Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program Manager

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Health benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced ECD Program Manager to lead strategic planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of early childhood development programs across South Africa. This remote role requires strong leadership, curriculum design expertise, and stakeholder engagement to deliver high-quality services for children and caregivers.

You will oversee budgets, lead a team of field officers, and collaborate with partners to strengthen the ECD sector while advancing fundraising

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• 5-7 years in managing and implementing ECD programs.
• Experience with curriculum development and capacity building for ECD practitioners.
• Strong leadership, communication, and remote-team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for ECD programs, aligned with organizational goals and best practices.
• Oversee day-to-day management of ECD projects, including budget management and work plan execution.
• Design and deliver training programs for ECD practitioners, facilitators, and caregivers.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, collect data, analyze results, and prepare reports for stakeholders and funders.
• Foster relationships with community partners, government agencies, and other ECD stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor a team of ECD field officers and support staff.
• Develop and manage program budgets with financial accountability.
• Contribute to fundraising through proposal writing and donor reporting.
• Advocate for policies supporting quality ECD services and rights of young children.
• Stay current with research and trends in early childhood development and education.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Program management

Curriculum development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in ECD/Education/Social Sciences

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Budgeting tools

Data collection tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to enhancing early childhood development across South Africa, is seeking a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program Manager. This is a crucial, fully remote position that allows you to shape and guide impactful ECD initiatives from anywhere within the country. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ECD programs designed to support young children and their caregivers. This role requires a deep understanding of child development theories, curriculum design, and community engagement strategies. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, project management, and communication skills, with a proven ability to manage teams and resources effectively in a remote setting. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive remote work culture, where innovation and collaboration thrive. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based ECD services that promote optimal learning and development outcomes for children in their crucial early years. You will play a key role in advocating for the importance of early learning and working with various stakeholders to strengthen the ECD sector. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of children and communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for ECD programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and best practices in early childhood education.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of ECD projects, including budget management, resource allocation, and work plan execution.
• Design and deliver training programs for ECD practitioners, facilitators, and caregivers on child development, pedagogy, and program implementation.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, collecting data, analyzing results, and preparing comprehensive reports for stakeholders and funders.
• Foster strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, and other ECD stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor a team of ECD field officers and support staff, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and efficient use of resources.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by assisting in proposal writing and reporting to donors.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support quality ECD services and the rights of young children.
• Stay current with research and trends in early childhood development and education.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in managing and implementing ECD programs, preferably within a non-profit or community-based setting.
• Proven experience in curriculum development, training, and capacity building for ECD practitioners.
• Strong understanding of child development milestones and pedagogical approaches for young children.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with experience managing remote teams.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health benefits package, including medical and dental coverage.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Contribution to meaningful work with a direct impact on children's lives.
• Supportive and collaborative remote team environment.
• Paid time off and holidays.