groundWork - Energy Democracy Project Manager
groundWork seeks a skilled, motivated and politically grounded Energy Democracy Project Manager to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Energy Democracy Project within the Climate and Energy Justice (CEJ) Campaign.
Consultancy, 12-month fixed-term (part-time)
About groundWork (Friends of the Earth South Africa)
groundWork is a non-profit environmental justice organisation established in 1999, working towards a just transition and open democracy in South Africa and beyond. Our vision is that people live well with each other and with the earth. To realise this vision, groundWork partners with affected communities to resist dirty energy and toxic production, building solidarity and local alliances that advocate for open debate and democratic control of resources.
Through its six campaigns, Climate & Energy Justice, Coal & Just Transition, Waste, Environmental Health, Communications, and Environmental Justice Education -groundWork aims to strengthen the environmental justice movement in South Africa and across the continent.
The Climate and Energy Justice (CEJ) Campaign supports communities and movements to build resilience to climate impacts, advance energy sovereignty, and pursue a just transition towards a regenerative, people-centred economy.
About the Energy Democracy Project
The Energy Democracy Project is a partnership between community-based movements and service organisations, including Abahlali baseMjondolo (ABM), South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action (VEM), Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA), and groundWork.
The project seeks to strengthen and enable social movements in South Africa to engage government and advocate for community-led renewable-energy solutions that advance energy democracy and just-transition objectives.
About the Role
The Project Manager will lead and coordinate the implementation of the Energy Democracy Project within the CEJ Campaign. This role combines strategic leadership, political engagement, and hands-on project management. The Project Manager will oversee project delivery, partner coordination, financial tracking, and learning processes, while contributing to policy advocacy, and mentoring the Energy Democracy Campaigner.
The successful candidate will have experience managing complex projects, working across community and policy spaces, and a strong commitment to environmental and social justice.
groundWork supports a hybrid work model, combining in-office presence with remote working for optimum flexibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the coordination and day-to-day delivery of the Energy Democracy Project.
- Develop and monitor project workplans, budgets, and progress reports.
- Facilitate collaboration between social-movement and technical partners.
- Provide political leadership and represent groundWork in relevant forums and advocacy spaces.
- Support partner-led campaigns and contribute to national energy-policy engagement.
- Implement monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems.
- Mentor and guide the Energy Democracy Campaigner.
Minimum Requirements
- Relevant tertiary qualification in a related field
- Minimum five years’ experience in campaign and project management
- An understanding of South Africa’s energy and climate-policy landscape and just-transition debates
- Experience working with social movements, community-based organisations, and/or civil-society networks
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, partnerships, and donor reporting
- Demonstrated ability to follow organisational process, manage time and ensure that project deliverables are met
- Strong communication skills in English (isiZulu an advantage)
- Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace
- Valid Code 8 or 10 driver’s license and willingness to travel nationally
Attributes
- Commitment to environmental and social justice values and principles
- Political awareness and ability to navigate diverse community and policy contexts
- Integrity, accountability, and collaborative working style
- Strong organisational, facilitation, and problem-solving skills
Employment Equity
- GroundWork is committed to diversity and transformation. Applications from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act are encouraged.