The Gem Project is a youth-based education NGO, situated in Port Elizabeth. The project runs several community-based programs and projects. our focus areas are youth that have experienced difficulties with school drop-out, learning difficulties, behaviour issues, substance abuse and come from very disadvantaged backgrounds. Our Youth Academy comprises of functional integrated programmes in Adult Education and Training, Life-skills, Vocational, Entrepreneurship training, Work Readiness Skills as well as Sports and Recreation. The Youth Academy model is a holistic educational and skills training programme, which focus on the psychosocial, educational, skills development and life skills empowerment of the youth beneficiary. Our other programmes include a Residential Care Program for youth aged 6 to 17 years old and extensive community outreach, community education and stay in school programmes.
The GEM Project seeks to appoint a Education and Skills Project Manager to be based in South Africa.
The incumbent will be responsible for the overall management and oversight of the projects’ entire Education programmes across all departments, that fall within the scope of The Gem Projects objectives. These departments service the basic educational and vocational skills training needs of the beneficiary children and youth. These are therefore independent functioning operational units within the Project, however their programmes and curriculum are interdependent and interrelated to contribute to overall educational development and empowerment of the beneficiary.
The employee will manage a multi-disciplinary team and carry out all management oversight functions to ensure that each department’s focus areas are aligned and that departmental operations are streamlined to function efficiently and effectively.
The position requires the employee to have extensive knowledge of and experience in the running of a dual-model school, or any other institution of learning and development.
The employee will take full responsibility for the operational oversight and management of:
Project Management/Delivery:
Develop and maintain project plans for a range of projects you are responsible for
Ensure programmes are delivered in a timely manner, managing risks, and escalating any issues where necessary
Develop, implement, and maintain monitoring and evaluation systems for all programmes within your responsibility, to ensure that our work is impactful
Develop, implement, and maintain project tracking documentation and systems and ensure that it is kept up to date
Work with all departments to ensure that all aspects of the project and education department are aligned with across all departments
Produce project case studies
Produce written materials for projects (including recruitment materials, project resources, curriculum etc.)
Instructional Management:
Participate in the development, revision, implementation, management, and evaluation of all educational programmes
Encourage and support development of innovative, stimulating instructional programmes, helping facilitators pilot such efforts when appropriate
Promote the use of technology in teaching/learning process
Manage recruitment and selection processes for all relevant projects/departments
Manage all training plans, timetables, schedules
Supervision of all aspects of student discipline, behaviour management, wellness care plans, development plans and exit strategies
Set up extracurricular, artistic, musical, and sporting activities for Gem Project students in and out of their communities
Organizational Climate:
Promote a positive, caring climate for learning
Deal sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse backgrounds
Communicate effectively with students and staff
Organizational Improvement:
Participate in the revision, development and implementation and management of polices, processes and procedures
Revise, implement and manage organizational efficiency improvement plans with staff, students, community members
Implement cohesive inter departmental communication frameworks, to ensure overall achievement of project departmental objectives
Personnel Management:
Management of all education department staff performance, objectives, training needs, schedules, and work loads
Develop and manage staff development plans, capacity building, performance evaluations
Managing and developing performance indicators for all direct reports and providing prompt and objective coaching and counselling
Administration, Financial and Operational Management:
Supervise overall operations of the day to running of the various onsite/offsite programmes
Manage all budgets and expenses for Education Programmes, working with department heads to compile quarterly/annual budgets and reports
Progress reporting on all programmes on bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly basis
Community Relations:
Devise an after-school education support programme for community students of all ages
Devise a community-based education programme for out of school youth
Devise a community-based education and training programme for unemployed youth and adults
Developing and overseeing Community scholarships and student sponsorship programmes (primary up to tertiary)
Partnership development/Fundraising & Donations:
Scope potential and develop new partnerships to with local authorities, funders, partners, education organizations, NGO’s, stakeholders where relevant to the project programmes
Build relationships with other stakeholders across the education sector, relevant to the project
Produce and manage partnership agreements/contracts/SLAs for partners where relevant
Represent the Gem Project in coordination of meetings and partnerships with internal and external partners
Spearhead fundraising initiatives and drives
Maintain organizational consistency through maintenance of strong and positive relations with all stakeholders
Researching, implementing, and managing Internship and Volunteer Programmes
QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
A degree in the field of Education/Psychology or related field essential.
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a similar educational and/or further education and skills training environment.
A thorough understanding of school/training provider operations
A strong ability to implement policies and procedures
Proven senior level management experience in managing and leading a multi-disciplinary team.
Sound understanding of the South African Education regulatory environment.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Local, Provincial and National Government Educational structures and systems.
Dual educational and vocational skills training experience in a school/learning institution environment will be advantageous.
Valid drivers’ licence and own vehicle essential.
English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa language proficiency
Must have understanding, knowledge and extensive experience with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds that may have low literacy levels, learning challenges (Remedial learners), behaviour issues, ADHD, past drug users
High degree of analytical & numerate skills.
Proven writing skills to produce qualitative monitoring and performance reports.
Highly computer literate, with excellent electronic report writing skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Willingness to participate in planned weekend events/sports and holiday programmes for the learners.
Excellent team and resource mobilization skills.
Passion for development
Ability to multitask.
Ability to remain attentive in an often busy environment;
Ability to resolve and/or escalates issues in a timely fashion.
Understands how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully.
Genuine commitment to teamwork and the collective effort to bring about positive and impactful educational and skills development in children and youth.
A competitive market related salary will be offered based on qualifications and experience. Shortlisted applicants will be expected to undergo a panel interview and required psychometric assessments.
Should you meet the job requirements, submit a CV with supporting documents to Juliet Jarvis at [email protected]
For more about The Gem Project, refer to https://www.givengain.com