Lead STEM mentor - Durban (KZN) regional centre

Lead STEM Mentor – Regional centre (Durban (KZN) region)

Contract Period: January 2027 – December 2027 Type: Fixed-Term Part Time Time commitment: Approximately 7 – 10 hours per week Monthly income: R10 000.00 per month cost to company Quarterly incentive: R4 000.00 per quarter, subject to completion of deliverables and performance requirements.

Engen Maths & Science Schools Programme (EMSS) Project - Energising Minds for Africa’s Future

Are you a strong Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or English educator who wants to extend your impact beyond your classroom?

Do you want to mentor high-potential learners, coordinate a regional STEM centre, and be part of a nationally recognised programme backed by Engen?

The Engen Maths & Science Schools Programme (EMSS) is recruiting Lead STEM Mentors to anchor Regional Centres specifically in the Durban (KZN) area.

About the programme

EMSS supports high-potential learners in Mathematics and Physical Sciences through:

• In-person learner onboarding
• Weekly rotating consultation sessions
• Benchmark assessments
• A digital learning campus
• Specialized workbooks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences
• Structured assignment tracking
• In-person Winter School and exam preparation
• Annual awards and recognition ceremonies

Each Regional Centre is led by one committed mentor responsible for ensuring structure, accountability and learner progression.

About the role

You will serve as the academic anchor for your assigned centre.

1. Weekly in-person academic support

• Deliver one 2-hour consultation session each week.
• Rotate between feeder schools in your region.
• Mentor learners on how to approach their learning and how to develop academic discipline and positive learning habits.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

2. Digital monitoring and learner accountability

• Track assignment completion on the digital campus.
• Identify learners who are falling behind.
• Follow up and provide structured support.
• Encourage and celebrate strong performance.

3. Centre coordination

• Coordinate venues with participating schools.
• Administer and invigilate benchmark assessments.
• Support onboarding, Winter School and awards events.
• Represent the programme professionally in your region.

4. Structured reporting

• Maintain attendance registers and session documentation.
• Submit weekly and monthly progress reports.
• Escalate academic or attendance concerns.

Minimum criteria

You need the following skills, qualifications and experience to apply:

• A qualified B. Ed or PGCE (FET Phase) educator.
• Permanent and valid SACE registration.
• Specialised in Mathematics, Physical Sciences or English language (HL/FAL).
• With at least 3 years of FET teaching experience.
• A clear criminal record and clear Child Protection Register screening result.
• Organised, reliable and disciplined.
• Comfortable using digital tools (both software and hardware)
• Able to travel weekly within your assigned region (own vehicle required).
• A personal cellular device capable of running WhatsApp.
• Able to coordinate events and manage logistics professionally.
• Experience mentoring high-performing learners is an advantage.
• We are looking for educators who value consistency, structure and measurable progress.
• You must have express permission from your existing employer to take on after-hours / additional work opportunities.

What you gain and project support

You will receive the following

• A fixed monthly stipend.
• Termly performance incentives.
• Travel reimbursement (AA rate for long-distance travel exceeding 100km round trip).
• Technology tools with which to complete function for the duration of the programme.
• Exposure to blended learning models.
• Participation in a nationally recognised STEM initiative.
• Professional visibility within your region.
• The opportunity to be part of a modern, data-driven education ecosystem focused on measurable academic outcomes.

Standards and accountability

This is a structured programme. Performance is measured through

• Session delivery (not missing sessions)
• Reporting compliance
• Attendance submission
• Required documentation and compliance activities
• This is a high-trust, high-standard environment.

Why this role matters

As a Lead STEM Mentor, you will

• Strengthen Mathematics and Science performance.
• Support high-potential learners beyond the classroom.
• Reinforce discipline and academic confidence.

Contribute to a 30-year legacy STEM programme.

Regional centres

As a Lead STEM Mentor, you will be responsible for one of the following centers:

• Kwa-Zulu Natal: Durban area

How to apply

Your application must contain

• Your updated CV
• Your SACE registration number and certificate
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page – to be completed and submitted on this application web page once you've clicked the "Apply" button) answering:
• How will you ensure learners remain engaged and accountable throughout the programme year?
• How do you manage consistent follow-up when learners fall behind on assignments?
• How will you balance this role alongside your existing professional responsibilities?
• Why are you interested in mentoring high-potential Mathematics and Science learners beyond normal classroom teaching?