Project Country Lead – Solar Water Enterprise Hubs (SWEH): A Field-Based Leadership Opportunity with ForAfrika|Deadline 27 Aug 2026
ForAfrika is inviting experienced business development and commercial operations professionals to apply for the Project Country Lead – Solar Water Enterprise Hubs (SWEH) Project, an exciting opportunity focused on expanding sustainable water access and enterprise development in South Africa. The position offers an opportunity to combine commercial expertise, field operations, stakeholder engagement and community development to help establish solar-powered water enterprise hubs.
The role was posted on 21 August 2026, with applications closing on 27 August 2026. It is offered on an initial six-month contract, with the possibility of extension for another six months.
About ForAfrika
ForAfrika is an African-founded and African-led organisation with more than 40 years of experience working across the continent. Its work combines humanitarian and development programmes with social enterprise initiatives designed to strengthen resilience, self-sufficiency and economic opportunity.
Through the SWEH project, ForAfrika aims to develop commercially viable solar water enterprise hubs that can provide essential services while creating sustainable local economic opportunities. The Project Country Lead will be responsible for turning the project’s approved rollout plans into functioning operations across Mpumalanga and Limpopo, with initial assessments also covering KwaZulu-Natal.
About the Project Country Lead Role
The Project Country Lead will report directly to the General Manager – Social Enterprise and serve as the main operational leader for the SWEH project on the ground.
This is an execution-focused position for someone who can work independently, make sound commercial decisions and build productive relationships with government, communities and private-sector partners. Rather than simply providing strategic advice, the successful candidate will be expected to translate plans into measurable results.
The first hubs are expected to become operational from Day 1 of Month 7, meaning the successful applicant will play a central role in ensuring that assessments, procurement, staffing, partnerships and operational systems are completed on schedule.
Key Responsibilities
One of the central responsibilities will be leading the baseline assessment and site-selection process. The Project Country Lead will assess potential locations, evaluate their socio-economic opportunities and consolidate the findings to determine which sites should form part of the Hub network.
The successful candidate will also design the operating model for each Hub. This includes developing supplier relationships, determining staffing requirements and overseeing the procurement and construction of kiosks and PayGo systems.
Team leadership will be another important component of the position. The Project Country Lead will recruit, train and manage field personnel, including Cluster Supervisors, Sales Representatives, Logistics Operators, Warehouse Operators and Packers. They will also establish warehouse systems, delivery routes and operational standards.
Stakeholder engagement will be equally important. The role requires building relationships with government departments, district authorities, communities, suppliers and commercial partners. Strong local credibility and the ability to negotiate agreements will therefore be valuable assets.
The position also carries significant commercial and financial responsibilities, including CAPEX and operating-cost planning and monitoring commercial performance against the approved project plan.
What ForAfrika Is Looking For
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in commerce, entrepreneurship, business administration or a related discipline. Candidates are expected to have approximately 8–10 or more years of experience in business development, SME development, enterprise development or commercial operations.
ForAfrika particularly values candidates who have hands-on experience founding, operating or scaling a commercial venture. Experience in township markets, emerging markets, financial inclusion or access-to-finance environments would be advantageous.
Strong knowledge of the South African market is important, as is experience working with government, community and private-sector stakeholders. Candidates should also demonstrate commercial judgement, financial literacy and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Experience building field teams or operations functions from the ground up would strengthen an application. A postgraduate qualification in a commercial discipline is considered an additional advantage.
Location and Working Arrangements
The position is dual, combining extensive field-based work with flexible remote working depending on project requirements.
Initially, the successful candidate will conduct baseline assessments across Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Once the Hubs begin operating, the role will become primarily field-based in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
Because of the extensive travel requirements, applicants must hold a valid driver’s licence and be comfortable travelling regularly across the project areas. Existing networks in Mpumalanga, Limpopo or KwaZulu-Natal would also be beneficial.
Performance Expectations
The role has clearly defined performance indicators. All sites should be assessed, rated and reported on by the end of Month 3. By the end of Month 5, the first cohort of Hubs should have been selected and tiered, with their operating models finalised.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for keeping kiosk and PayGo procurement, construction and staffing on schedule for the Month 7 launch. Timely and accurate reporting to the General Manager – Social Enterprise will be another important measure of success.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Project Country Lead position offers more than conventional project management. It provides an opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to contribute directly to a project connecting renewable energy, water access, entrepreneurship and community development.
Candidates who enjoy working in dynamic environments, solving practical operational challenges and developing sustainable business models may find this opportunity particularly attractive.
With applications closing on 27 August 2026, qualified professionals interested in leading a commercially focused development project in South Africa should consider applying promptly.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through ForAfrika’s official recruitment process before the closing date. Apply for the Project Country Lead – SWEH role
Closing date: 27 August 2026
Contract: Initial 6 months, extendable by a further 6 months
Location: Mpumalanga and Limpopo, South Africa, with wider field coverage during baseline assessments
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
