About the Role
The Department of Education is seeking a forward-thinking Director for Inclusive Education and Education Support at its Head Office in Mbombela. This vital role is designed for a dynamic leader who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of all learners, especially those with special educational needs. By developing and implementing effective policies and programs, the successful candidate will ensure that education in Mpumalanga is accessible, equitable, and inclusive, ultimately enhancing the community’s overall educational experience.
In this position, you will be part of a dedicated management team, collaborating to build a culture of efficiency and quality within the department. Your leadership will play a significant part in fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including organized labour, ensuring that the needs of learners are met with empathy and understanding. The work you do will not only support the Department’s mission but also contribute significantly to the development of future generations in South Africa.
About the Department
The Department of Education is committed to providing quality education to all learners across South Africa. Its mission is to create an inclusive educational environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their individual challenges. Working in this department means participating in a transformative journey that impacts the lives of countless individuals, ensuring that educational policies reflect the diverse needs of the population.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and maintain inclusive education policies, programs, and systems.
- Evaluate and improve existing educational strategies for ordinary learners and those with special learning needs.
- Design systems aimed at enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the Directorate.
- Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and clients.
- Promote a culture of quality and high performance within the department.
- Empower staff through performance management, coaching, and skills development.
- Engage in strategic planning and contribute to the overall management of the Department.
What You’ll Need
- An appropriate SAQA recognized Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF level 7) relevant to the education field.
- Minimum of 5 years experience in a middle/senior managerial position.
- Strong knowledge of government and departmental policies related to education.
- Proven experience in high-level planning, organizational development, and policy formulation.
- Excellent leadership and team-building skills with a focus on participative management.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial management skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
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Requirements
An appropriate SAQA recognised Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma or equivalent qualification (NQF level 7) relevant to the specific field plus a minimum of 5 years experience at a middle/senior managerial level.Knowledge of and experience in high level planning and management.
He or she will provide strategic leadership in the Directorate.
Knowledge of government and departmental policies as well as proven ability to work as part of a team.
Competencies: In depth knowledge and understanding of all legislation related to the Public Service and the education sector.
Distinct competence and a proven track record in the areas of participative management and leadership, organisational development, policy formulation, as well as programme management and evaluation.
Ability to capitalize on human potential and to build a strong team.
Strong leadership ability.
Advanced planning, organisational and project management skills.
Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop logical frameworks and other planning models.
Sound financial management skills.
Proven ability to communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of role players, both in writing and verbally.
Excellent report writing skills.
Excellent networking skills.
Willingness to travel 169 and work beyond normal working hours.
Ability to maintain the required level of information confidentiality and security.
Good computer user skills.
The ability to provide strategic leadership and to deliver excellent results under pressure will be a strong recommendation.
Valid driver's license.
Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a relevant technical exercise.
Please note: With effect from 1 April 2020, an individual may only qualify for appointment at SMS level provided that said official has successfully completed a Public Service Senior Management Leadership Programme and that he/she can produce the required Pre-entry Certificate as issued by the National School of Governance (NSG) on her/his own cost.
For further information related to the on-line course, interested officials are advised to contact nyukela@thensg.
gov.
za.
All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.
One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.
All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.
Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.
Job Duties
The Department of Education seeks to employ a dynamic leader as Director for the Inclusive Education Directorate.The successful candidate will take responsibility for the development and maintenance of policy, programmes and systems for inclusive education.
He or she will also be a member of the management structure of the Department, and will be expected to contribute at that level.
The Directorate is responsible for a range of functions, including: Development, evaluation and maintenance of policy, programmes and systems for; ordinary learners, learners with special learning needs and, psychological, guidance and social support programmes.
Design systems to improve the efficiency and productivity of the Directorate.
Pro-actively build sound relationships with key stakeholders and clients, including organised labour.
Promote a culture of efficiency and quality.
Empower staff within the component through performance management, coaching, development, and skills transfer.
