Masifundise is a progressive civil society organisation, registered as an independent Trust, with a longstanding track record in the small-scale fisheries sector. We work to promote and advance Food Sovereignty in small-scale fishing communities in South Africa and globally. Our approach centres on empowering fishers and community-based activists to become agents of change within their communities, organisations, and social movements. We also strengthen participatory governance processes, supporting fishing communities to secure their social, economic, and political rights while upholding principles of social, economic, and environmental justice, and affirming the autonomy and sovereignty of civil society.

In support of the organisation’s growth, Masifundise is excited to add a Project coordinator to our team. Please read the requirements carefully and only apply if you meet the requirements.

All positions commence 1 March 2026 and are 1-year contracts, renewable depending on performance and the availability of funds.

Project Co-Ordinator

Masifundise seeks to appoint a full-time, motivated, independent, Project Co- Ordinator to join our Programme Team. The Project Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring the cohesive planning, integration, and delivery of all project components in alignment with the programmatic objectives, timelines, and strategic plan. This role involves providing strategic oversight while also supervising the Project Officers, and working closely with the Media and Communications, Research teams. The Project Coordinator will use insights from Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) processes to adapt project strategies and improve impact. They also lead engagement with key external stakeholders, including government entities, conservation agencies, universities, and civil society partners, to ensure alignment and strong participation in co-management structures.

The successful candidate will work closely with, and report directly to the Programme Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• To co-ordinate all identified projects, including related action-research, training or advocacy projects.
• To provide conceptual support for identified activities undertaken through all sub- programmes.
• To contribute to the conceptualisation and implementation of Masifundise’s strategies and plans to achieve Food Sovereignty for small-scale fishers in South Africa and, globally.
• To monitor the institutional, legal, and socio-economic context relevant to small-scale fisheries in South Africa and globally.
• To coordinate project fieldwork and organisation building activities.
  To coordinate the effective monitoring of implementation of project activities, including the effective data collection of projects’ targets and indicators.
• To supervise and support relevant project staff.
• To participate in activities relating to Masifundise’s lobbying and advocacy strategies.

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Geography, International Relations, Law, and related fields.
• Familiarity with Food Sovereignty, Human-Rights based approach, Climate Justice and Gender justice frameworks.
• At least 3 years demonstrated experience in conduction and/or coordination of research projects, preferably executed in rural and participatory contexts.
• Knowledge of participatory research processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively engage with diverse actors, including fishing communities, researchers, Civil Society, and government officials.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently when necessary.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and navigate unforeseen challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others
• Passion for social justice and advocacy, with knowledge of the sector in South Africa
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in isiXhosa or isiZulu and English (written and spoken).
• Driver’s License and comfortably drive.

To apply

To apply, please submit:

1. Detailed motivation letter
2. Your CV with at least two contactable references,

to vacancies@masifundise.org.za using the position you applying for as the subject line.

Closing date:  7 January 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Kindly note that shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a credit check.
Please only apply if you have the competencies described.