Job Description

Cotlands is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) committed to creating access to quality play-based early learning experiences through toy libraries and early learning playgroups. We capacitate adults working with children and educate the parents of children on a variety of topics related to early childhood development.Join the passionate team at this leading NGO, with a strong national footprint. The organisation is well established and has been in operation for more than 86 years.The Operations Manager will oversee the daily operations and deliverables of the operations team, as well as ensuring compliance to the Programme Policy file that outlines the expected standards to ensure quality toy library and early learning playgroup service delivery by a team of trained, motivated and high performing employees.

• Manage day-to-day operations for the early learning playgroups and toy libraries:

1.1 Recruit, orientate and induct new employees.1.2 Implement the early learning programme activities and objectives1.3 Annually prepare, communicate and monitor adherence to the Early Learning Playgroup and Toy Library year plans1.4 Update the operational calendar with key operational outputs by mid-November for the following year.1.5 Measure the performance of the team against achieving the strategic and operational set objectives1.6 Revise and ensure quality by regularly measuring compliance to the standards outlined in the Programme Policy File by conducting regular site visits.1.7 Resolve day-to day implementation problems1.8 Train employees on the Programme Policy File.1.9 Maintain complete records of attendance registers required for the annual non-financial audit.1.10 Identify trends related to attendance, outcome scores of children and put corrective measures in place.1.11 Submit the required documentation related to payroll on a monthly basis.1.12 Provide the required training to team members to promote best practice aimed at increasing childrens school readiness scores.1.13Identify areas where systems can be improved.1.14Host investors and the board on site to showcase our work.1.15Implement change related to gaps identified during monitoring and support visits.1.16Carry out risk assessments in collaboration with the team.

• Meet financial objectives:

2.1 Prepare regional budgets2.2 Monitor and report on expenditure2.3 Analyse variances2.4 Initiate corrective actions where required2.5 Submit required documentation to finance department on a monthly basis

• Enhance service delivery

3.1 Keep abreast of developments in the ECD landscape by participating in educational opportunities, reading articles, maintain a personal network of ECD mentors, as well as establishing, developing and maintaining strategic relationships so as to ensure that best practice principles are incorporated in the early learning programmes3.2 Explore opportunities to add value to the organisation3.3 Oversee internal and external evaluations of the early learning programme, as well as develop and implement interventions to close the identified gaps3.4 Represent the organisation on key ECD stakeholder forums3.5 Produce comprehensive progress reportsNATURE AND SCOPEQualifications, knowledge, experience requirements:

• The operations manager must be based in Gauteng or Mpumalanga.
• Qualifications required: ECD diploma level 6
• Experience: 3 to 5 or more years experience in a management position related to early childhood programmes
• 3 to 5 or more years managing project/regional budgets of R12 000 000
• 3 to 5 or more years managing a variety of stakeholders and beneficiaries
• Report writing skills
• Computer literate: Microsoft package, excel,
• Ability to work remotely with minimal supervision.
• Prepared to travel long distances
• Frequent business trips away from home
• Own vehicle and drivers license required

Competencies

• Tactical skills
• Leadership skills
• Ability to manage internal processes
• Monitoring and evaluation skills
• Resource management
• Problem solving skills
• Resilience
• Adherence to ethics and good governance
• Social Skills

Cotlands