Head of Skills Development, ETQA and Funding

The Head of Skills Development, ETQA & Funding is responsible for leading the organization’s skills development strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and optimizing funding opportunities. This role partners with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement impactful training initiatives, enhance training quality and effectiveness, and secure maximum funding from relevant bodies such as Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and government initiatives.

A key focus is on ensuring accreditation, compliance, and continuous alignment with industry standards to support workforce development and business growth.

The incumbent must have a strong understanding of training quality assurance, legislative reporting, and funding mechanisms to drive sustainable skills development within the organization.

SETA/QCTO and Funding Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with relevant SETA/QCTO representatives and government agencies to stay informed about available funding opportunities.
• Lead the development and submission of funding proposals, ensuring compliance with SETA/QCTO and government guidelines.
• Maximize funding opportunities through strategic planning and proactive engagement with funding sources.

Quality assurance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive quality assurance framework to ensure that training programs align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of training delivery.
• Ensure compliance with SETA and government guidelines for funding proposals, as well as with all relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks.

Training Program Improvement

• Identify and implement areas for improvement in training programs based on analysis of training feedback trends, industry trends, and regulatory changes.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the overall quality and relevance of training.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Track and analyse key metrics related to training and funding outcomes.
• Compile and submit required regulatory and funding reports.
• Assist with the compilation and provision of data for BEE reporting.

Design, develop and facilitate Skills Development Programmes

• Design and develop skills programmes to meet the organisations skills needs, aligned to QCTO standards.
• Facilitate skills development programmes, learnerships, workshops, and training sessions to ensure effective knowledge transfer and skills development.

Stakeholder engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including employees, managers, training providers, and SETA representatives.
• Implement scheduled and formal engagement with stakeholders such as BPESA, CapeBPO, DTiC, UIF, and others.
• Act as a liaison between the Ignition Academy and relevant industry bodies to stay abreast of industry developments.

Policies, Processes and SOPs

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, processes, and SOPs related to skills development, ensuring compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership

• Develop, lead, and manage a team of skills development practitioners and provide guidance, support, and coaching.

Knowledge, skills and attributes:

• Proficiency in HRIS software and learning management systems, e.g., SAGE.
• Comprehensive understanding of legislation impacting skills development, i.e., Skills Development Act, National Skills Fund, BBBEE scorecard, Employment Equity Act, etc.
• Ability to conduct research and analyse data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Confident disposition, proactive and self-driven.
• Strong understanding of all funding mechanisms, e.g., local, government, SETA, etc.
• Solid attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders internal and external to the organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Must have good understanding of grant application requirements and processes.

Education and training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development, Business Administration or related field (Preferred).
• Registration as a skills development facilitator.

Experience:

• At least 5 years’ previous experience in a learning and development role, specifically focused on skills development facilitation.
• Proven experience in grant submissions.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, compiling, and submitting regulatory reports.
• Proven experience in quality assurance and funding management within the education or training sector.
• Experience in skills development and quality assurance, including accreditation, moderation, and compliance with SETA and ETQA requirements, is essential.