The role

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) is responsible for the curriculum architecture and quality assurance for Consumer Studies for the FET phase (Grades 10, 11, and 12). The role focuses on ensuring the accuracy of theoretical content (nutrition, finance, textiles, etc.) and the feasibility of practical components in an online context.

The purpose of the role is to ensure that the final course material is accurate, complete, and aligned to SACAI requirements, ensuring that learners can engage with the subject effectively in a digital environment.

Key responsibilities

1. Curriculum Design

• Build a detailed course outline for Consumer Studies for Grades 10, 11, and 12, ensuring a comprehensive balance between the various content domains required by CAPS.

2. Quality Assurance

• Review and QA one term’s worth of module drafts for each grade (10, 11, and 12), ensuring accuracy of facts and clarity of practical instructions for learners.
  

Skills and experience required

Essential knowledge and experience

• A relevant teaching qualification (B.Ed, PGCE, or equivalent) and proven experience teaching Consumer Studies at the FET level.
• Strong practical expertise to verify the accuracy of content across diverse topics (Entrepreneurship, Food, Clothing, and Housing).
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify inaccuracies, gaps, weak explanations, or linguistic nuances in digital content, and correct these effectively.
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned deliverables within the September–December 2026 window.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new systems, platforms, and digital tools, including AI-enabled workflows.

Desirable knowledge and experience

• Familiarity with instructional design and learning science principles.
• Experience in reviewing, developing, or quality assuring learning content.

Key attributes

• Reliable and professional in managing commitments.
• Proactive communicator who raises questions, risks, or delays early.
• Detail-oriented and quality-conscious.
• Organised, responsive, and able to follow agreed ways of working.

What success looks like

• The SME can quickly understand the qualification structure and build robust course outlines for all five grades.
• The SME spots when content is wrong, incomplete, or linguistically weak and improves it in ways that add clear value.
• The SME ensures that content is not only accurate but also well-structured and visually clear to support an engaging online learning experience.