Development Facilitator at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Job Description    

• The role of the Development Facilitator is to promote sustainability within the programmes of the Infrastructure Delivery Division (IDD) and to foster strategic partnerships that support inclusive development. A key aspect of this role is to ensure meaningful community participation and ownership in all development initiatives, programmes, and projects, thereby enhancing long-term impact and accountability.

Key Responsibilities    
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

 Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify and map all relevant stakeholders associated with the projects/ programmes.
• Facilitate strategic partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisation’s (NGOs) and Community Based Organisation’s (CBOs) to help communities to maximise the social impact and ensure the sustainability of assets delivered by the DBSA.
• Organise and conduct stakeholder workshops to secure buy-in, promote collaboration, and foster a sense of ownership throughout the development process.
• Establish and manage stakeholder committees with clear representation, defined roles responsibilities and mechanisms for engagement and communication.
• Oversee the development and signing of stakeholders or development charters to formalise commitments and accountability. 
• Drive ongoing engagement of stakeholder committees throughout all project phases, maintaining regular communication with the Project Steering Committee (PSC). 
• Facilitating stakeholder participation during the handover of assets to ensure smooth transition and sustainable utilisation.

Social Facilitation

• Engage directly with community members to understand their needs, expectations and concerns.
• Facilitate inclusive community meetings and participatory workshops to encourage active involvement in planning and implementation.
• Promote community ownership of infrastructure projects to enhance sustainability and long-term socio-economic benefits.

Conflict Resolution

• Proactively identify potential sources of conflict between communities, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Mediate and resolve disputes effectively to minimise project delays and protect community and project interests.
• Implement early warning mechanisms to detect and address tensions before escalation.

Governance and Reporting

• Participate in Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings (bi-weekly or monthly, depending on project requirements).
• Prepare and submit written reports to the PSC and the Programme. 
• Participate in Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings (biweekly or monthly, depending on project requirements).
• Prepare and submit written reports to the PSC and the Programme Manager on progress, risks, and social impact outcomes.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks related to social facilitation, stakeholder relations, and community dynamics on progress, risks, and social impact outcomes.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks related to social facilitation, stakeholder relations, and community dynamics.

Key Measurements of Outputs

• Number of stakeholder engagement sessions conducted for new projects.
• Number of community meetings held during the initial stages of projects.
• Number of new Project Steering Committee (PSCs) established and frequency of their functional meetings.
• Number of PSCs charters developed and signed for new projects.
• Number of PSC meetings held across new and existing projects. 
• Response turnaround time in addressing community or business forum disruptions/ disputes.
• Percentage of project reports incorporating updated development output indicators (e.g.  social impact, local job creation and SMME participation.
• Percentage of Social Facilitation Closeout Reports completed at project closeout stage.

KEY INTERNAL LIAISON RELATIONSHIPS

• Group Executive: IDD
• Head: Infrastructure Delivery
• Programme Manager
• Construction Programme Manager 
• All DBSA Divisions
• Overall DBSA management

KEY EXTERNAL LIAISON RELATIONSHIPS

• External Service Providers
• External stakeholders
• External Client(s)
• Communities    

Expertise & Technical Competencies    
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Qualification:

• A degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies or an equivalent field.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in people-centred development and community-driven programmes.
• In-depth understanding of the principles and practices of sustainable development, including social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
• Proven experience in the design, coordination, and management of development and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Demonstrated capability to build and nurture strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, CBOs, and private sector partners.
• Demonstrated leadership ability in directing and guiding the formulation and implementation of Development Charters or similar participatory frameworks.
• Sound knowledge of national development policies, frameworks, and sustainable development approaches relevant to infrastructure delivery.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences including community members, executive management, and high-level stakeholders.
• A valid Code 08 driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Desirable Requirements:

• A Postgraduate Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies or an equivalent field will be an added advantage.