Programme Manager - Early Childhood Development

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Leadership growth

Impactful programmes

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Programme Manager for an established ECD nonprofit in Sandton, Gauteng. The role leads design, implementation and growth of ECD programmes, with a focus on quality, compliance, and impact.

You will manage budgets, mentor a team, and build partnerships with government, donors and community partners. The position requires a Master’s in an relevant field, 7+ years of senior ECD experience, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in ECD, Education, Social Sciences or related field.
• 7+ years experience in managing ECD programmes or similar initiatives.
• Proven ability in strategic planning, programme design, implementation and evaluation.
• Strong leadership, team management and staff development skills.
• Excellent understanding of ECD best practices, policy landscape in SA.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership building and fundraising.
• Financial management and budgeting skills, strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for ECD programmes.
• Oversee design and delivery of high-quality ECD services, including curriculum and pedagogy.
• Manage programme budgets and financial accountability.
• Lead, mentor and supervise a team of ECD practitioners and staff.
• Build relationships with government, partners, donors, and stakeholders.
• Monitor performance, evaluate impact, and report outcomes to board and funders.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and best practices in ECD.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant writing and proposals.
• Represent the organization at forums and community events.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement within ECD programmes.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Fundraising

Communication

Education

Master's degree in ECD/Education/Social Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a well-established non-profit organization dedicated to improving Early Childhood Development (ECD) outcomes in Sandton, Gauteng . We are seeking an experienced and visionary Programme Manager to lead and expand our ECD initiatives. This role involves strategic planning, programme design, implementation oversight, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of young children in the community, ensuring access to quality educational and developmental support. This is a senior position for a passionate leader committed to making a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for ECD programmes aligned with organizational goals and national standards.
• Oversee the design and delivery of high-quality ECD services, including curriculum development and pedagogical approaches.
• Manage programme budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of ECD practitioners and support staff.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, community partners, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor programme performance, evaluate impact, and report on outcomes to the board and funders.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and best practices in ECD.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant writing and proposal development.
• Represent the organization at relevant forums, conferences, and community events.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement within the ECD programmes.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing ECD programmes or related social development initiatives.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, programme design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong leadership, team management, and staff development skills.
• Excellent understanding of ECD best practices, pedagogy, and policy landscape in South Africa.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and fundraising.
• Exceptional financial management and budgeting skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, requiring both strategic oversight and hands‑on engagement in Sandton .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary of R per annum , commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• This position comes with the benefits of a hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• You will have significant opportunities for professional development and leadership growth within a respected organization.
• Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming the lives of young children in Sandton, Gauteng .
• We offer a chance to lead impactful programmes and shape the future of early childhood education in the region.