About the Role
The Free State Provincial Department of Health is excited to announce a vacancy for the position of Director: Early Childhood Care & Education Directorate, based in Bloemfontein. This pivotal role is designed for someone who is passionate about enhancing the lives of young children across the province. As a Director, you will oversee the strategic coordination and management of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services, ensuring that they meet the highest standards and align with both provincial and national directives.
The position carries significant responsibility, as it directly influences the quality of early childhood education in Free State. By implementing strategic plans and managing operations, you will play a crucial part in shaping the future of countless children in the community. The work you do will not only support the development of young learners but also empower families and communities across the province.
About the Department
The Free State Provincial Department of Health is dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing across the province. Its mandate includes overseeing various health services, including early childhood education, which is vital for fostering healthy development in young children. Working within this department means being part of a mission to build a healthier, more educated society, and your efforts will contribute to impactful public service initiatives that resonate within the community.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee and ensure the effective management of ECCE services in the province.
- Implement strategic plans, Annual Performance Plans, and Operational Plans.
- Manage compliance with the Children’s Act and ensure proper financial oversight in the ECCE sector.
- Monitor and facilitate timely transfers to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.
- Coordinate professional development for social workers and ECCE practitioners.
- Maintain and monitor partial care databases and registers.
- Ensure all ECCE services are accurately uploaded to the Learner Management System.
- Organize district quarterly review sessions and provide guidance on outcomes.
- Support the expansion of ECCE services throughout the province.
- Facilitate inter-sectoral coordination to improve ECCE services.
What You’ll Need
- A qualification at NQF level 7 recognized by SAQA.
- At least 5 years of experience in a middle or senior management role.
- A valid Code B/EB driver’s license.
- Strong conceptual and formulation skills.
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient verbal and written communication abilities.
- Exceptional planning, organizational, and people management skills.
- High level of computer literacy.
- Ability to manage complex situations and provide objective guidance.
- Competence in multitasking and adapting to rapidly changing environments.
How to Apply
To apply, please follow the application instructions provided below.
Requirements
An applicable qualification at NQF level 7 as recognized by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).5 Years of experience at a middle/senior managerial level.
Valid Code B/EB Driver’s license.
Preference will be given to candidates with strong conceptual and formulation skills; strong leadership skills with specific reference to the ability to display thought leadership and co- ordination of complex applications; strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; outstanding planning, organizational and people management skills; computer literacy; a highly developed interpretative and conceptualization/ formulation ability; the ability to render advice and guidance in an objective and dedicated manner; The ability to multi-task, deal with ambiguity and manage under rapidly changing and pressurized circumstances; the ability to persuade and influence; the ability to lead and direct teams of professionals and service providers and ability to deal with complex situations.
Job Duties
Ensure effective and efficient coordination and overall management of the Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) service in the province.To manage the implementation of strategic plan, Annual Performance Plan and the Operational Plan.
To manage the performance of the unit in term of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 pertaining to partial care and Child Protection as well as the implementation of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and all other applicable legislations in the ECCE sector.
Ensure proper financial management and coordination in the ECCE sector in line with the PFMA and related policies.
Monitor and ensure timely transfer payments to ECDs.
Ensure proper planning and coordination of professional development of Social Workers and ECCE practitioners in the ECD sector.
To ensure that Partial care database/registers are in place and monitored.
Ensure that all ECCE service is uploaded on the agreed upon Learner Management System.
Ensure that capacity building support programs and training are conducted and monitored for ECCE management and governance and output assessed.
Ensure that the district quarterly review sessions are arranged and guidance is provided on the expected outcomes.
Ensure the expansion of the ECCE service within the province by providing the necessary support across the districts.
Facilitate Inter-Sectoral Coordination to improve and better the ECCE service.
Manage the provision of partial care facilities and programmes in the Free State.
Manage the provision of Early Childhood Care and Education programmes.
Develop and manage the implementation of norms and standards for Early Childhood Care & Education Centre’s.
Manage a comprehensive electronic information Management system.
Manage funding of partial care and Early Childhood Care & Education facilities and programmes.
