities and maintaining records.
- Assist with preparation of presentations, briefs, and documentation for partners and funders.
- Support inclusion and equity objectives by identifying barriers and escalating challenges to the Manager.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Community Development, or a related field.
- 3–5 years’ experience in community development, programme coordination, or stakeholder engagement.
- Experience working in diverse community contexts (rural or under-resourced settings).
- Experience in ECD, education, or social development is advantageous.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of Sotho/Tswana and/or Afrikaans preferred.
Specific Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of Place-Based Approaches and community-led development principles.
- Strong coordination, organisational, and administrative skills.
- Good facilitation, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Experience with documentation, learning capture, and basic reporting.
- Comfortable working in adaptive, evolving programme environments.
