Introduction

Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Development is an ILO Development Cooperation programme under the Zanzibar Joint Programme (ZJP), that supports innovations that will lead to decent work, economic growth, increased household income and reduced inequalities in Kaskazini Pemba and Kaskazini Unguja in Zanzibar. Specifically, systemic climate sensitive approaches to increase production and productivity of priority value chains in particular food crops (cassava, banana, legumes), seaweed, and mariculture will be prioritized. Launched to implement ILO’s obligations under the Food system transformation and the Ending violence against women and children Outcomes of the ZJP the project is funded by the Government of Norway, and jointly implemented by ILO’s Enterprises and Skills Departments, it integrates innovations that tackle complex development challenges with a focus on systems with an expectation that by 2027 the target population in Kaskazini Pemba and Kaskazini Unguja would have increased availability and awareness of basic social services. At the sector-level and enterprise-levels, it addresses constraints to productivity growth and decent work creation in priority value chains in particular food crops (cassava, banana, legumes), seaweed, and mariculture in Zanzibar.

The primary responsibility of the National Programme Coordinator (NPC) will be to provide overall programming, technical, and administrative support to the project’s timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation in line with ILO rules and regulations. The NPC will coordinate ILO’s work towards all outputs in the ZJP and provide support to results-based planning and reporting of the ZJP, compilation of inputs and preparation of the Annual Review Report and Joint Work Plan of the ZJP and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), ensuring integration of Programming Principles. The NPC will represent the ILO in the Outcome groups.

Reporting lines

The position is located in the ILO Country Office for East Africa and reports to the Country Office Director. The incumbent will work in the Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Development programme and also contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The position works in close collaboration with the ENTERPRISES and SKILLS Departments and other relevant colleagues in the Decent Work Technical Support Team in Pretoria.

Description of Duties

• Lead the project timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation through management functions, including provision of technical and administrative supervision to the project team in line with the ILO policy, rules and regulations and according to the final project document and work plan.
• Contribute proposals for programme/project development and serve as national programme advisor to the Directorate and draft portions of programme and budget proposals, project proposals, programme background, country strategy papers, objectives and project reviews and evaluation. Monitor progress of ILO programmes, projects and activities, by reviewing, verifying and analysing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
• Assist in developing briefs on knowledge and best practices generated by the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work projects as well as by latest socioeconomic research on the linkages between productivity and working conditions.
• Support the provision of technical guidance to project partners, to the government and the social partners on issues related to the effective implementation of the project work, with a particular emphasis on enterprise and skills development.
• Organize training programmes and awareness raising activities to improve understanding on fundamental principles and rights at work.
• Ensure the delivery of quality technical inputs, including qualitative and quantitative research in line with ILO core conventions on enterprise formalization and skills development.
• Maintain close cooperation and coordination with government, employers’ and workers’ organizations in the planning and implementation of activities under the project.
• Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
• Represent the project in various fora, under the guidance of the ILO Director.
• Develop and maintain strong links with ILO specialists within the ILO Decent Work Team in Pretoria, and other colleagues in the field and HQ, on specific technical areas requiring comprehensive and collaborative interventions.
• Periodically report, monitor and facilitate the evaluation of all project’s components according to the project’s document and work plan. Prepare required technical progress reports and ad hoc reports on the status of project planning and implementation for submission to the ILO and the donor.
• Responsible for the effective administrative management of the project, including guidance and supervision of the personnel assigned to the project.
• Undertake field missions on behalf of the project.
• Ensure high-level communications to increase project’s visibility at the national and international levels. This includes the responsibility to liaise with the UN country team, and other key stakeholders, to ensure effective coordination with relevant national strategies and related technical projects.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, law, social sciences or related field, and strong knowledge on development issues particularly in Zanzibar. An advanced degree on studies on labour economics would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least three years of experience in project management, administration and implementation of grant/cooperative agreement requirements (including meeting deadlines, achieving targets, and overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports to the project donor).

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of value chain development, as well as labour and employment trends in Zanzibar, skills development, poverty reduction, and green jobs.

Languages

Excellent fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili

Competencies

• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to drive work independently with minimum of supervision in accordance with instructions and guidelines.
• Good communication skills and ability to clearly communicate complex messages, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to prepare reports and publications of a high quality, technically sound with conclusions leading to an action plan and programme development.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to use analytical tools including Artificial Intelligence and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office.