Independent Consultant Opportunity

Contract Type: Independent Contractor (12-month fixed-term, not full-time)
Location: South Africa and Lesotho (with travel to rural districts)
Start Date: 10 November 2025
Partners: Lesotho-based partner and Avo Vision (SAJV Joint Venture)
Reports To: Accounts Director (Avo Vision) 

About the Project

This regional livelihoods and landscape regeneration initiative aims to restore degraded environments, strengthen community livelihoods, and build resilience to climate change through the formation and empowerment of local regeneration and community-based groups.

Avo Vision and its Lesotho-based partner are collaborating through a joint venture to deliver Year 2 and 3 project components focused on capacity building, curriculum development, and strengthening of community coalitions across multiple districts.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Independent Project Manager (Consultant) to coordinate the overall Year 2 implementation of our JV project and manage Avo Vision’s key deliverables — particularly the project management, design, development, and rollout of community training curricula focused on regeneration, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship. This is a strategic, coordination-focused consulting role. 

The consultant will not be responsible for authoring curriculum content directly but will oversee the process, ensure integration with broader project frameworks, manage timelines, stakeholder communication, and quality control.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management:
  • Lead day-to-day coordination of Year 2 deliverables between Avo Vision, the Lesotho-based partner, and project partners.
  • Develop and track implementation schedules, deliverables, and risk mitigation plans. Ensure that visibility of the project’s progress and expected outcomes is maintained.
  • Maintain alignment between Avo’s training and the overall Graduation Model and Regeneration Coalition objectives.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Liaise with government departments, partner organisations, technical leads, community stakeholders, and local facilitators.
  • Facilitate alignment workshops and regular progress meetings between SAJV and Project Management Unit (PMU) stakeholders.
• Curriculum Oversight:
  • Manage the design, review, and integration of eight key training modules (entrepreneurship, livelihoods planning, financial literacy, leadership, conflict management, regeneration planning, and others).
  • Coordinate technical review sessions and train-the-trainer preparation sessions.
• Monitoring, Reporting and Risk Management:
  • Track progress against milestones and ensure deliverables meet donor and contractual quality standards.
  • Complete monthly and quarterly reports.
  • Identify risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies to ensure timely delivery

• On-Ground Coordination:
  • Coordinate with field teams, ensuring alignment between local implementation and curriculum roll-out.
  • Conduct site visits and support stakeholder engagements across multiple districts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Development Studies, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in project management within socio-economic development, livelihoods creation, or community-based programmes.
  • Demonstrated experience working in natural resource management or environmental regeneration- non-negotiable
  • Proven success managing multi-stakeholder partnerships involving government, donors, and community structures.
  • Experience overseeing interactive, action-learning curriculum design or training programmes in community development or livelihood settings.
  • Strong familiarity with Lesotho’s development landscape; fluency in Sesotho (spoken and written) is essential.
  • Experience working with donor-funded projects will be advantageous 

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent project coordination and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
• Outstanding communication, reporting, and facilitation skills.
• Integrity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to travel within Lesotho.

Contract Details

• Contract Duration: 12 months (November 2025 – October 2026)
• Time Commitment: Part-time consultancy, deliverables-based contract. Est. 3–10 days/month.
• Remuneration: To be negotiated based on qualifications and experience

How to Apply

Please submit the following to engage@avovision.co.za by 31 October 2025:

1. CV (max 4 pages)
2. Cover letter outlining your relevant experience
3. Two references from recent contracts or projects

Subject line: Independent Project Manager Application

We're Hiring: Programme Manager

Location: Johannesburg
Start Date: 1 June 2025
Closing Date: 30 April 2025
Salary: Market-related

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Programme Manager to lead our project management function with excellence and dedication. This Johannesburg-based role is central to ensuring effective coordination across multiple teams and stakeholders, and will suit someone with strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management: Oversee project management across all company initiatives to ensure discipline and consistency.
• Team Leadership: Lead and support project managers, coordinators, and assistants. Equitably allocate projects and responsibilities.
• Entrepreneurship Journey: Enhance the entrepreneurship journey for MSMEs in our incubation and acceleration programmes. Participate in MSME-facing activities such as growth planning and business development services.
• Programme Design and Implementation: Co-create programme proposals with the sales team and conduct regular reviews to ensure relevance and optimisation.
• Resource Management: Ensure teams have access to the tools and resources needed for optimal performance.
• Budget Management: Approve and oversee project budgets during both the sales and implementation phases. Responsible for revenue recognition.
• Trainer Management: Recruit, track, and allocate national trainers to projects effectively.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL): Work with the MEL team to create M&E tools and use data-driven insights to guide decisions. A passion for impact measurement is key.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead multidisciplinary teams and encourage cohesive collaboration.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure teams adhere to project tools, templates, and processes.
• Client Satisfaction: Manage client relationships and ensure transparent communication on project progress, timelines, and budgets.
• Workflow Planning: Develop forward-looking plans to ensure stakeholders act in a timely manner.
• Process Orientation: Maintain and improve efficient internal processes.

