Early Learning Programme (ELP) Support Lead

PurposePhil Career; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Ilifa Labantwana is seeking an experienced leader to shape how early learning programmes are supported to register, access subsidies, and improve quality across South Africa.

You will lead strategy and implementation across the country, working with government, Bana Pele PMU, and delivery partners to identify barriers, develop practical solutions, and guide programmes towards measurable progress and impact.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate or equivalent experience in relevant field.
• Experience with government and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated experience turning strategy into action and impact.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, public service delivery or livelihoods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the national ELP support strategy.
• Improve the registration journey for ELPs.
• Design support approaches that respond to the needs of ELP owners.
• Use data and evidence to identify bottlenecks and improve performance.
• Lead problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts.
• Build strong partnerships with government and sector stakeholders.
• Mobilise resources and partnerships to strengthen ELP support.
• Ensure the experiences and needs of ELP owners remain at the centre of decisionmaking.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Data interpretation

Change management

Cross-government collaboration

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Two-year contract | Hybrid in Johannesburg or Cape Town

Reports to: Co-Chief Executive Officer with a dotted line to the Director: Systems Design and Development

Join Ilifa Labantwana

At Ilifa Labantwana, we’re working to ensure that every young child in South Africa has access to quality early childhood development. We partner with government, communities and organisations to create better outcomes for children, caregivers and women.

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic leader to help shape how early learning programmes across South Africa are supported to register, access funding, improve quality and deliver better outcomes for children.

Why Join Ilifa?

This is a unique opportunity to influence a nationally significant ECD initiative and help strengthen support for thousands of early learning programmes.

You Will

• Lead work that has a direct impact on children, families and communities.
• Collaborate with government, sector leaders and delivery partners across South Africa.
• Use evidence, data and innovation to solve complex challenges.
• Help shape systems that improve access to quality early childhood development at scale.
• Be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team committed to long-term change.

About The Role

The ELP Support Lead will lead the strategy and implementation of support for early learning programmes across South Africa. Working closely with Ilifa, the Bana Pele Project Management Unit, government and delivery partners, you’ll identify barriers, develop practical solutions, use data to guide decisions and help programmes progress through registration, access subsidies and improve quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the national ELP support strategy.
• Improve the registration journey for ELPs.
• Design support approaches that respond to the needs of ELP owners.
• Use data and evidence to identify bottlenecks and improve performance.
• Lead problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts.
• Build strong partnerships with government and sector stakeholders.
• Mobilise resources and partnerships to strengthen ELP support.
• Ensure the experiences and needs of ELP owners remain at the centre of decisionmaking.

We’re Looking For Someone Who

• Has experience leading complex programmes or strategic initiatives.
• Can work effectively across government, civil society and partner organisations.
• Uses data and evidence to drive decision-making.
• Can translate strategy into practical implementation and measurable results.
• Is comfortable navigating complexity and driving change.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for young children and families.

Experience & Qualifications

• Relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with government and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated experience turning strategy into action and impact.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, public service delivery or livelihoods

would be advantageous.