PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To coordinate, administer and manage the accreditation and re-accreditation of Skills Development Providers (SDPs) in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, policies, quality assurance requirements and the requirements of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and other relevant quality assurance bodies.

The ETQA Accreditation Specialist is responsible for evaluating accreditation applications, verifying provider compliance against prescribed accreditation criteria, coordinating site visits and accreditation assessments, monitoring accreditation status and validity periods, maintaining accurate accreditation records, and providing technical guidance to providers and internal stakeholders on accreditation matters.

The incumbent must ensure that accreditation processes are conducted fairly, consistently, transparently and within approved turnaround times, while safeguarding the integrity of INSETA’s quality assurance processes and supporting the effective implementation of occupational qualifications within the insurance sector.

Key Performance Areas

Outputs and Time Split

Support the achievement of INSETA Strategic Goals 40%

• Receive, register and assess applications for accreditation and re-accreditation submitted by QCTO.
• Evaluate applications and supporting documentation against applicable QCTO, INSETA and other relevant quality assurance requirements.
• Verify that providers meet the prescribed requirements relating to programme scope, learning resources, suitably qualified facilitators, assessment arrangements, learner support, workplace access and other applicable criteria.
• Assess applications for accreditation against the relevant occupational qualifications and approved scope of delivery.
• Identify gaps, non-compliances and deficiencies in applications and communicate the findings to providers for corrective action.
• Conduct desktop evaluations and coordinate site visits, verification activities and other accreditation assessments, as required.
• Compile comprehensive assessment reports with evidence-based findings and recommendations.
• Submit accreditation recommendations to the authorised decision-making structures in accordance with approved delegations of authority.
• Communicate accreditation outcomes and conditions to providers following the necessary approvals.
• Ensure that accreditation decisions are supported by documented evidence and are processed in accordance with approved procedures.
• Support the Public TVET College system through the accreditation of TVETs and maintenance of accreditation
• Capture, verify and update accreditation information on INSETA’s Management Information System (MIS) and other approved systems.
• Ensure that provider records, accreditation letters, qualification scope and supporting documents are accurately maintained and readily retrievable.
• Reconcile accreditation information across internal records and available authoritative external records.
• Identify and report discrepancies, system limitations and technical challenges affecting the recording or verification of accreditation information.
• Liaise with the relevant internal information technology and MIS support teams to resolve accreditation-related system issues.
• Monitor outstanding system-related cases and maintain a record of actions taken, escalations and resolutions.
• Produce accurate accreditation data and management reports to support planning, compliance monitoring and decision-making.

Optimal Utilisation of Financial Resources 20%

• Monthly control and reporting on operational budget variances
• Support the documentation of the operational plan for the division
• Control budget funds in line with PFMA regulations and legislation
• Respond to audit requests and queries within prescribed timeframes

Reporting, Risk and Compliance Monitoring and Quality Assurance 20%

• Conduct compliance monitoring and quality assurance visits
• Monitor provider compliance with accreditation conditions and applicable quality assurance requirements.
• Conduct compliance reviews and follow-up assessments where non-compliance, complaints or other risks have been identified.
• Review evidence submitted by providers to demonstrate the implementation of corrective actions.
• Recommend appropriate remedial measures and escalation of unresolved or material non-compliance to the ETQA Manager.
• Maintain an audit trail of accreditation applications, assessment reports, decisions, correspondence and supporting evidence.
• Identify recurring accreditation challenges and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, templates and operational processes.
• Support internal and external audits by providing complete, accurate and traceable accreditation documentation.
• Ensure that accreditation records and decisions are managed in accordance with applicable information management, confidentiality and records management requirements.
• Compile relevant reports and feedback mechanisms to evaluate SDP performance ensuring that good practice and lessons learnt are disseminated internally and externally.
• Review and evaluate policy guidelines required for the performance and promotion of the ETQA function
• Maintain integrity of compliance reporting according to compliance deadlines and regulatory requirements
• Oversee work performed and advise stakeholders in line with delegation of authority and INSETA policies
• Monitor, mitigate and report on risk associated within the division
• Conduct / Perform INSETA SDP Accreditation activities internally and externally.
• Compile monthly consolidated accreditation reports based on the M&E visits.
• Compile Monthly/Quarterly/Annual APP Performance report for submission to ETQA Manager.
• Coordinate audit requests for internal audit requirements 

Stakeholder Engagement & Corporate Governance 20%

• Provide technical guidance to Skills Development Providers on accreditation requirements, application procedures, qualification scope and compliance obligations.
• Respond to provider enquiries relating to accreditation status, application progress, accreditation conditions and extension requests.
• Facilitate communication between INSETA, providers, the QCTO and other relevant stakeholders on accreditation-related matters.
• Identify and resolve routine accreditation queries within the Specialist’s delegated authority and escalate complex, disputed or high-risk matters to the ETQA Manager.
• Prepare formal correspondence, clarification letters, accreditation outcome notifications and responses to provider representations.
• Participate in provider engagement sessions, information sessions and stakeholder meetings to communicate accreditation requirements and changes in the regulatory environment.
• Maintain professional working relationships with providers and stakeholders while ensuring impartiality and consistent application of accreditation requirements.
• Prepare and implement an engagement Plan and Stakeholder Survey
• Investigate any concerns raised by stakeholders.
• Support the team in resolving the concerns as required
• Identify risks and opportunities for recommended improvement and provide feedback as required
• Coordinate and oversee SDP pre accreditation interviews and evaluations of applications and site visits
• Monitor and report on accredited SDP performance
• Draft and oversee award letters for signature and submission to SDP’s
• Ensure stakeholder documents are filed and stored according to the regulatory requirements
• Participate in Committees (QCTO, DG, BEC etc)
• Document the individual business area work plan in line with the organisational scorecard
• Ensure that business processes are documented and updated according to ETQA policies and procedures
• Contribute to any research conducted at INSETA

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement:

• Grade 12 or equivalent, and;
•  NQF 6 qualification in Public Administration, Education and Training Development or related field.

Preferred Requirement: NQF 7 Qualification in Public Admin and Education and Training Development or related field.

Experience

Minimum Requirement:

• 3 Years in ETQA or related administrative experience.

Preferred Requirement: The above experience in the Seta/Public Sector environment.