Experience and Competencies

• Minimum 5 years of project management experience, with at least 3 years at a Programme Manager level.
• Proven ability to manage and conceptualise complex projects. (Essential)
• Experience managing Enterprise Development Projects. (Essential)
• Experience with accredited training programmes is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing end-to-end teams.
• Strong passion for creating and showcasing impact.
• Strategic thinker with vision and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to inspire teams.
• Calm and composed under pressure.
• Proficiency in data interpretation and decision-making based on insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong conflict resolution abilities.
• Extensive experience in entrepreneurship promotion and SMME development.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, project management, or a related field.
• Certification in project management (e.g., PRINCE II, PMP, CAPM). (Essential)

How to Apply

Ready to make an impact? Send your CV and qualifications to koketso@wellwishers.co.za before 30 May 2025.

We're Hiring: Marketing Coordinator

Location: Johannesburg
Start Date: 1 July 2025
Closing Date: 30 May 2025
Salary: Market-related

We’re seeking a driven and detail-oriented professional to join our dynamic marketing team. By stepping into this role, you’ll help ensure the flawless execution of marketing tasks, enabling the team to manage their workload efficiently and maintain exceptional quality standards.

If you’re passionate about marketing and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this is the opportunity for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Content Development and Copywriting
• Create high-quality, engaging and original content tailored to Avo Vision’s diverse platforms, including websites, emails, blogs and social media.
• Develop compelling narratives that align with Avo Vision's mission of empowering communities and fostering growth.
• Continuously refine messaging to effectively connect with our target audiences.

Editing and Proofreading
● Review and refine content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with Avo Vision’s objectives.
● Collaborate with team members to ensure a consistent tone and cohesive messaging across all materials.
● Ensure all content is error-free and ready for publication.

Social Media Management
● Plan, develop, and execute engaging social media strategies across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and others.
● Write captivating posts and updates to boost interaction and engagement with our community.
● Analyze social media performance and recommend actionable improvements based on data.

Marketing Campaign Support
● Assist in brainstorming, planning, and executing impactful marketing campaigns to promote Avo Vision’s initiatives.
● Contribute to the development of marketing collateral, including promotional materials and event-related assets.

Collaboration and Teamwork
● Work closely with Avo Vision team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment on projects and initiatives.
● Actively participate in team meetings and creative brainstorming sessions to drive innovation.
● Foster a collaborative environment to achieve shared goals.

Research and Community Insights
● Conduct in-depth research to stay updated on trends, community needs, and opportunities for Avo Vision to make an impact.
● Use insights to craft strategies that resonate with target audiences and enhance Avo Vision’s presence.
● Ensure all content reflects the values and mission of Avo Vision.

Content Management Systems (CMS) Expertise
● Update and manage content within CMS platforms to maintain relevance and functionality.
● Collaborate with technical teams to address any issues and optimize the user experience.
● Performance Monitoring and Reporting
● Measure the success of content and campaigns using analytics tools.

Experience and Competencies

● 2+ years of experience in copywriting, content creation, marketing-related roles.
● Experience crafting engaging content for various platforms, including social media, websites and email marketing.
● Familiarity with editing and proofreading content to ensure consistency and alignment with organizational objectives.
● Exposure to working within a team environment, collaborating on marketing campaigns and strong written and verbal communication skills.
● Creative thinking and originality in crafting content.
● Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
● Time management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
● Teamwork and collaboration with a willingness to share ideas.
● Adaptability to changing priorities and openness to learning.
● Basic technical proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office and CMS.
● Basic understanding of using content management systems (CMS) and analytics tools is advantageous.
● Flexibility and Adaptability: Adapts to change, handles pressures and adjusts plans to meet

Qualifications

● A Bachelor’s degree/Diploma in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field is essential. (NQF 6 and above)
● Advanced certifications or coursework in content creation, digital marketing, or social media strategy would be advantageous.
● Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with content management systems

How to Apply

Ready to make an impact? Send your CV and qualifications to koketso@wellwishers.co.za before 30 May 2025.

GIZ- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Consultant

The Avo Vision Foundation NPC is implementing the Agri-Regen programme in the Blouberg Municipality, Limpopo. The project aims to address environmental and socio-economic challenges through regenerative agricultural practices, ecological restoration and empowerment of local communities.

