National Project Officer (Enterprise) at International Labour Organization

Introduction

The International Labour Organization, with funding from the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), is supporting Kafue Gorge Regional Centre (KGRTC) implement a pilot project for skills development for the Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) sub-sectors in Zambia. Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC), with its existing experience and expertise in hydropower and its already existing private sector engagement portfolio, has the potential to become a key player in skills development for RE and EE technologies. This one-year pilot project will test and prepare for skills development, driven by market needs, gender dimensions and having strong ownership by key stakeholders in Zambia and sub-regionally – and lay the foundation for the three-year PPDP that is anticipated to follow.

Reporting lines

Under the overall responsibility of the ILO Country Office Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique the National Project Officer, will report and work under the direction of the National Project Coordinator, and will receive technical guidance from the Enterprise Specialist in the DWT Pretoria.

Description of Duties

Select duties below only those correspond to the needs of this position. Add specific duties if necessary. Duties should reflect the activities and processes required to achieve the key results within the project main objectives. Use short, concise sentences and action verbs, no jargons or acronyms. The max total number of duties should be 10 – 12.

1. Review and analyse country specific development plans and priorities, socio-economic data, reports and other relevant information; identify potential technical cooperation project areas and provide written analysis on the findings to management;

2. Work in close collaboration with Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC) to design and revise project annual work plans as well as preparation of the budget proposal, considering different approaches and alternative methods, management, problem identification and problem resolution, especially for the parts of the project supporting the institutional and capacity development of constituents, government agencies, line ministries, and social partners;

3. Assist in the development and implementation of a sound monitoring and evaluation system, including reviewing results, targets and indicators; and reporting on activities and performance

4. Conduct  market systems analysis  (MSA) / mapping of the renewable energy and energy efficiency sub-sectors, by reviewing, verifying and analysing progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness;

5. Review, verify and analyse work plans, progress and final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness and monitor the progress of project activities. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities;

6. Assist in the preparation and facilitation of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Speak on behalf of the Project when attending these gatherings alone. Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying others;

7. Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in organizations and line ministries at national level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets;

8. Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the project;

9. Assemble and edit basic data required for planning and negotiation of programme/project activities, considering different approaches and alternative methods for project design, management, problem identification and problem resolution. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements

10. Provide programming and administrative support to project activities in the area of enterprise development. Actively participate in and provide inputs to consultants and trainers, as well as to project partners;

11. Brief ILO specialists, project experts, associate experts and visiting officials and provide relevant information on project matters; Promote ILO policies regarding social dialogue, equality of opportunity and treatment for both women and men, and relevant International Labour Standards; and

12. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, public policies, business management, development studies, social science, sciences  or a relevant field and strong knowledge on Developmental issues particularly in Zambia. An advanced degree would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least two years of professional experience at a national level in development cooperation focusing on enterprise development, livelihood and job creation. Proven management experience, preferably with the ILO or a UN agency policies and procedures, with sound knowledge and experience in all aspects of project cycle, i.e. design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Good knowledge of the Zambian development landscape.

Languages

Excellent command of English and good knowledge of another working language of the duty station.

Competencies

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Zambia.
• Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations
• Knowledge and experience in enterprise development, community mobilization and capacity development for MSMEs;
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts of energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmental management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation;
• Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise
• Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution and good drafting skills
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
• Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team as well as work on his/her own initiative
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.

“Assessed candidates who will be considered as appointable but not selected for this position can also be offered to be assigned on another temporary position at the same or at a lower grade provided that said candidates possesses the minimum qualifications for this position”.