About the Organisation
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 Job
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.
Requirements
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
To apply
To apply, please email your CV including portfolio of projects managed and referees (maximum 5 pages) and a motivation letter (maximum 1 page) to Tracy Lee Nyman tracy@actionappointments.co.za by Thursday, 30 April 2026.
