Assistant Director: S/Dir: Ecd Centres - Conditional Grant

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: S/DIR: ECD CENTRES - CONDITIONAL GRANT is listed by DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. The post is based in Head Office, Mpumalanga. The closing date is 08 October 2026.

Job Details

Requirements

• A SAQA-recognised three-year post-matric qualification (NQF L6 or higher) in Data Management, Information Systems, Statistics, Social Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation or a related field.
• Five years’ experience in data management, data quality assurance, monitoring or system support.
• Experience in the education sector data (e.g., EMIS) or ECD programmes is beneficial.
• Knowledge of database management.
• Knowledge of business intelligence reporting.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data validation.
• Strong proficiency in Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is advantageous.
• Command of basic database and reporting processes.
• Ability to support end-users and provide helpdesk-style guidance.
• Good communication (verbal and written) and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel provincially.
• 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.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Monitoring and improving accuracy, completeness and consistency of ECD data in the Early Childhood Administration and Reporting System (eCares).
• Supporting district and provincial users with data entry, uploads, corrections and troubleshooting.
• Conducting data quality checks and implementing improvement measures.
• Maintaining records of discrepancies, resolutions and reporting artefacts.
• Supporting the preparation of routine provincial and district reports.
• Conducting and supporting user training and capacity-building.
• Promoting the utilisation of dashboards and reports for planning and service delivery.
• Supporting user access management and assisting with system usage queries.
• Collaborating with national, provincial and district stakeholders to drive improved data quality practices.
• Conducting or supporting training sessions (virtually and in-person) for provincial and district users on data quality requirements (working with a provincial training team).
• Reinforcing the importance of accurate data entry and maintenance.
• Sharing tips and guidance for improving data quality.
• Designing and implementing data quality and completeness reviews.
• Advocating for the use of eCares reports and dashboards to support ECD operations and planning.
• Advocating and training provincial and district users in using reports and dashboards to support their operations and planning for ECD, including data collection where appropriate.
• Ensuring that reports and new plans are prepared with enough lead time to get the necessary approvals.

Application Instructions

Application instructions from department section

The Mpumalanga Department of Education awaits applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for appointment to positions, as set out below: Should be uploaded via the following link https://erecruitment.mpg.gov.za

Method: Online link

Notes

should be submitted on the latest Form Z.83, obtainable from any Public Service Department. Applications must in all cases be accompanied by a recently updated comprehensive CV only.

Only shortlisted candidates for a post will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity document and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview following communication from the relevant HR section of the Department. The filling of posts will be done in terms of the Department’s approved Employment Equity Plan.

Due to ongoing internal processes, the Department reserves the right to withdraw any post at any time. The Department reserves the right to verify the qualifications of every recommended candidate prior to the issuing of an offer of appointment.

All short-listed candidates will be subject to a vetting process prior to appointment. If no response is received from Mpumalanga Department of Education within 90 days after the closing date of the advertisement, applicants must assume that their application was not successful.

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.

Enquiries should be directed to 013 766 5524/5175/5267/5458/5350: Ms. NP Magagula / Ms. SL Mkhatshwa / Ms. SR Ndzinisa / Mr. X Sifunda, YT Mthethwa - HR Recruitment. MANAGEMENT ECHELON

Circular Notes

Circular Notes

can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email ASDERrecruit84@nda.gov.za NOTE: EE Target: Africans, Indians, Coloureds, Whites and Persons with Disabilities. 7 ANNEXURE B DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE APPLICATIONS: Department of Defence, Office of the Secretary for Defence, Private Bag X910, Pretoria, 0001 or you may hand deliver to ARMSCOR Building C/O Nossob & Delmas Ave, Erasmuskloof Ext 4, Pretoria, 0001 or email to zama.mahlangu@dod.mil.za CLOSING DATE: 28 September 2026 at 16h00 (Applications received after the closing date and faxed copies will not be considered).

NOTE: It is the Department’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of these posts with candidates whose transfer/promotion/appointment will promote representivity in line with the numeric targets as contained in our Employment Equity plan. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed form Z83 (obtainable from any Public Service

Enquiries

Mr. EK Siwela Tel No: (013) 766 5922

Required Documents

CV, Qualifications, Driver licence, Other

DPSA Circular Source

• Circular: DPSA Circular 33 of 2026
• Source pages: 172–173
• Open the DPSA circular PDF