National Project Coordinator - NOB (DC)

Introduction

As part of ILO’s national response, a Global Programme on Skills and Lifelong learning is set up to address those challenges, promote innovations and support the design and implementation of skills and lifelong learning ecosystems and programmes in selected target countries, under a coordinated global framework. The objective of the programme is to provide support to ILO constituents in order to ensure businesses and individuals have a fair access to skills development systems that reflect the adaptation to the changing world of work. More specifically, the Programme will work as an accelerator in the context of the future of work, and as a vehicle to deliver outputs of the Programme and Budget for the Biennium 2020-2021 and beyond.

Within the framework of the Global Programme on Skills and Lifelong Learning, the incumbent will be responsible for the Malawi component of the Programme. Strengthening, diversifying and increasing the competitiveness of its export sectors is a high priority for Malawi’s development. It is also a high priority to strengthen education and skills development in support of socio-economic and industrial development. The Malawi component of the Programme aims to enable Malawi in addressing these priorities at policy level, through social dialogue and coordinated actions among national stakeholders and sector partners.

The project is fully aligned to the Malawi Country Programme Outcome (CPO) MWI105 on “Increased capacity of constituents to identify current skills mismatches and anticipate future skill needs; strengthen financing mechanisms to support lifelong learning, and design and deliver innovative, flexible and inclusive learning options, encompassing work-based learning and quality apprenticeships”. The CPO contributes to Outcome 5 of the 2020-21 and 2022-23 Programme and Budget which seeks to secure “Skills and lifelong learning to facilitate access to and transitions in the labour market. The first priority of the Malawi DWCP II (2020-22) is employment promotion and the creation of sustainable jobs. At the national level, this priority contributes to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III (MGDS III, 2017–22) which aspires to reduce poverty through sustainable inclusive growth. The project is linked and will contribute to UNDAF Malawi 2019-23, Strategic Priority 2: “Population Management and Inclusive Human Development”, and its related national development priorities: “Education and skills development, health and population, disaster risk management and social support, gender, youth development and persons with disability and social welfare, HIV/AIDS, and nutrition”.

Reporting lines

The NPC will work under the overall responsibility and the direct supervision of the ILO Lusaka Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Based in Lilongwe, Malawi, the official will closely work with the Global Programme on Skills and Lifelong Learning team, especially the Programme and Operations Officer for Africa and under the coordination guidance of the CTA managing the ILO-Norway Programme Cooperation Agreement.  S/he will receive technical assistance of the Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist in DWT Pretoria, as well as the technical guidance of the relevant specialists in ILO SKILLS. S/he will ensure the implementation and the operational coordination of the project, and will be responsible for securing the overall project results.

Description of Duties

1. Lead the project timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation through management functions, including provision of technical and administrative supervision to the project team according to the project objectives, targets and expected results and in line with ILO policy, rules and regulations and according to the final project document and work plan.

2. Monitor progress of project and activities implementation and oversee the preparation and review of work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness.

3. Identify key bottlenecks, propose solutions and action and follow-up with field specialists and technical officers, relevant departments at headquarters and regional office, executing agencies, government offices, constituents and other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.

4. Contribute to proposals for programme/project development and serve as national programme advisor to the Directorate and draft portions of programme and budget proposals, project proposals, concept notes, policy briefs, programme background, country strategy papers, objectives, project reviews and evaluation.

5. Organize training programmes and awareness-raising activities to improve understanding of specific project objectives for project staff and key stakeholders.

6. Maintain close cooperation and coordination with government, employers' and workers' organizations in the planning and implementation of activities under the project.

7. Develop and maintain strong links and ensure a regular flow of information on the status of the activities planned and implemented with the ILO Decent Work Team in Pretoria (DWT/Pretoria), other colleagues in the Project team in Lilongwe, ILO CO Lusaka, and ILO SKILLS in Headquarters.

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8. Responsible for the effective administrative management of the office, including guidance and supervision of the personnel assigned to the project and reporting project progress.

9. 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. Under direct guidance of CO-Lusaka maintain relations with mass media and concerned media groups in order to increase the impact of the project in society as a whole.

10. Organize and conduct technical missions and meetings in target regions, guide and advise national and international experts on site and remotely.

11. Perform other tasks as assigned within the framework of his/her competence.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in Development Studies, Social Science, Vocational training or any other related field and strong knowledge on development issues particularly in Malawi. A Master`s degree is an additional asset

Experience

At least three years of experience in vocational education and training, as well as implementing skills development interventions and projects / programmes, preferably in the field of skills for private sector growth. Experience in implementation and project management is essential. Experience working on similar donor funded projects is desirable.
 

Languages

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

Competencies

• Good knowledge about social, economic development, including labor and employment, trends in  the country
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical co-operation projects of international organizations.
• Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employers organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
• Ability to conduct action oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
• Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote freedom of association and right to collective bargaining principles.
• Clear commitment to mainstream gender into project activities.
• Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
• Ability to train and guide personnel.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATE WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGE.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

“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”.