About the Role
The Department of Basic Education is seeking a highly skilled individual for the position of Deputy Director: ECD Operations Manager in Cape Town. This crucial role focuses on coordinating the execution of national Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives, including registration, subsidy processes, and business improvement plans. By adapting national strategies for provincial implementation, you will directly impact the quality of education and support services available to young children across South Africa. Your work will ensure that essential services and programmes are delivered effectively, benefiting families and communities alike.
In this role, you will engage with various stakeholders to facilitate training, coordinate efforts, and monitor district delivery. By driving the execution of new initiatives, you will play a vital part in enhancing operational efficiency within the ECD sector. Your contributions will not only support the growth of children but will also help build a robust foundation for their future, making this position a significant opportunity for anyone passionate about public service and education.
About the Department
The Department of Basic Education is dedicated to improving the quality of education in South Africa. With a mission to provide every child with access to quality education and support, the department plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s educational framework. Working within this department means being part of a collective effort to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life, contributing to the long-term socio-economic development of the nation.
What You’ll Do
- Coordinate the implementation of national ECD registration and subsidy plans at provincial and district levels.
- Adapt national strategies to meet local needs and secure necessary approvals from leadership.
- Facilitate training sessions on registration processes, subsidy workflows, and system updates.
- Engage with stakeholders to align efforts across departments and sector partners.
- Monitor district performance, track delivery, and resolve any operational blockages.
- Support the implementation of the Early Learning Programme (ELP) and ensure compliance with subsidy requirements.
- Drive new initiatives aimed at improving ECD operational efficiency.
- Provide ongoing support to district teams and programme interventions.
What You’ll Need
- A SAQA-recognized three-year post-matric qualification (NQF Level 6 or higher), with Project Management being an advantage.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in operational delivery or implementation support.
- Proven experience in ECD programme implementation and stakeholder coordination.
- Strong planning and coordination skills for multi-functional projects.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and reporting abilities.
- Ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders across various levels.
- Willingness to travel extensively and work beyond regular hours.
- Understanding of ECD registration, infrastructure support, and subsidy processes will be beneficial.
- A valid driver’s license is essential.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below.
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Requirements
Applicants must have a SAQA-recognised three-year post-matric qualification (NQF Level 6 or higher) with Project Management as an added advantage.Minimum 5 years' experience in an operational delivery or implementation support role.
Experience in ECD programme implementation, stakeholder coordination and provincial support.
Proven experience in planning and coordinating multi-functional projects.
Strong communication, facilitation and reporting skills.
Ability to influence, negotiate and drive delivery across provincial/district stakeholders.
Ability to travel extensively and work beyond normal working hours.
Understanding ECD registration, infrastructure support and subsidy processes will be advantageous.
A valid driver's license is essential.
Job Duties
The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the execution of national ECD registration, subsidy and overall ECD business process improvement plans at provincial and district levels.Adapting national plans for provincial implementation and securing approvals from PED leadership.
Facilitating training on registration processes, subsidy workflows and eCares system updates.
Coordinating stakeholder engagements and ensuring alignment across key departments and sector partners.
Supporting ELP implementation and ensuring requirements are met to achieve minimum compliance for subsidy fulfilment.
Monitoring district delivery, tracking performance and ensuring timely resolution of blockages.
Facilitating reporting processes, including weekly updates, dashboard monitoring and provincial consolidation.
Driving execution of new initiatives to improve registration, subsidy and other ECD Business process administration efficiency.
Provide ongoing implementation support to district teams and programme interventions.
