Basic Education Director: National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Director: National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) based in Pretoria. This senior managerial role falls under the Social Mobilisation and Support Services Branch, specifically within the Care and Support in Schools Chief Directorate.

This opportunity involves providing strategic leadership and comprehensive management for a critical national programme aimed at enhancing the well-being and nutritional support of learners across South Africa. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the effective implementation and oversight of the NSNP.

Minimum Requirements

• A qualification at NQF Level 7 as recognised by SAQA.
• 5 years’ experience at a Middle/Senior managerial level.
• In-depth experience in school nutrition, nutrition or food security programming, conditional grant programme management, or a comparable large-scale public sector programme.
• A sound understanding of the National School Nutrition Programme.
• Experience in policy formulation and implementation processes.
• Experience in managing diverse stakeholders and working effectively with communities.
• Strong analytical, strategic, research, programme and project-management skills.
• A sound understanding of the national, provincial, district and school interface within the education sector.
• Knowledge and understanding of nutrition/dietetics and related research.
• Knowledge and understanding of Government’s strategic vision and Public Service legislation and policies applicable to the education sector.
• Knowledge of the public sector policy, legislative and regulatory environment, particularly the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) and Public Service Regulations (PSR).
• An understanding of Government strategies and interventions relevant to the work of the Directorate.
• Process competencies: Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation, Report Writing, Problem Solving and Analysis, Client Orientation and Customer Focus, Communication.
• Core competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Knowledge Management, People Management and Empowerment, Communication, Innovation, Creativity.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a dynamic and demanding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management of the National School Nutrition Programme.
• Responsible for the national coordination, oversight and monitoring of the NSNP Conditional Grant.
• Manage programme implementation, compliance with the applicable grant framework, performance monitoring and reporting.
• Lead the development, review and implementation of norms, standards, policies and related measures for the National School Nutrition Programme.
• Provide strategic leadership in relation to the implementation of the three components of the NSNP: school feeding, nutrition education, and sustainable food production.
• Coordinate the integration of the NSNP with relevant Government programmes, including the Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Programme (IFSNP).

What the Work Involves

This senior role is centred on providing strategic leadership and comprehensive management for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) across South Africa. The successful candidate will oversee the national coordination, monitoring, and compliance of the NSNP Conditional Grant. Day-to-day work involves leading the development and review of programme policies and standards, ensuring effective implementation of school feeding, nutrition education, and sustainable food production components. Collaboration with other Government programmes, such as the Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Programme (IFSNP), is key. This position requires extensive travel and operates within a dynamic and demanding environment, ensuring the programme's reach and impact.

How to Apply

All applications must include a completed Z83 form, obtainable from any Public Service Department website (including the DPSA website), along with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV). Your CV should list three contactable referees, including their email addresses. Please ensure the reference number DBE/66/2026 is used.

You can submit your application via one of the following methods:

• Email: Recruitment@dbe.gov.za (Ensure the reference number is in the subject line).
• Post: The Director-General, Department of Basic Education, Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001.
• Hand-delivery: The Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria.

The deadline for applications is 05 October 2026.