WE ARE HIRING: Assistant Project Manager


POSITION: ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER (APM) (Western Cape Systemic Testing Project)

LOCATION: CAPE TOWN

Overview of position

JET Education Services seeks to appoint an agile and driven individual to work on this dynamic and logistically detailed Project. In supporting the Programme Manager (PM), the Assistant Project Manager (APM) will be afforded exposure to all aspects of project management. Concurrently, the APM will be provided with adequate opportunities to demonstrate their capability and suitability for more senior responsibilities within the project after the initial year of work. To this end, and in addition to the responsibilities outlined in the Job Description, the APM will have the role of Marking Manager, with direct responsibility for overseeing this critical phase of the project.

JOB SPECIFICATION

  • Masters degree in Education (or equivalent).
  • 8 - 10 years experience in line management.
  • 8 - 10 years experience in large scale project management preferably in Education
  • 5 - 8 years experience in financial management and budgeting
  • 8-10 years experience in education sector ( preferably schooling) - advantageous
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
  • Proficient in MS Office, project planning tools, and report writing
  • Experience and participation in assessments in schools will be advantageous; so previous experience in large data collection projects.
  • Expertise and skills in managing complex logistical support (e.g multiple teams, systems planning and time management) will be advantageous
  • Multilingual skills will be advantageous
  • A valid driver licence is compulsory

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1) Management of Marking

  • As Marking Manager, ensure optimal and efficient planning, implementation and risk management of the Marking Phase of the Project.
  • Run all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Marking Phase of the Project.
  • In collaboration with other members of the Marking Centre Operations Team, ensure that the agreed-to process flows are maintained and targets met with respect to daily marking, moderation and data capturing.

2) Budget and Financial Management

  • Manage the finances of the Marking Phase of the Project as per the agreed-to budget and with the assistance of the assigned Project Accountant.
  • Ensure compliance with JET standard procurement policy and procedures and the agreed-to deviations as detailed in the Project SOP.
  • Assist the PM with the review of the monthly general ledger and project accounts as prepared by the JET Project Accountant.
  • Assist the PM with the preparation of quarterly and annual financial reports and inform cashflow forecasts as required by JET finance and COO.
  • Assist the PM with the management of the 2026/27 Cash Flow, draw up and manage a predicted cash flow for Year 3 (2027/28) of Project delivery.

3) Line Management

  • With the guidance and support of JET HR, oversee the recruitment of staff by the Marking Centre Coordinator and the Chief Markers.
  • Effectively manage all JET permanent and contract staff (including from the Consortium partner) assigned/appointed to work on the Marking Phase of the Project.
  • Monitor Marking staff on fixed term contracts logging of time on Total Jet and advise the PM accordingly.
  • Deal with all HR-related matters arising during the Marking according to the Project’s SOP and JET’s policies and procedures.

4) Project Administration

  • Contribute to the overall quality management and assurance of the Project.
  • At the direction of the Testing Manager and Testing Coordinator, assist with the preparatory work for Testing – including the training and deployment of teams into the field.
  • At the direction of the Testing Manager & Testing Coordinator, the APM will assist in the process of recruiting suitably qualified and experienced individuals to the 58 Testing Teams, their training and subsequent deployment into the field.
  • The APM will take direct responsibility for overseeing the process of vetting newly recruited staff involved in the Testing side of the operation.
  • Take overall responsibility for managing the vetting of all newly appointed staff on both the Testing and Marking Phases of the Project.
  • Maintain an up-to-date Stock Register of all Project equipment and for the replacement or procurement of all required equipment and assets.
  • Ensure that the Project’s data management system is fit for purpose and conforms to JET standard practices.
  • Oversee the timeous purchase of consumables required to meet deliverables with respect to the Marking Phase of the Project.
  • The APM will take specific responsibility for ensuring that the Project’s data management system is fit for purpose and conforms to JET standard practices.

5) Reporting

  • Assist the PM will collating Monthly Project Report to the COO as per agreed timeframes.
  • Submit any other reports for internal JET consumption as directed by the PM.
  • Assist the PM in compiling client reports as and when required by the client.

Overview of roles and responsibilities of position

  • The APM will be expected to familiarise themselves with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the Project and engage in all aspects of Project delivery at the direction of the PM and other Project staff.
  • Under the auspices of the PM, the APM will take direct responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the Marking Phase of the Project.
  • The APM will be assigned tasks by the PM which may necessitate the direct line management of Project staff. This will specifically apply during the Marking Phase of the Project when the APM will fulfil the role of Marking Manager.

Conditions of appointment and service


Whilst the incumbent in this position is appointed subject to JET’s standard conditions of service, during this active Testing/Marking period, the APM is required to be on duty outside of normal office hours. Compensation for which will be in terms of ‘time in lieu’, as per agreement with the PM and as guided by JET policies.

Appointment period


The initial appointment period is from 1 May 2026 – 30 April 2027 (12 months): fulltime, fixed term contract.

Renumeration

Total CtC: R700 000.00 - R850 000.00 per annum


All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to independent relevant reference checks. The preferred candidate will be required to undergo a technical assessment.
Applications must be done online via this form no later than 29th March 2026, 23h00. Late applications will not be considered.