Educational Vacancies at SPARK Schools

Responsibilities:

• Plan for, teach and co-teach face-to-face and distance lessons for and deliver academic and club lessons.
• Collaborate with grade level and content area partners to develop rigorous, engaging learning experiences and to create and implement high-quality, individualised behaviour and learning plans for scholars.
• Participate actively in all scheduled professional development sessions.
• Develop and administer formative and termly assessments to track student progress and analyse the data for student growth for all scholars to meet the required proficiency ratings.
• Submit and analyse scholar data to track progress and intervene when necessary.
• Lead scholar social and emotional development through CQ (Character Quotient) sessions and reflections.
• Plan for, deliver and monitor programmes to support low performing scholars, or extend high-performing scholars.
• Participate in place-based education where required within mandated national curriculum or as part of SPARK Schools curriculum enrichment.
• Participate in career and tertiary pathways education where required as part of scholar culture and character development.
• Develop SPARK culture and implement behaviour management strategies.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with colleagues, parents and other stakeholders.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
• Nurture a high ­achieving work environment where all scholars feel genuinely valued and supported.
• Promote the vision and mission of SPARK Schools to staff, scholars, families, and the greater community.
• Implement strategies implemented by the Crisis Management team. Adhere to the child protection, anti-bullying and health and safety policy.
• Attend Saturday events and parent community meetings.
• Submit student results data when required.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency
• isiZulu language fluency
• Completed B.Ed or PGCE degree in isiZulu Home Language Intermediate or isiZulu First Additional Language
• Intermediate Phase (Grade 4/5)
• SACE registration
• Clear criminal record

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Responsibilities:

Systems Solutions and Business Process Design and Optimisation

• Define, analyse and document business requirements that will enable development of technical solutions
• Liaise with stakeholders to understand the structure, policies and operations of the business and recommend optimisation solutions 
• Engage with business stakeholders at all levels as defined by the business project, to model processes, document business rules and initial uses cases
• Serve as the key custodian for business processes across the SPARK network by providing direction and guidance
• Manage the process of change requests, process improvement, make recommendations to business networks on ideas to improve and streamline processes and systems
• Facilitate design sessions and/or workshops with the system/s end users to define and document the business solutions
• Partner with the Technology team to translate business requirements into Technical specifications
• Drive planned and current initiatives using the Agile methodology
• Provide improvement for “Our Way Of Work” by suggesting efficient methods that will aid with the service offering rendered by Data & Technology team 
• Assist with documenting system integration specifications and actively drive end-to-end user acceptance testing 
• Generate and maintain our centralised documentation repository
• Work closely with the implementation team to facilitate change management and implementation strategy
• Provide support during and post-implementation 

Software Testing Life Cycle:

• Requirement Analysis: Requirement Analysis on the features that need to be tested. Identify missing aspects of the testing and ensure proper quality assurance with the relevant stakeholders is conducted.
• Review the software requirements document (SRD) and other related documents
• Interview stakeholders to gather additional information
• Identify any ambiguities or inconsistencies in the requirements
• Identify any missing or incomplete requirements
• Identify any potential risks or issues that may impact the testing process
• Create a requirement traceability matrix (RTM) to map requirements to test cases

Testing Plan: Calculate the estimated effort required and the cost for testing

• Identify the testing objectives and scope
• Develop a test strategy that encompass all critical testing aspects
• Identify the testing environment and resources required
• Create the test cases that will be executed and prepare the test data that will be used
• Identify the test deliverables and milestones
• Assign roles and responsibilities to the test team
• Outline the test and success criteria
• Document and communicate the test plan and solicit approval from relevant stakeholders
• Log any defects or issues that are found during test execution in a defect tracking system
• Collect and analyse the test results to determine testing success 
• Ensure any defects that are identified during test execution are retested and fixed correctly
• Ensure test results are documented and reported to the relevant stakeholders.
• Ascertain all testing-related activities are completed and documented. The main objective of the test closure stage is to ensure that all testing-related activities have been completed and that the software is ready for release
• Create a report that summarizes the overall testing process, including the number of test cases executed, the number of defects found, and the overall pass/fail rate.

