National Early Learning Programs 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

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.