About the Role
The Department of Education is seeking an Assistant Director: ECD: Data Quality Assurance Officer based in Cape Town. This vital role is essential for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of Early Childhood Development (ECD) data within the Early Childhood Administration and Reporting System, known as eCares. By monitoring and enhancing data quality, the successful candidate will play a crucial part in supporting provincial and district users, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of ECD programs across South Africa.
The work done in this role directly impacts the community by enabling better planning and service delivery in early childhood education. The Assistant Director will not only troubleshoot data entry issues but also conduct training sessions to empower users in maintaining high standards of data quality. This position is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young children and their families through improved education policies and practices.
About the Department
The Department of Education is dedicated to ensuring quality education for all South Africans. Its mission includes providing accessible, equitable, and high-quality education to learners across the country. Working within this department means being part of a team that fundamentally shapes the future of education in South Africa, focusing on early childhood development as a key area of growth and innovation.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor and assess the accuracy and completeness of ECD data in the eCares system.
- Support provincial and district users with data entry, uploads, corrections, and troubleshooting.
- Conduct regular data quality checks and implement measures for improvement.
- Maintain records of discrepancies and resolutions while preparing routine reports.
- Conduct training sessions for users on data quality requirements and best practices.
- Advocate for the effective use of eCares reports and dashboards in ECD operations.
- Collaborate with national, provincial, and district stakeholders to enhance data quality practices.
- Assist with user access management and respond to system usage queries.
What You’ll Need
- A SAQA-recognised three-year post-matric qualification (NQF6 or higher) in Data Management, Information Systems, Statistics, Social Sciences, Monitoring & Evaluation, or a related field.
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field is advantageous.
- At least 5 years of experience in data management, data quality assurance, monitoring, or system support.
- Familiarity with education sector data, particularly EMIS or ECD programs, is beneficial.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data validation; knowledge of Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the capability to work independently.
- A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel within the province.
How to Apply
Please follow the application instructions provided below.
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Requirements
Applicants must have a SAQA-recognised three-year post-matric qualification (NQF6 or higher) in Data Management, Information Systems, Statistics, Social Sciences, M&E or related field.A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
5 years' experience in data management, data quality assurance, monitoring or system support.
Experience in the education sector data (e.
g.
, EMIS) or ECD programmes is beneficial.
Strong proficiency in: Microsoft Excel and data validation; Business Intelligence tools (e.
g.
, Power BI, Tableau) advantageous; Basic database and reporting processes.
Ability to support end-users and provide helpdesk-style guidance.
Good communication (verbal & written) and stakeholder coordination skills.
Problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel provincially.
Job Duties
The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring and improving accuracy, completeness and consistency of ECD data in the Early childhood Administration and Reporting System -eCares.Supporting district and 192 provincial users with data entry, uploads, corrections and troubleshooting.
Conducting data quality checks and implementing improvement measures.
Maintaining records of discrepancies, resolutions and reporting artefacts.
Supporting preparation of routine provincial and district reports.
Conducting and supporting user training and capacity-building.
Promoting the utilisation of dashboards and reports for planning and service delivery.
Supporting user access management and assisting with system usage queries.
Collaborating with national, provincial and district stakeholders to drive improved data quality practices.
Conduct or support training sessions (virtually and in-person) for provincial and district users on data quality requirements (working with provincial training team).
Reinforce importance of accurate data entry and maintenance.
Share tips and guidance for improving data quality.
Design and implement data quality and completeness reviews.
Advocate for use of eCares reports and dashboards to support ECD operations and planning.
Advocate and train province and district users in using reports and dashboards to support their operations and planning for ECD, including data collection where appropriate (initialisation of eCares usage to support ECD business processes and ECD related Data usage and reporting practices).
Ensuring that reports and new plans are prepared with enough lead time to get the necessary approvals.
The candidate will report to the provincial EMIS head and work closely with the ECD Directorate.
