Early Childhood Development Specialist (ECD)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Career development opportunities

Impactful ECD initiatives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist in Polokwane, Limpopo. This hybrid role combines in-office duties with community outreach, site visits, and program evaluation to improve early learning environments.

You will design and implement ECD programs, train practitioners, monitor quality, and advocate for children's rights. A Bachelor's or Master's in a related field and 4–5 years' experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (ECD, education, social work).
• 4–5 years' experience in ECD with program management and training.
• Solid knowledge of ECD frameworks, curriculum development, and QA standards.
• Proven ability to design and deliver effective training programs.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement evidence-based ECD programs and initiatives.
• Conduct training workshops and provide ongoing mentorship to practitioners.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of ECD services across centers.
• Assess needs of ECD centers and provide improvement recommendations.
• Develop age-appropriate curriculum materials and resources.
• Facilitate community engagement and awareness-raising activities.
• Collect and analyse data to track progress and impact.
• Advocate for policies supporting quality ECD services.
• Stay informed on trends and research in early childhood development.
• Manage project budgets and reporting requirements.

Skills

ECD knowledge

Curriculum development

Training delivery

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Work, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to improving early childhood development outcomes in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist. This hybrid role combines in-office responsibilities with community outreach and site visits, offering a dynamic work experience. The ECD Specialist will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and evaluating ECD programs, providing training and support to ECD practitioners, and advocating for quality early learning environments. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of ECD principles, curriculum development, and a passion for empowering educators and children. This position requires excellent organizational, communication, and facilitation skills, with a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young children in the Polokwane region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement evidence-based ECD programs and initiatives.
• Conduct training workshops and provide ongoing mentorship to ECD practitioners and caregivers.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of ECD services in various centers and communities.
• Assess the needs of ECD centers and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Develop and adapt age-appropriate curriculum materials and resources.
• Facilitate community engagement and awareness-raising activities related to ECD.
• Collect and analyze data to track program progress and impact.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support quality ECD services.
• Stay informed about current trends and research in early childhood development.
• Manage project budgets and reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Work, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of experience working in the ECD sector, with experience in program management and training.
• In-depth knowledge of ECD frameworks, curriculum development, and quality assurance standards.
• Proven ability to design and deliver effective training programs.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• A passion for advocating for children's rights and quality education.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa and reside in or be willing to commute to Polokwane, Limpopo.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between office-based and field activities.
• Opportunity to lead impactful ECD initiatives in the Polokwane area.
• Work with a dedicated team committed to early childhood development.
• Professional growth and development opportunities within the non-profit sector.