We are hiring: Technical Project Manager – Gauteng Grade 3 Literacy and Numeracy Programme

Location: Gauteng Department of Education

Contract Type: Fixed-term (3 years, renewable annually based on performance and aligned with Float funding)
Reports to: Office of the DDG: CMD (Curriculum Management and Development)

Background:

The Gauteng Programme is a Grade 3 Literacy and Numeracy Improvement Programme, under the GDE’s GET Strategy. The programme builds on and augments the GDE’s existing Language and Reading Improvement Programme (LRIP) and Mathematics Improvement Programme (MIP). It focuses on seven districts (JE, GN, EN, TS, ES, GE, SW). All no-fee primary schools with at least one African Home Language LOLTA in these districts (394 schools) will receive a basic programme of support (materials & teacher training). Of these schools, 194 will receive a more intense level of support (materials, teacher training & DH coaching) based on having more than a single African Home Language LOLTA. 

Purpose of the Role:

To ensure the effective operational management of the Gauteng Programme, the incumbent will be expected to coordinate related activities across the Gauteng Department of Education, service providers, and stakeholders to implement foundational literacy interventions on time, within scope, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Programme Design Leadership:

    • Develop a detailed management plan for the implementation of the programme over the three-year period in line with the agreed business plan 

    • Develop a plan, and oversee the embedding of the programme in the province, including skills transfer to the relevant provincial and district officials, and alignment with GDE existing processes and plans

    • Lead the review,  the revisions that will be done by implementing partners, to CAPS-aligned quarterly lesson plans and training content in Sesotho, Setswana, IsiZulu, Sepedi, EFAL, ensuring they integrate the DBE workbooks and a minimum set of classroom materials, while incorporating best practices to produce an updated and improved set of resources.

  • Programme Coordination:

    • Oversee and support the day-to-day operations of the programme 

    • Ensure alignment and integration between provincial plans, budgets, expenditure, and reporting on the programme. 

    • Ensure alignment and integration of activities implemented by service providers.

    • Develop, maintain and drive the master implementation schedule and track milestones.

  • Internal Coordination

    • Driving internal GDE coordination on FLOAT and literacy sustainability (or integration/planning).

    • This includes: convening meetings, ensuring timely preparation and approval of all necessary submissions, progress reports and briefings to the various branches/directorates.

  • Stakeholder Management:

    • Serve as primary liaison between the GDE service providers, Float funders, and implementing partners.

    • Organise and support regular meetings to ensure effective programme implementation and oversight e.g. the Technical Team, Steering Committee (FLOAT Chamber), reference groups, etc.

    • Ensure collaboration of all directorates and sub-directorates. 

    • Provide monthly progress updates to internal and external stakeholders. This includes the GDE executive, relevant directorates and funders. 

  • Logistics and Delivery:

    • Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timely collection of data related to training attendance, material printing and distribution, and school coverage, to support effective implementation, reporting, and decision-making.

    • Working with relevant service providers, manage logistical aspects such as training venues, material distribution, and assessment timelines.

    • Ensure compliance with procurement and reporting processes of the GDE and funders.

    • Oversee development and execution of risk mitigation strategies.

  • Quality Assurance and Capacity Building:

    • Establish appropriate reference groups to work with Subject Advisors, service providers and relevant GDE staff to quality-assure materials and programme delivery.

    • Oversee all Train-the-trainer sessions with Provincial Subject Coordinator, Subject Advisors and service providers each term which will be implemented by the implementing partner.

    • Oversee additional capacity-building workshops with Provincial Subject Coordinator, Subject Advisors and relevant School Management Teams which will be implemented by the implementing partner/s.

  • Monitoring and Reporting:

    • Support the collection and synthesis of monitoring data to inform programme improvements.

    • Develop quarterly and annual reports for funders and the department.

    • Ensure alignment with relevant APP targets and DBE priorities.

    • Collaborate with external researchers and evaluators on learning studies or midline/endline reviews.

    • Weekly and monthly reporting

Qualifications and experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Administration, or related field 

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in project management, preferably in large-scale education programmes

  • Experience in working with provincial departments or public sector systems.

  • Strong leadership, communication (verbal and written), organisational , presentation and facilitation skills.

  • Proficient in MS Office, project planning tools, and report writing

  • Must be able to travel

  • Must have a SACE certificate

  • Must be willing to work over weekends when required

  • Salary: R680 196.00 – R818 000.00 CTC per annum.

  • Applicants must have a South African ID.

  • All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to independent relevant reference checks.

  • The applicant must be able to start 1 December 2025.




Applications must be done online via this form no later than 31 October 2025, 23h00. Late applications will not be considered.