Plan and develop the project idea: 

• The Project Manager will work with internal stakeholders and external clients to define the concept and create a process to bring it to fruition.
• This includes setting and managing stakeholders’ expectations, developing a detailed project plan, defining the scope of the project, understanding project risks and assigning team members to specific tasks

Lead the Project Team:

• The Project Manager is accountable for every aspect of the project, including leading a team capable of meeting or exceeding client expectations for their vision. He/she will assemble and manage these individuals to make a fine-tuned project machine. If the team needs guidance, training or coaching, it will be the  project manager’s responsibility to set them up for success

Monitor Project Progress and Set Deadlines

• Create an accurate timeline of project completion to ensuring tasks are finished within the confines of the assignment, the project manager must remain aware of how the project is progressing

Problem Resolution

• Anticipate any potential hiccups before they happen and devise solutions to keep the project in control

Budget Management

• Budget management is the primary of Project Management and the candidate needs to ensure that all projects are successfully completed without excessive spending and master the art of cost efficiency

Stakeholder Management

• Create a good working relationship with key stakeholders and keep open lines of communication for updates and feedback
• Keep abreast of any major changes that arise with timelines and budget, and keep key stakeholders updated

Project Performance Evaluation

• Evaluate projects’ efficiency and effectiveness using accurate data through the process
• Identify shortcomings and put together a remedial plan

Requirements

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Completed relevant diploma or degree in Industrial Engineering and/or Business Analysis 
• Certification in Information Technology will be an advantage
• Project Management Certification is critical
• Certified SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) Practitioner will be an added advantage

Experience: 

The ideal candidate will possess the following experience:

• 3 to 5 years experience as a Business Analyst is essential
• 3 to 5 years experience as a Project Manager is essential
• Experience in Technology Project Management is a key requirement 
• Knowledge of Business Processes relating to: Scholar Information Management, Billing, Workflow, Customer Relationship Management, Procurement, Operations, Human Capital Management, Enrolment and Finance would be advantageous.
• Experience working in a Start-Up or Scale-Up organisation would be advantageous
• Experience with CRM and ERP implementations is a key requirement

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Responsibilities:

• Outbound collections.
• Ensure all accounts attended to are captured on the accounts actioned report on a daily basis.
• Contact and negotiate settlements and fixed arrangements with debtors. (Fixed arrangements to be approved by Credit Control and Billing Manager).
• Secure adequate payment arrangements to ensure that targets are met.
• Meet all targets given by Credit Control and Billing Manager
• Maintain favorable customer relationships.
• Identify high-risk customers and immediately send to Credit Control and Billing Manager.
• Collect and follow up on PTP arrangement (send to Credit Control Manager if sms reminder to be sent).
• All administrative duties for collections

Requirements

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
• Matric with Math and Accounting.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1-2 years collection experience.
• Experience in corporate environment will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of accounting packages.

Skills and Mindset:

• The ability to work in a team and individually.
• Numeracy and attention to detail. 
• Effective and professional communication skills.
• Leadership ability.
• Displays grit, high level of excellence, is mission & vision aligned and displays a high level of self reflection

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Responsibilities:

• Develop, write and edit marketing and communications materials, including but not limited to email (internal and external), press releases, blog posts and social media content.
• Ensure brand communications are aligned to the intended audience and that the audience’s communication strategy is applied consistently across all channels.
• Ensure organisational initiatives and projects are successfully communicated to employees and any other relevant stakeholders.
• Schedule the distribution of communications in alignment with company initiatives and project milestones.
• Conduct social media analysis (including competitor analyses) using social listening tools and deliver standardised as well as ad hoc custom social media reports.
• Manage the company’s public relations (PR) agency deliverables, ensuring quality control and that deadlines are always met.
• Collaborate cross-functionally, including with SPARK’s school leadership teams, to generate PR content and create coverage opportunities.
• Gather, draft and refine content to maximise PR opportunities as they arise.
• Collaborate with the organisation’s PR Agency and media to strategically address any crisis communication needs which affect SPARK’s reputation.
• Ensure the accessibility of communication tools to various stakeholders, e.g. presentation templates, email templates, and photography.
• Track analytics and create reports detailing the performance of communications campaigns.
• Design and develop effective communication processes, procedures and policies for various stakeholder groups, scenarios and objectives, including training materials as required.
• Research and analysis of trends and new technologies within the communications discipline and adoption recommendations.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
• A degree or diploma in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or advertising management.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of experience in marketing communications or a closely related field.
• Experience working with social listening tools and social media management tools is essential.

