Educational Technology Lead
Saide
Johannesburg, South Africa
Closing Date:
Sunday, 13 April 2025
Open
About the Organisation
Established in 1992, Saide is an education support organisation founded on social justice and open learning principles. We believe that education is the foundation for lifelong success. As such, we are on a mission to unlock the power of education and expand opportunity for children, youth and adults across Africa. Innovating data-informed solutions and leveraging technology, Saide supports education providers across diverse modes of provision (in-person, remote and hybrid), partnering with governments, public and private institutions, as well as civil society organisations. We work across the education system from early learning through primary and secondary schooling, to higher education and training.
About the Job
The Educational Technology (EdTech) Lead is an exciting new role helping advance Saide’s mission to unlock the power of education and expand opportunity through open learning, technology and data-informed approaches. The incumbent will work with other Saide programme staff in developing and integrating innovative EdTech solutions across Saide’s programmes, including technology-based teaching and learning resources.
Key Responsibilities
EdTech Strategy and Innovation
Design and implement Saide’s EdTech strategy aligned with organisational vision, mission, and goals.
Develop a research-informed foundation for Saide’s EdTech work, incorporating open learning principles.
Explore and adopt innovative technologies and tools that enhance the effectiveness of Saide’s work.
Collaborate with other Saide programme staff, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous learning.
EdTech Partnerships and Sector Engagement
Build and maintain relationships with service providers, solution developers and other EdTech stakeholders.
Establish and grow strategic alliances and partnerships to scale Saide’s EdTech initiatives.
Act as a thought leader, representing Saide at conferences and forums to influence the EdTech landscape.
Solution Design and Digital Learning Content
Oversee the design and maintenance of Saide’s digital educational platforms, including the African Storybook, Siyaphumelela, OER Africa and Open Saide websites.
Collaborate with programme team to design research-informed solutions, teaching and learning resources.
Support the setup and maintenance of learning management systems and bespoke digital platforms.
Ensure user-centred design and seamless integration of EdTech solutions across Saide programmes.
Systems Integration and Technical Management
Ensure compatibility and integration of EdTech solutions with Saide’s existing IT infrastructure.
Maintain performance, security, and sustainability of Saide’s EdTech platforms.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues while ensuring compliance with data protection standards.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL)
Support the design and implementation of MERL strategies to assess and improve the performance and impact of EdTech interventions.
Pilot new technologies and evaluate them against principles of equity, effectiveness, and good governance.
Use learning analytics and data to drive continuous improvement and inform decision-making.
Internal Capacity and Organisational Alignment
Train and support internal staff in integrating technology into teaching and learning environments.
Develop internal standards, procedures, and guidelines for effective EdTech implementation.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and amplify organisational impact.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications and Experience
A degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field with exposure to software architecture and development. A postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
Further qualifications in Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or Digital Learning highly desirable.
3–5 years’ experience integrating technology into educational environments or digital learning projects.
Hands-on experience with LMS platforms, instructional design tools, and multimedia content development.
Strong capability in using data analytics for learning impact and evaluation.
Awareness and understanding of emerging EdTech trends such as AI, AR/VR, gamification, and mobile learning.
Skills and Competencies
Strategic thinking and future-focused innovation mindset.
Strong planning, project management, and organisational skills.
Advanced software development and digital product design capabilities.
Excellent collaboration, facilitation, and communication skills.
Strong research, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to convey technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated versatility across multiple EdTech platforms and tools.
Desirable Attributes
Understanding of the nonprofit, social impact, or education development sectors.
Visionary and solution-oriented, with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and transformation.
Detail-oriented, analytical, and willing to challenge conventional thinking.
Proficiency in English and at least one other South African language.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in South Africa.
To apply
Please note that this is a 3-Year Fixed Term contract with possibility of renewal.
In order to apply, email your application by Sunday 13th April 2025 to callum@actionappointments.co.za - send your completed AA bio form, letter of motivation and updated CV (all in MS Word format).
