Head of Accreditation

Head of Accreditation

Reports to: Chief Academic Officer

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Remote (South Africa-based)

Summary

The Head of Accreditation is responsible for leading and managing all institutional accreditation and quality assurance activities across the organisation. This includes oversight of relationships with external regulatory and accreditation bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), SACAI, Umalusi and the Department of Basic Education. 

This role is responsible for initiating, building and proactively managing relationships with all necessary registration, accreditation and government bodies that Valenture Institute works with. This role  ensures compliance with all relevant South African education frameworks, regulations, and legislation applicable to the organisation's provision of educational offerings. The incumbent will design, implement, and monitor systems that maintain continuous accreditation readiness and promote a culture of quality and compliance across the institution.

The position requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can work autonomously, collaborate across departments, and build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Accreditation Leadership

• Develop and implement the institutional accreditation and registration strategy aligned with organisational goals.
  
  
• Serve as the primary liaison with DHET, QCTO, SETAs, SACAI, Umalusi, DBE and other relevant quality assurance and accreditation bodies.
  
  
• Oversee institutional and programme accreditation submissions, renewals, extensions, and audits.
  
  
• Ensure all programmes meet and maintain full compliance with applicable standards and accreditation requirements.
  
  
• Monitor, analyse, and interpret developments in South African accreditation frameworks and advise leadership accordingly.

Operational Oversight

• Coordinate the collection, verification, and management of documentation required for accreditation and audits.
  
  
• Oversee preparation for external site visits and inspections, ensuring full institutional readiness.
  
  
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to support ongoing compliance with accreditation and registration requirements.
  
  
• Conduct regular internal quality and compliance audits to identify areas for improvement.
  
  
• Ensure institutional readiness for all engagements with external accrediting and examination bodies.

Compliance

• Ensure the organisation's compliance with relevant South African education legislation, including policies relating to basic and post-school education.
  
  
• Support the Chief Academic Officer and Oversight Committees in maintaining institutional integrity and accountability.
  
  
• Contribute to risk assessments and compliance reporting, ensuring transparency and alignment with institutional policies.
  
  
• Promote procedural fairness and alignment with national and institutional governance requirements.
  
  
• Oversee and manage the organisation's examination administration processes to ensure learners are able to successfully complete any examinations administered by external examination bodies.
  
  
• Ensure all examination-related activities — including learner registration, eligibility verification, scheduling, and reporting — are compliant with the requirements of the relevant examination or assessment authority.
  
  
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure timely submission of documentation, learner entries, and assessment data.
  
  
• Maintain strong working relationships with external examination bodies to ensure efficient communication, compliance, and resolution of examination-related issues.
  
  
• Implement and monitor quality assurance measures to uphold the integrity, accuracy, and fairness of all examination processes.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (NQF Level 7 or higher) in Education, Public Administration, Law, or Quality Management.
  
  
• Demonstrable experience working directly with DHET, QCTO, and/or SETAs on accreditation, registration, or compliance processes.
  
  
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in the education sector, with substantial exposure to accreditation, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance.
  
  
• Strong understanding of South African education frameworks, regulations, and legislation.
  
  
• Understanding of education (both basic and higher) landscape and its alignment with post-school education pathways.
  
  
• Experience working with examination, assessment, accreditation and registration bodies (e.g., assessment councils or awarding bodies).
  
  
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with regulatory bodies, partners, and internal teams.
  
  
• Excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills.
  
  
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and accreditation management systems.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical ability.
  
  
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder relationship management skills.
  
  
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
  
  
• High degree of professional integrity, accountability, and discretion.
  
  
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
  
• Commitment to organisational values and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Remote working arrangement.
  
  
• Family member discount for enrolment with Valenture Institute.
  
  
• Voluntary savings programme.
  
  
• Half-day birthday leave.
  
  
• Commitment to employment equity and equal opportunity.