Introduction

The International Labour Organization Country Office for Zimbabwe (CO-Harare) is seeking applicants to fill the above vacant post to be stationed in Harare, Zimbabwe.

1.    Background
Zimbabwe is categorized as a low-income country with an estimated population of 15.7 million of which youth between 15-35 years of age make up 35.7% of the population. The country's Human Development Index value in 2022 was 0.550 thereby ranking Zimbabwe as 159 out of 193 countries. The Gender Inequality Index value in 2022, was 0.519 and shows high levels of gender inequality. The national poverty rate is 70.5% and is even higher in rural areas at 86%. According to the quarterly labour force survey (QLFS), the youth unemployment rate in the 1st quarter of 2024 was 27.9% and is even higher for females at 38.2%. Youth Not in Education, Employment, or Training was 2.3 million representing 48.9% of the total number of youths.  The overarching development policy framework, Vision 2030, aims to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030. The government is executing the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) for 2021–2025, which is focused on bolstering private sector development to foster inclusive growth, enhance the quality of life for Zimbabweans, and address fragility while building resilience. The NDS1 prioritizes gender equality in line with the theme of ‘’leaving no-one and no place behind’’. The NDS 1 also prioritizes climate resilience and natural resources management. The project is aligned with NDS 1 and contributes to value chain development and structural transformation from low productive to higher productive economic activities, and through enterprise and skills development leading to job creation. The project is also aligned to Zimbabwe’s Youth Policy (2000) particularly strategic areas 5.2 and 5.3 youth empowerment and participation and youth employment and access to resources, respectively.

The project - Skills for Youth and Women Employability and Productivity Project – is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and is aligned with the AfDB’s objectives and priorities for support to Zimbabwe including enhanced private sector investment for inclusive growth, investing in young people, and investing in Africa's women to accelerate inclusive growth. The project is executed by the ILO with implementing partners being the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is the overall budget holder of the project. 

The National Project Officer (NPO) will support the planning, implementation and reporting of the skills development and enterprise productivity components, and will also coordinate and collaborate closely with the National Project Coordinator (NPC), the finance and administrative assistant (FAA) and the Project Driver, all based in Harare.

2.    Reporting Lines 
The incumbent will work under the overall responsibility of the Director of the ILO Country Office, under the direct daily supervision and management of the NPC, and will  also receive technical support from DWT Pretoria, particularly the Specialists for Employment, Skills Development, and Sustainable Enterprises, as well as other specialist when required. 

Description of Duties

1. In support of the project objective and development outputs, review and analyse national and sectoral specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information. Identify how the project contributes to these goals and provide written analysis on the findings to the Country Director and the National Project Coordinator.
2. Work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training to design project annual work plans, as well as preparation of budget proposal for specific project components to be implemented by the ministries in line with the project document. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
3. In support of project implementation, consider and explore 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.
4. Review, verify and analyze project work plans, progress and final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness, and monitor the progress of project activities and provide written advice to the NPC. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.
5. Follow-up with relevant technical officers within the line ministries and other counterparts in organizations at both national and provincial level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.
6. Assist in the programming and control of resources of the project, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendations for remedial action. Identify problems and propose solutions and actions.
7. Participate in and provide inputs to the design of new development cooperation proposals and resource mobilisation efforts in the area of employment promotion and sustainable enterprises development.
8. Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Speak on behalf of the Project when attending these gatherings alone and when delegated by the Director or the NPC. Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying others, including officials from line ministries and social partners.
9. Brief ILO specialists and visiting officials and provide relevant information on project matters. Draft, edit, or translate into local language official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information materials.
10. Contribute to the preparation of project briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the Project.
11. Contribute to maintaining positive relations with media and concerned media groups in order to increase the visibility of the project and its impact in society as a whole.
12. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Required qualifications

Education

First level degree in economics, business and administration, management, social science or related field with demonstrated expertise.  

Experience

At least two years of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset.
 

Technical requirements:Good knowledge of labour economics, skills development, productivity concepts, as well as economic developments, poverty reduction, and social policies. Knowledge of the policy making process.

Languages

Excellent command of English and good knowledge of one of the national languages of Zimbabwe.

Competencies

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Zimbabwe. 
• Knowledge of financial rules and procedure.
• 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 analyse problems with implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information.
• Demonstrate collaborative and teamwork experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team, as well as to work on own initiative.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.