About the Role
The Department of Basic Education is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual for the position of Director: National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) based in Pretoria. This pivotal role is essential for the effective management and strategic leadership of the NSNP, which aims to provide nutritious meals to learners across South Africa. By ensuring that our children receive proper nutrition, this programme plays a crucial role in enhancing their overall health, academic performance, and long-term wellbeing.
As the Director of the NSNP, you will oversee the national coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the programme, working closely with provincial and district education departments. Your leadership will not only drive compliance with grant frameworks but will also promote the integration of nutrition education and sustainable food production within schools. This role is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in the lives of South African children and contribute meaningfully to public service.
About the Department
The Department of Basic Education is committed to providing quality education and promoting the wellbeing of learners throughout the nation. Its mission is to enhance educational outcomes and ensure that every child has access to a balanced and nutritious diet through the NSNP. Working in this department means being part of a larger movement dedicated to uplifting communities and fostering a healthier future for all South Africans.
What You’ll Do
- Provide strategic leadership and management for the National School Nutrition Programme.
- Coordinate the national oversight and monitoring of the NSNP Conditional Grant.
- Develop and implement policies, norms, and standards for program execution.
- Lead the integration of NSNP with relevant government programs related to food security.
- Oversee and support the effective implementation of the NSNP at provincial, district, and school levels.
- Prepare and present program performance reports to oversight structures.
- Evaluate and improve program implementation based on stakeholder collaboration.
- Manage risk and ensure compliance with public service regulations and financial management standards.
- Engage with various stakeholders to promote alignment with departmental priorities.
- Supervise and guide national officials within the NSNP Directorate.
What You’ll Need
- A qualification at NQF Level 7 as recognised by SAQA.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Middle/Senior management role.
- In-depth knowledge of school nutrition, nutrition programming, or food security.
- Experience in managing conditional grant programmes or comparable public sector initiatives.
- Strong analytical and project management skills.
- Knowledge of public finance management and relevant legislation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively.
- Proficiency in computer literacy.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below.
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Requirements
The applicant must be in possession of a qualification at NQF Level 7 as recognised by SAQA , 5 years’ experience at a Middle/Senior managerial level In-depth experience in school nutrition, nutrition or food security programming, conditional grant programme management, or a comparable large-scale public sector programme, together with a sound understanding of the National School Nutrition Programme; Experience in policy formulation and implementation processes; Experience in managing diverse stakeholders and working effectively with communities; Strong analytical, strategic, research, programme and project-management skills; A sound understanding of the national, provincial, district and school interface within the education sector; Knowledge and understanding of nutrition/dietetics and related research; Knowledge and understanding of Government’s strategic vision and Public Service legislation and policies applicable to the education sector; Knowledge of the public sector policy, legislative and regulatory environment, particularly the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) and Public Service Regulations (PSR); and An understanding of Government strategies and interventions relevant to the work of the Directorate.Process competencies: Knowledge Management; Service Delivery Innovation; Report Writing; Problem Solving and Analysis; Client Orientation and Customer Focus; and Communication.
Core competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership; Programme and Project Management; Financial Management; Knowledge Management; People Management and Empowerment; Communication; Innovation; and Creativity.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel extensively.
The successful candidate must demonstrate strong computer literacy and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a dynamic and demanding environment.
Job Duties
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and management of the National School Nutrition Programme and will be responsible for the national coordination, oversight and monitoring of the NSNP Conditional Grant, including programme implementation, compliance with the applicable grant framework, performance monitoring and reporting.Leading the development, review and implementation of norms, standards, policies and related measures for the National School Nutrition Programme; Providing strategic leadership in relation to the implementation of the three components of the NSNP, namely school feeding, nutrition education and sustainable food production; Coordinating the integration of the NSNP with relevant Government programmes, including the Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Programme (IFSNP); Overseeing, supporting and monitoring the implementation of the NSNP across provincial, district and school levels to promote consistent, efficient and quality programme delivery; Monitoring provincial implementation and performance against applicable grant requirements, programme objectives and agreed targets; Coordinating and supporting the preparation of programme and financial performance reports for relevant oversight structures; Evaluating programme implementation and impact in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and use evidence to inform programme improvement; Establishing and implement appropriate risk-management measures to strengthen accountability, governance and service-delivery outcomes; Managing and supervising national DBE officials within the NSNP Directorate, and provide strategic coordination, guidance, support and oversight in relation to NSNP implementation by provincial education departments; Leading and coordinating engagement with provincial education departments, other Government departments, communities and relevant stakeholders to promote alignment with departmental priorities and Government interventions; Promoting sound financial management and continuously monitor compliance with applicable Public Service prescripts and financial-management 5 requirements; and Performing such other functions as may reasonably be required in support of the effective management and implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme.