The programme is the second phase of restoration activities already in place and presents the practical unlocking of value chains offered by available land in the area.

Our mission is to utilise the skills and capabilities of the local ecosystem to mobile the community broadly towards environmental awareness and stewardship, strengthen restoration strategies, crop planting and animal husbandry on communal land. By leveraging the knowledge and skills of the community and MSMEs, the Agri-Regen project seeks to maximize sustainable benefits for all stakeholders.

Our approach prioritizes inclusivity and empowerment, with a specific focus on promoting opportunities for women and people with disabilities, wherever possible.

Methodology

1. Follow land currently being thinned by charcoal producer for restoration and improvement.

2. Develop and implement restoration strategies, crop planting, and animal husbandry programmes

4. Provide training and capacity-building programs for community members and MSMEs for restoration, regenerative agriculture – crop planting and animal husbandry.

5. Establish monitoring and evaluation systems to track project progress and impact.

Expected Outcomes

1. Creation of sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities

2. Ecological recovery and environmental conservation

3. Empowerment of women and inclusion of people with disabilities

4. Development of agricultural value chains and MSMEs

5. Expansion of the offering of charcoal producers to include land restoration (to private farmers, lodges, game farms, etc.)

Performance Monitoring

1. Business Performance Monitoring - Regularly tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure MSMEs and farmersare meeting their goals.

2. Monthly Production Targets - Setting and working towards specific production goals each month to maintain momentum and growth.

3. Revenue and Profit Targets - Establishing and striving to achieve revenue and profit objectives to ensure financial sustainability.

Support for Viability and Profitability

To ensure MSMEs remain viable and profitable, we offer:

1. Technical Training and Mentorship - Providing expertise and guidance to enhance skills and knowledge in specific areas.

2. Business Advisory Services - Offering expert advice on business operations, strategy, and management to inform decision-making.

3. Access to Markets and Offtake Agreements - Facilitating connections to markets, customers, and partners, and negotiating offtake agreements to secure sales.

4. Ongoing Business Coaching - Providing continuous guidance and support to help MSMEs overcome challenges, adapt to changes, and achieve long-term success.

Objective

The objective of this MEAL assignment is to design and implement a monitoring and evaluation system to track project progress, outcomes, and impact.

Scope of Work

The MEAL consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Developing a MEAL Framework

1. Review project documents, including the project proposal, log frame, and work plan.

2. Conduct stakeholder interviews with project staff, beneficiaries, and partners.

3. Develop a comprehensive MEAL framework, including:

• Logical framework (log frame) with clear objectives, outcomes, outputs, and indicators.
• MEAL matrix outlining data sources, collection methods, and analysis plans.
• Data management plan, including data storage, security, and sharing protocols.

2. Monitoring Project Progress

1. Develop and implement a data collection plan, including:

• Quarterly data collection from project staff and beneficiaries.
• Site visits to monitor project activities and progress.

2. Analyse and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns and areas for improvement.

3. Prepare and submit quarterly monitoring reports to project stakeholders.

3. Evaluating Project Impact

1. Conduct baseline, mid-term and end-term evaluations to assess project impact on:

• MSME and farmer development
• Sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities.
• Ecological recovery and environmental conservation.
• Empowerment of women and inclusion of people with disabilities.

2. Develop and implement evaluation methodologies, including:

• Survey design and implementation.
• Focus group discussions and interviews.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Prepare and submit evaluation reports to project stakeholders.

4. Providing Feedback and Recommendations

1. Provide feedback and recommendations to project stakeholders on:

• Project progress and performance.
• Areas for improvement and corrective actions.
• Emerging issues and risks.

2. Facilitate reflection and learning sessions with project staff and stakeholders to:

• Discuss findings and recommendations.
• Identify lessons learned and best practices.
• Inform project decision-making and improvement.

Expected Deliverables

The MEAL consultant will deliver:

1. A MEAL framework document- including a Theory of Change

2. Quarterly monitoring reports- to accompany our quarterly report to the client

3. Baseline, mid-term, and end-term evaluation reports.

4. Regular feedback and recommendations to project stakeholders.

5. Set up Data collection and data tracking tools

Requirements

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) consultant should have:

1. A minimum of 5 years of experience in MEAL, preferably in natural resource management, agriculture, rural development, enterprise support, or related fields.

2. A strong understanding of MEAL principles, methods and tools.

3. Experience in designing and implementing MEAL frameworks, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

4. Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Timeline

The MEAL assignment is expected to commence ASAP and will run for 12 months. The contract can be extended based on performance.

Contact Information

Please submit your proposal, including your CV, a brief description of your experience and approach, and a detailed budget, to engage@avovision.co.za