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Responsibilities:

• Create a positive student culture around physical education and maintain high behavioural expectations for all students.
• Use SPARK culture and behaviour management practices. Implement SPARK SEL(Social Emotional Learning) Curriculum.
• Supervise scholars during morning arrivals.
• Set up for SPARKs Fly.
• Actively coach students in the development of gross motor skills, team habits, and
• specific sports skills.
• Teach students about healthy eating, exercise, and hygiene habits, including positive
• choices they should make at home and at school.
• Create lesson plans aligned to network-wide PE curriculum and personalised for
• students.
• Plan strategies to stretch content and scholar outcomes during the course of the
• academic year.
• Take responsibility for PE equipment and report any damage..
• Communicate professionally with school staff and parents regarding students.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all
• stakeholders.

Requirements

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Preferably studying a degree in Human Movement/ Sport Science.
• English language fluency.
• Clear criminal record
• SACE registration required.

Experience:

• Previous experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
• Physical Education experience or training.

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Responsibilities:

• Implement school­ wide systems and procedures (for example, arrivals, dismissals, cover timetables and aftercare timetables) that facilitate student achievement and align with SPARK
• Schools network ­wide best practice.
• Facilitate professional development for the operational staff on the implementation of school­wide systems, as well as personal and professional competencies. This includes designing and facilitating biweekly group sessions and individual one-on-one coaching sessions, as well as arranging for individual professional growth opportunities.
• Oversee the office manager’s administration of the student information system and student records.
• Ensure aftercare attendance and late pick up is tracked accurately and submitted to billing on time.
• Organise and maintain relationships with extramural vendors.
• Line manage school site operational staff (office manager, facilities and maintenance staff, supervisors, and security guard), including regular performance reviews.
• Manage all school inventory, including fixed assets (technology and furniture), stationery, cleaning supplies, and other resources.
• Conduct weekly asset check of all Chromebooks for scholars and staff radios.
• Conduct monthly stock taking and update asset register.
• Oversee the maintenance of the school facility, including coordinating efforts amongst facilities and maintenance staff, SPARK Schools Support staff, outside vendors and suppliers, and security services.
• Maintain a daily schedule of facilities and grounds walk-arounds and observations, including lunch, break and aftercare observations.
• Coordinate with Procurement team at SPARK Support for fixed assets and consumables.
• Manage the site specific and aftercare budgets.
• Participate in the selection of new school-based staff.
• Onboard new personnel.
• Understand and enforce network-wide policies and compliance requirements.
• Lead the site specific crisis management team.
• Understand and implement SPARK Schools crisis management strategy.
• Attend to sick or injured children and liaise with parents/guardians about their children.
• Attend to sick or injured staff and liaise with emergency contacts.
• Attend coaching 1:1s with the school principal and regular team meetings with the principal and assistant principal(s).
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency.
• Grade 12 certificate.
• 3-4 year relevant Bachelor's degree.
• First aid training.
• Clear criminal record.

Experience

• Preferred: experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
• Preferred: experience in operations, administration, procurement, project management, or facilities management.
• Preferred: Previous experience leading a team.
• Required: Experience and practice with labour laws.

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Responsibilities:

• Create a positive student culture around online learning and small group tutoring and maintain high behavioural expectations for all students.
• Actively “coach” students on all computer programs and ensure that the educational software used in the lab effectively meets the needs of students.
• Create and submit lesson plans for tutoring sessions.
• Tutor small groups of students on literacy and maths skills.
• Create and submit bi-weekly reports on ST Maths.
• Communicate and collaborate with teachers and school administrators to create individualized learning plans for students.
• Use SPARK culture and behaviour management strategies.
• Incorporate SPARK SEL (SocialEmotional Learning) curriculum with scholars.
• Ensure all Learning Lab resources are used and stored responsibly and .
• Report all damages to hardware to the School Operations Manager and fill out relevant incident reports if needed.
• Have an updated asset list of all hardware in Learning lab received by the School Operations Manager.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Set into a classroom to cover, should there be an operational need.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.

Requirements

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency.
• Clear criminal record.
• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Studying part-time towards a B.Ed. or PGCE in the Foundation Phase, in their 3rd or 4th year with a view to becoming a qualified teacher.

Experience:

• Previous experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn new technology.

