Contract Position Based in Johannesburg Starting November 2017
(Position only open to South African citizens or permanent residents)

Application Deadline – 17 October 2017

BACKGROUND: The National Association of Social Housing Organisations, NASHO, is a membership based non-profit organisation based in Johannesburg. It is committed to developing a strong and sustainable social housing sector in South Africa. Its programme includes work on two important projects:

  • Development of strong, sustainable and entrepreneurial non-profit social housing institutions (SHIs) to deliver and manage rental social housing in South Africa
  • Working with South African metros to develop more systematic and programmatic approaches to the use of social housing as a catalyst for urban regeneration.

Rooftops Canada, a Canadian non-profit international development organisation is working with NASHO and other South African partner organisations to implement the Equal Spaces: Social Housing to End Spatial Apartheid in South Africa Project. The Project is working with four Metros to revitalize inner city urban communities using well-managed, affordable and secure social housing developments. The Project is also focused on the institutional strengthening of SHIs to ensure their independent financial viability and to scale up their ability to develop and manage inclusive social housing developments. The four-year Project started in April 2016 and is part of the bilateral program between the Governments of Canada and South Africa. Two senior Canadian Technical Advisors are based in the NASHO offices –one is focused on social housing and urban regeneration, and the other developing the business capacity of SHIs.

“NASHO and the Equal Spaces Project require a strongly motivated young South African Professional Assistant” to assist with housing development and urban regeneration initiatives in several metros. This position will provide an exciting opportunity for a previously disadvantaged young professional to gain work experience and develop skills while working in dynamic environment in a rapidly expanding and developing sector.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Technical Advisor in Urban Regeneration, the Associate Development Manager, will work in a fast-paced environment and interact with other staff from Equal Spaces, NASHO, Social Housing Institutions (SHIs) and other Metros, National and Provincial staff to plan, organize, and assist with various activities of the Equal Spaces Program and NASHO projects.

Equal Spaces/NASHO are looking for a strongly motivated individual to assist with housing development and urban regeneration initiatives in several metros. This is a growth opportunity to learn and develop skills shadowing the Technical Advisor and providing assistance to Metros and SHIs through a number of initiatives and practical projects currently in progress.

Housing and Urban Regeneration development initiatives consist of a mix of new high-rise and low-rise multi-family residential buildings or buildings conversion and refurbishment.  Projects may be developed in integrated communities with an intentional balance of social housing, affordable rental, affordable ownership and market “for-sale” housing in various tenure types (sectional, freehold or SHI-owned rental buildings).  New development initiatives may be developed by SHIs on a stand-alone basis or in partnership with private developers or community partners.  In some cases, integrated communities may include a mix of other uses such as retail, office, community uses and recreational components.  All projects are to be designed with high energy efficiency measures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist in supporting planning and implementation of housing and development initiatives in Metros and SHIs
  • Assist in identifying development opportunities for housing based on Metros Land Pipeline and Urban Regeneration – Housing development plans and strategies and consideration of local property markets and industry trends
  • Assist in site analyses including, development yield/site capacity, bulk calculation, planning restrictions and requirements, valuation, urban infrastructure, site servicing requirements and community impacts
  • Assist in the planning, preparation, presentation and execution of public and community based meetings, workshops, etc.
  • Assist in the preparation of project cost proposals and project business plans (cash flow requirements, equity investment requirements, program funding requirements, operating pro-formas, etc.)
  • Assist in the preparation of development proposals and sites acquisition analyses and reports
  • Assist in the preparation of logistics, documents and management of proposal calls
  • Assist in the preparation and implementation of real estate transactions, development agreements, partnerships, leases, purchases, sales, rezoning applications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates should have significant commitment to developing a career in the social housing sector, some knowledge and interest in property markets, development finance, various aspects of residential development and working with a broad range of stakeholders. Qualifications, experience and skills should include a combination of the following:

  • Tertiary education or university degree in planning, architecture, engineering or project management or, related degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 1-2 years of work experience
  • Some knowledge or familiarity with processes of development, planning approvals and various other permits required to advance development and proceed with construction
  • Some knowledge or experience in land use development, private, public and non-profit processes related to social housing, affordable rental or market “for-sale” housing development
  • Some knowledge or familiarity with housing development, residential construction and community development including the provision of development consulting services
  • Some knowledge or experience in project management and community development
  • Some knowledge of issues pertinent to urban residential infill, intensification and revitalization of inner city residential areas and spatial re-structuring of cities through urban regeneration processes
  • Some experience in conducting research and analysis related to housing development
  • Some knowledge or familiarity with the practices of real estate development and development financing
  • Learning interest to attain proficiency in preparation of Excel-based development proformas and development related financial analysis
  • Familiarity with the relevant legislation and by-laws affecting housing development
  • Leadership, flexibility and organizational skills to shift focus quickly in response to changing priorities
  • Good writing proficiency, communication, presentation and consulting skills to influence senior level decision-makers and other stakeholders
  • Interpersonal skills, networking and negotiating skills to advocate for the Social Housing sector’s interests and enlist the support of others, to promote awareness of social housing within the community
  • Proficiency in software applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint; and the Internet, to research and prepare reports, recommendations, presentations and financial analyses.
  •  Ability to work independently in the delivery of assigned responsibilities as well as working cooperatively in a team environment

TERMS, CONDITIONS AND APPLICATION: This is a two-year contract position starting in September 2017 based in Johannesburg. Remuneration in the range of R18 000 to R22 000 monthly will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience. Work related travel expenses outside of Johannesburg will be covered by the employer.

NASHO and the Equal Spaces Project are committed to equity in employment and supporting transformation. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates from previously disadvantaged groups who historically suffered discrimination particularly racial and gender discrimination.

Interested applicants must submit the following:

  1. A detailed CV
  2. Copies of their relevant tertiary education degrees and/or certificates including subjects studied and at what level
  3. A signed written statement, maximum two pages, that describes why you are suitable for the position; and, how you will use the experience to benefit your own and the country’s development.

Short listed candidates will be required to attend an interview in Johannesburg the 3rd week of October

Applications must be submitted before Close of Business 17 October 2017 to: employment@nasho.org.za                     

Closing Date for Applications:         17 October 2017