FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

APPLICATIONS : For All Posts: https://www.erecruitment.fs.gov.za

CLOSING DATE : 23 October 2026 

NOTE : Applications must be submitted using the link provided in the advertisement. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on application but must submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae (only). Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates on or before the day of the interview. Successful candidates will be subjected to Personnel Suitability Checks (criminal record, citizenship & financial/asset record checks, qualification and employment verification including social media profiles). Appointment is subject to positive results of the security clearance process. The successful candidate will be required to sign an annual performance agreement and, where applicable, annually disclose his/her financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Applicants, who do not comply with the requirements outlined above, will not be considered. People with disabilities, women and youth are encouraged to apply. In line with the Directive on Human Resource Management for Public Servants Professionalization: Volume 1, all shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. 

OTHER POST

DEPUTY DIRECTOR REF NO: PS17/2026/01 

Free State Department of Education Early Childhood Administration and Reporting System (eCares) Manager 

SALARY : R932 292 - R1 098 195 annum (Level 11) 

CENTRE : EMIS Sub-Directorate: Bloemfontein (supporting ECD) 

REQUIREMENTS : Applicants must be in possession of a SAQA-recognised three-year post-matric qualification (NQF Level 7) in Education (B.Ed. / PGCE) or a SAQA-recognised three-year post-matric qualification (NQF Level 7) in Information Systems / ICT / Computer Science / Data or related field. 5 years Management Experience. 6-7 Years’ relevant experience in Systems administration and user support; User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and training facilitation. Data reporting and system usage monitoring. Knowledge of: Cloud-based system operations; Provincial EMIS environment and/or ECD system landscape. Strong analytical, data manipulation and reporting skills (Excel advanced level). Ability to coordinate multi-level stakeholders (national, provincial, district). Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and customer service orientation. Ability to work independently and travel extensively. A valid driver’s license is essential. EMIS experience will be an added advantage. 

DUTIES : The successful candidate will be responsible for Provincial eCares System Use & Performance management. Lead provincial support for system usage, performance and adoption; Monitor user compliance with system functionality and data workflows; Advocate system utilisation for decision-making. User Support & Access Management; Manage 1st line helpdesk support for PED users; Manage user access, roles and permissions; Escalate issues promptly to national and service providers. User Training & Capacity Building- Conduct ongoing training on: New releases; Functional improvements; Reporting and dashboards. Support districts and circuits to drive usage. Testing & Implementation-Lead provincial testing of system releases and updates; Develop test plans, record UAT outcomes, submit feedback to developers; Validate system enhancements prior to deployment. Systems Maintenance Support- Work with DBE and vendors (e.g. Mezzanine/Vodacom) to ensure continuity; Identify and resolve technical issues affecting provincial users. Reporting & Master Data Management-Maintain alignment between eCares and EMIS Masterlists; Validate EMIS number allocation in eCares; Support provincial reporting needs and accuracy. Stakeholder Collaboration-Work closely with PED ECD and EMIS Directorates; National EMIS and ECD teams social partners such as Ilifa Labantwana and the Bana Pele Initiative. The candidate will report to the provincial EMIS head and work closely with the ECD Directorate. 

ENQUIRIES : Mr Randall Pienaar, Acting Director IT and Information systems at 079 503 5400