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Responsibilities:

• Plan for and be prepared to deliver lessons to students from 7:45­-3:30 pm (depending on grade level assignment and timetable) daily within content area specialisation.
• Collaborate with grade level and content area partners to develop rigorous, engaging learning experiences and to create individualised behaviour and learning plans for all students.
• Attend pre-­service professional development before the school year begins and attend weekly professional development every Monday afternoon.
• Administer weekly and termly assessments to track student progress and analyse the data for student growth.
• SPARK Educators should have a core focus on student achievement and should drive all scholars to meet the required proficiency ratings.
• Lead weekly SEL (Social Emotional Learning) circles and implement SPARK Schools Social Emotional Learning curriculum.
• Use SPARK culture and implement behaviour management strategies.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with colleagues, parents and other stakeholders.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Attend Saturday events and parent community meetings.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
• Nurture a high ­achieving work environment where all students feel genuinely valued and supported.
• Promote the vision and mission of SPARK Schools to staff, scholars, families, and the greater community.
• Implement strategies implemented by the Crisis Management team.
• Adhere to the child protection, anti-bullying and health and safety policy.
• Submit student results data when required.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• B.Ed. degree or H.Dip.Ed. or PGCE. Mathematics focus and competency. Recently qualified teachers are encouraged to apply!
• Certification through the South African Council of Educators (SACE).
• SAQA accreditation for non-South African equivalent qualifications
• English language fluency.
• A clear criminal record

Experience:

• Recently qualified teachers or teachers with experience are encouraged to apply!

go to method of application »

Responsibilities:

• Plan for and be prepared to deliver lessons to students
• Provide instruction in a variety of subjects and reach students with engaging lesson plans and resources.
• Collaborate with grade level and content area partners to develop rigorous, engaging learning experiences and to create individualised behaviour and learning plans for all students in class face to face or online.
• Lead weekly SEL (Social Emotional Learning) circles and implement SPARK Schools Social Emotional Learning curriculum.
• Use SPARK culture and implement behaviour management strategies.
• Administer weekly and termly assessments to track student progress and analyse the data for student growth.
• SPARK Educators should have a core focus on student achievement and should drive all scholars to meet the required proficiency ratings.
• Submit student results data when required.
• Attend pre-service professional development before the school year begins and attend weekly professional development and any other training interventions.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with colleagues, parents and other stakeholders.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
• Nurture a high achieving work environment where all students feel genuinely valued and supported.
• Attend Saturday events and parent community meetings.
• Implement strategies implemented by the Crisis Management team.
• Adhere to the child protection, anti-bullying and health and safety policy.
• Promote the vision and mission of SPARK Schools to staff, scholars, families, and the greater community

Requirements

Qualifications and Criteria:

• The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
• B.Ed. degree or H.Dip.Ed. or PGCE. Foundation Phase. Recently qualified teachers are encouraged to apply!
• Certification through the South African Council of Educators (SACE).
• SAQA accreditation for non-South African equivalent qualifications
• English language fluency.
• A clear criminal record

Experience:

• Recently qualified teachers or teachers with experience are encouraged to apply!

go to method of application »

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the continual professional development of our educators by coaching members of the instructional staff to the successful completion of the goals set in their individualised professional growth plans.
• This includes designing and facilitating weekly professional development sessions for the whole faculty, as well as arranging for individual professional growth opportunities.
• Support student achievement by setting clear and high expectations for excellent teaching in all content areas.
• Maintain a regular schedule of observations in all learning spaces and observation review meetings with educators to ensure that they can successfully plan instruction, execute instruction, and implement SPARK Schools’ culture and behaviour management techniques.
• Implement the network’s rigorous curriculum, which aligns to and extends the South African national curriculum.
• Implement online curriculum and small ­group tutoring in the Learning Lab that aligns to and extends what is taught by classroom teachers.
• Facilitate an assessment and data analysis cycle that allows instructional staff to analyse student performance and identify areas for targeted instruction.
• Collaborate with school leadership team to manage instructional staff, including facilitating termly and final evaluations.
• Participate in the selection of new school-based personnel.
• Responsible for the onboarding of instructional staff members.
• Define and share information about network-wide policies and procedures to parents, students, staff and community.
• Implement disciplinary policies and procedures.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency.
• Clear criminal record.
• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Completed B.Ed or PGCE degree.
• SACE registration.

Experience:

• Previous experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
• At least 2 years of excellent classroom instruction.
• Previous experience leading a team.
• Experience and practice with labour laws.