Manager: Learning Programmes and Special Projects (LPSP) at FoodBev Manufacturing SETA

• FoodBev SETA is looking to appoint a Manager: Learning Programmes and Special Projects (LPSP)

Job Description
Role purpose

• To manage the process of Mandatory grants/ Discretionary Grants/ Special projects and implement learning programmes (apprenticeship, bursary, TVET placements, Internships, work experience, candidacy, AET, skills programmes, learnerships, short programmes Special Projects or strategic projects and grant processes) aligned with skills development regulations and FoodBev Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority’s (SETA) strategic objectives. Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

Specific duties:

Management of the Learning programme

• Manage the administration process of Mandatory Grants, Discretionary Grants, and special projects.
• Build stakeholder capacity by providing guidance on grant funding criteria and requirements.
• Manage the approval and contracting processes for grant allocations, ensuring alignment with relevant policies.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations between the FoodBev Manufacturing SETA and stakeholders.
• Manage learner registration and completion processes across departmental functions, ensuring audit and reporting documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Monitor implementation of learning programmes by checking whether activities and milestones are achieved through the implementation plan and that there is compliance to FBS’s requirements.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of data captured in the Management Information System (MIS).
• Ensure grant payments are contractually aligned and processed timeously to support effective delivery of learning programmes.
• Compile monthly and quarterly performance reports for approval by the Senior Manager.
• Monitor implementation of learning programmes, ensuring milestones are achieved and compliance with FoodBev SETA (FBS) standards is maintained.
• Prepare audit evidence and respond to audit findings related to learning programmes.
• Deliver timely and accurate services to stakeholders.
• Provide ad hoc reports on learning programmes as requested by external stakeholders.
• Implement and maintain systems for tracking, storing, and securing programme records

Discretionary Grant / Mandatory Grant Applications

• Review the Grant Funding Policy annually and submit for approval.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for learning programmes, in line with Grant Regulations and DHET requirements.
• Draft and issue notices regarding the opening of grant funding windows; communicate the availability of grants to stakeholders, where applicable.
• Conduct capacity-building workshops to outline criteria and requirements for grant applications.
• Manage and oversee the performance of service providers responsible for evaluating grant applications, where applicable.
• Participate in grant evaluation committees as the FoodBev SETA grant funding policy and procedures
• Oversee the administration of learning programme grant applications submitted by stakeholders and facilitate their review and approval by relevant committees.
• Manage the contracting process for grant allocations and ensure commitments are recorded in the Commitment Register (CR).
• Verify and process payment packs prior to submission for final approval by the Senior Manager.
• Confirm with the Senior Manager that learning programme development initiatives are aligned with the Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and national strategic priorities before proceeding with design and implementation.
• Report quarterly to the Senior Manager on progress toward annual performance targets and strategic objectives.

Special Projects

• Support the Senior Manager in the development and implementation of the organisation’s special projects strategy.
• Implement special project processes and procedures in accordance with the Grant Funding Policy.
• Oversee the implementation of special projects, ensuring alignment with organisational planning, the SETA funding model, and the Commitment Register.
• Conduct quality assurance and prepare reports on all approved special projects.
• Ensure effective management and administration of partnerships and special projects in compliance with SETA policies and signed Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs), in consultation with the Senior Manager.
• Monitor project progress through monthly meetings with the Senior Manager and project teams, providing updates on achievements and mitigated risks.

Preparation of Reports

• Assist and provide inputs in the development of the Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and Operational plan and ensuring progress against the approved annual targets
• Compile monthly and quarterly reports on learning programme for approval by Senior Manager.
• Provides reasons to Senior Manager for non-achievement or over-achievement of the Annual Performance Plan targets
• Operations Management and Statutory Compliance
• Contribute to the formulation and refinement of the Business Unit’s Operational Plans and performance targets, ensuring alignment with the overarching FBS Strategic Plan and institutional priorities.
• Participate in the development, standardisation, and implementation of departmental processes and procedures in strict accordance with applicable legislative frameworks, regulatory requirements, and sectoral mandates.
• Provide strategic oversight of external stakeholder engagement activities within the department, ensuring sustained collaboration, service delivery excellence, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Direct and monitor the establishment, implementation, and continuous improvement of internal Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring clarity of expectations, accountability, and performance metrics across interdepartmental functions.
• Ensure robust departmental compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory instruments, audit findings, and internal governance frameworks, including FBS policies, standard operating procedures, and risk mitigation protocols.
• Uphold and actively promote adherence to statutory prescripts, the Code of Conduct, and institutional ethical standards; ensure the systematic application and continuous enhancement of standardised quality assurance practices and procedural benchmarks.
• Execute any additional, relevant tasks and responsibilities delegated by executive leadership, ensuring responsiveness, agility, and alignment with organisational goals.

Risk, Compliance, and Audit Management

• Review, identify, assess, prioritise, and monitor risks within the area of responsibility, and implement appropriate controls in line with the approved Risk Register to mitigate identified risks.
• Track and resolve audit findings within the prescribed timeframes, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures, including the timely updating and submission of compliance tools such as the PFMA compliance checklist.
• Manage, monitor, and report on compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks on a monthly basis, highlighting key developments, gaps, and mitigation actions.
• Oversee the effective management of business and operational risks, resources, and business continuity strategies to ensure resilience and sustainability.

Financial Management

• Compile and manage the unit's annual budget, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Oversee and control project budgets to prevent overspending or underspending, ensuring all expenditures are compliant with contractual terms and stakeholder agreements.
• Review grant payment requests to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with organisational policies and payment terms.
• Assist in the cleanup and maintenance of the Commitment Register, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial commitments are recorded.

People / Staff Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to staff to ensure the successful achievement of individual and departmental objectives.
• Monitor and manage staff performance in line with the organisation’s Performance Management Policy and processes.
• Drive the achievement of departmental goals and performance targets through effective planning and team collaboration.
• Coach and mentor team members to enhance skills, address performance gaps, and support professional growth.
• Apply sound labour practices in accordance with the approved FBS Conditions of Service.
• Ensure consistent implementation and compliance with Human Resources policies, procedures, and best practices within the department.
• Promote and embed FBS values across all team activities and interactions

Job Requirements
Qualifying Criteria

• A Degree in Business Administration or equivalent to the field of study.
• An Honors Degree or equivalent in the relevant field of study will be an added advantage.
• 5 years’ experience working within a Public Sector environment of which 3 years should be at a Coordinator/Specialist/Supervisory level.
• Experience in the SETA environment will be an added advantage.