Senior Project Manager

Hashtag Nonprofit NPC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee the establishment of a Project Management Office for a flagship education initiative in South Africa. This role involves stakeholder management, project coordination, and ensuring effective delivery of education outcomes in collaboration with multiple partners. The ideal candidate will have extensive project management experience, a master’s degree, and a strong commitment to improving educational standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Public Policy, Development Studies or related field.
• At least 5 years’ experience in the South African education sector.
• Minimum 7 years project management experience in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the PMO within NASCEE.
• Serve as the central liaison between funders and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage a consolidated digital M&E framework.

Skills

Data analysis

Project planning

Leadership

Conflict management

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Education

Master’s degree in Public Policy

Master’s degree in Development Studies

Job description

• National Association of Social Change Entities in Education (NASCEE)
  
  

Senior Project Manager at NASCEE

• Deadline:
  
  

30 June 2025

• Region:
  
  

Johannesburg or Cape Town

• Type of employment:
  
  

Full time

Job Description

The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for establishing and managing the Project Management Office (PMO) hosted by NASCEE, supporting a flagship Grade R initiative in Mpumalanga. This multi-funder, multi-implementer project focuses on teacher training to improve school readiness, literacy, and numeracy. It brings together the Mpumalanga Department of Education, the Roger Federer Foundation, four implementing partners, and two additional funders, all working collaboratively to strengthen foundational learning outcomes across the province.

The Senior Project Manager will lead the PMO, ensuring effective coordination across partners and seamless integration with provincial operations. Responsible for end-to-end implementation, the role will drive delivery, accountability, and high-quality communication and reporting. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and proven PMO leader, committed to improving education outcomes in South Africa.

The role will require periodic travel to Mpumalanga.

Roles and Responsibilities

PMO leadership

Establish and lead the PMO within NASCEE to drive the successful delivery of the initiative. Liaise with the Mpumalanga Department of Education to align and embed resources and activities with their strategic objectives and operations. Develop and manage integrated project planning and resources, and ensure coordinated, timely execution across all components. Identify cost efficiencies and implement processes to improve effectiveness.

Stakeholder Management

Serve as the central liaison between funders, implementing partners, and provincial government stakeholders, fostering strong, collaborative relationships. Ensure clear communication, mutual understanding of roles, and alignment across programmes. Lead regular coordination meetings and facilitate swift resolution of issues.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting & Learning

Develop and manage a consolidated digital M&E framework across all implementing partners, ensuring adherence to reporting cycles, quality standards, and compliance requirements. Produce high-quality, data-informed reports for funders and stakeholders. Collaborate with partners to capture insights, stories of change, and lessons learned, and share these through NASCEE’s platforms.

Risk Management

Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies. Maintain a risk register and escalate critical issues to the CEO and/or funders when necessary.

Communications

Work with communication specialists to develop a provincial communication strategy for the project.

Qualifications And Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Education, Public Policy, Development Studies, or related field
• At least 5 years’ experience in the South African education sector
• Minimum 7 years project management experience gained within complex environments
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder or consortium-led initiatives with a range of partners, incl. government
  
  

Skills and Attributes

• Data driven, incl. the ability to analyse and interpret data
• Exceptional project planning and organisational skills
• Strong leadership and facilitation capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and integration
• Ability to manage conflict and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, incl. drafting reports and presentations
  
  

How to apply

Closing date: 30 June 2025

Please send your CV and 1-page cover letter to [e-mail] with the subject line Senior Project Manager. For further information, go to www.nascee.org.za

Please accept your application as unsuccessful if you have not heard from us by 1 August 2025.

NASCEE is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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• Date posted:
  
  

13 June 2025

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