Project Officer – Capacity Building at Ministry of Commerce, Trade & Industry

Zambia has been implementing the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Programme under Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI) since 2010. The Programme has contributed to building the capacity of MCTI and other national implementing agencies to effectively formulate and implement pro=poor trade policies and strategies. In 2012 t0 2015, the EIF supported MCTIto implement a project to support the development of the honey sector in Zambia. The Project, Trade and Investment Project for Enhanced Competitiveness of Zambia’s Apiculture Sector (TIPEC-ZAS) Project was implemented on
behalf of MCTI by SNV Zambia.

Building on the EIF capacity enhancement support and TIPEC-ZAS Project, the Government of Zambia through MCTI and with the support of the EIF will implement the Cooperatives Development and Sustainability Project (CDSP). The overall objective of the Project is to enhance Zambia’s nontraditional exports through improved productivity of cooperatives and to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to effectively coordinate trade mainstreaming. The project has two components, namely, Enhancing Capacity of Cooperative Officers to Deliver Competitive Business Development Services component and Sustainability Support to MCTI and other national implementing agencies component.

The objective of the Cooperative Development Component of the Project is to contribute to the promotion of non-traditional exports in selected value chains; and improved livelihoods and competitiveness of cooperatives. The Project will focus on cooperatives in the in sectors and value chains which have been prioritized in the National Export Strategy. The Project will encourage participation of youth cooperatives and female headed cooperatives and cooperatives with at least 50% female membership. Towards the attainment of this objective, this component of the project will seek to enhance the capacities and capabilities of District Cooperative Officers to deliver business development services to primary and secondary cooperatives. This in turn is expected to increase production and enhance productivity, market access, and improve quality of products.

The objective of the Sustainability Support component of the project is to reinforce and sustain the capacity of MCTI to effectively plan, implement and coordinate the EIF Programme and other Aid for Trade initiatives in Zambia.

The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry now invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill in the following vacancies as part of the EIF National Implementation Unit.

PROJECT OFFICER – CAPACITY BUILDING (POCB)

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Capacity Building (POCB) will support the Programme Team in implementation of project work plan specifically in managing the capacity development component as well as learning plans for participating stakeholders. Reporting to the NIU Coordinator, the Capacity Building Officers key areas of responsibility will be the following:

• Work with consultants and the programme team to conduct capacity assessment for
  stakeholders;
• Prepare a training and capacity building plan for the stakeholders;
• Implement the capacity building plan;
• Contribute to the development of training and workshop materials Produce training materials and manuals for training programmes;
• Manage the delivery of training and development programmes.
• Conduct periodical review and adjustment of training methodology training modules
• Contribute to the knowledge management system by ensuring proper development and delivery of workshop and training documentation Evaluate training programmes and ensuring that training requirements are met;
• Build and update a database of trainers, consultants, and training centres;
• Prepare terms of reference for trainers and training centres;
• Supervising the work of trainers.
• Ensures that the necessary inputs for the various training programmes are available; and,
• To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the EIF NIU Coordinator

Qualifications

• A degree in social sciences, economics, business studies or related field, with relevant training in business development services. Possession of a Master Degree will be an added advantage.

Experience and Skills Required

• At least five years’ work experience in BDS capacity building and training;
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting BDS training and Training of Trainers workshops;
• Experience in identifying specific stakeholder capacity building requirements, commissioning of training needs assessments, development of training programmes and identification of training providers;
• Experience in developing and costing capacity building workshops for participating stakeholders
• Good computer skills are essential, especially proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power point and Access;
• Previous working experience with the government, cooperatives and private sector institutions would be an asset;
• Strong drive and proven ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Strong decision-making/problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; and,
• Able to travel extensively and willing to work flexible hours.

Contract Duration and Location

• The engagement is for a period of three years based on satisfactory performance

.