Deputy Director – Early Childhood Operations Manager x1
Job Details
Free State Department of Education
- Reference Number: PS4/2026/02
- Position: Deputy Director: Early Childhood Operations Manager
- Department: Free State Department of Education
- Directorate: Early Childhood Development (ECD) Directorate
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Salary
- R932,292 – R1,098,195 per annum
Salary Level: 11
Main Purpose of the Position
The Deputy Director: Early Childhood Operations Manager is responsible for leading, coordinating, and monitoring the implementation of Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, registration processes, subsidy administration, infrastructure support initiatives, and business process improvement projects across the province. The role ensures alignment between national and provincial priorities while supporting district implementation and stakeholder collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
1. ECD Programme Implementation Management
- Coordinate the implementation of national ECD programmes and initiatives at provincial and district levels.
- Translate national implementation plans into practical provincial action plans.
- Ensure alignment between provincial objectives and national ECD priorities.
- Support districts in achieving programme targets and compliance requirements.
2. Registration and Subsidy Process Management
- Oversee implementation of ECD registration processes.
- Coordinate provincial execution of subsidy administration and funding workflows.
- Monitor registration and subsidy performance across districts.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement corrective interventions.
- Promote improved efficiency and service delivery within ECD business processes.
3. Operational Planning and Project Coordination
- Plan, coordinate, and manage multi-functional projects and implementation initiatives.
- Develop operational plans and implementation schedules.
- Monitor project milestones, deliverables, risks, and outcomes.
- Ensure projects are completed within established timelines and objectives.
4. Training and Capacity Building
- Facilitate and coordinate training programmes relating to:
- ECD registration processes
- Subsidy administration workflows
- eCares system updates
- Operational procedures and compliance requirements
- Support district officials and stakeholders in implementing new processes and systems.
- Strengthen operational capacity across districts.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
- Coordinate engagement between:
- Provincial departments
- District offices
- ECD centres
- Government partners
- Development partners
- Sector stakeholders
- Build collaborative relationships to improve programme implementation.
- Facilitate meetings, workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
6. ELP and Compliance Support
- Support implementation of ELP (Early Learning Programme) requirements.
- Ensure compliance requirements are met for subsidy eligibility and programme implementation.
- Monitor adherence to policy and operational standards.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation and Performance Management
- Monitor district-level programme delivery and implementation performance.
- Track progress against targets and implementation plans.
- Analyse operational performance indicators.
- Ensure timely resolution of implementation challenges and service delivery blockages.
- Recommend improvement strategies based on performance findings.
8. Reporting and Information Management
- Coordinate reporting processes across districts.
- Compile:
- Weekly implementation reports
- Provincial performance reports
- Dashboard updates
- Consolidated management reports
- Present findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
9. Business Process Improvement
- Drive implementation of initiatives aimed at improving:
- ECD registration administration
- Subsidy administration processes
- Operational efficiency
- Service delivery effectiveness
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and innovation within ECD operations.
10. District Support and Programme Interventions
- Provide ongoing implementation support to district teams.
- Assist districts in addressing operational challenges.
- Coordinate interventions where programme performance requires improvement.
- Conduct site visits and field support activities when required.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess:
- A SAQA-recognised three-year post-matric qualification (NQF Level 6 or higher) in a relevant field such as:
- Public Administration
- Public Management
- Education
- Development Studies
- Business Management
- Project Management
- Social Sciences
- Or a related qualification
Advantage
- Project Management qualification or certification.
Experience
Applicants must have:
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in:
- Operational delivery
- Programme implementation
- Project coordination
- Implementation support environments
Preferred Experience
Experience in:
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes
- Provincial programme implementation
- Stakeholder coordination and engagement
- Multi-functional project management
- Government programme delivery environments
Required Knowledge
Early Childhood Development (ECD)
Knowledge of:
- ECD programme implementation
- ECD registration processes
- ECD subsidy administration
- Infrastructure support programmes
- Early learning and development initiatives
Government Operations and Service Delivery
Understanding of:
- Public sector programme management
- Provincial and district operations
- Government reporting systems
- Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Public service regulations and procedures
Project and Programme Management
Knowledge of:
- Project planning and execution
- Risk management
- Performance monitoring
- Resource coordination
- Change management
Information and Reporting Systems
Knowledge of:
- eCares system functionality and implementation
- Dashboard monitoring tools
- Performance reporting systems
- Data analysis and information management processes
Essential Skills and Competencies
Leadership and Management Skills
- Operational leadership
- Team coordination
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Strategic implementation management
Project Management Skills
- Project planning and scheduling
- Coordination of multiple workstreams
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Monitoring project performance
Communication Skills
- Excellent verbal communication
- Professional report writing
- Presentation and facilitation skills
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
Stakeholder Management Skills
- Negotiation and influencing skills
- Partnership development
- Conflict resolution
- Interdepartmental collaboration
Analytical Skills
- Performance analysis
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Data interpretation
- Process improvement analysis
Organisational Skills
- Planning and prioritisation
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Ability to manage competing priorities
Additional Requirements
- Valid South African driver’s licence.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the province.
- Willingness to work beyond normal office hours when operational requirements demand.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure.