National Project Coordinator – Skills Development NOB (DC)

Introduction

The ILO with catalytic financial support from Sida in Kenya has been implementing project titled ‘Inclusive Growth in the Great Rift Valley since May 2018.Due to the project’s positive impact, a second phase has been designed to ensure the continuity of the project for additional period of 48 months starting July 2024. Phase 2 of the project will therefore be based on a market systems development (MSD) approach, combined with interventions aiming at systemic change in skills development and lifelong learning services, while, to the extent possible, building on the partnerships established during Phase 1.

The overarching aim of the programme is to contribute to the inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development of the Great Rift Valley where the overall development objective is a contribution to employment creation and economic development through three outcome areas namely: a)enhanced employability and job access through vocational education and skills development, b)inclusive job opportunities in growing sustainable enterprises and value chains, and; c)enhanced community engagement towards inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. 

The ILO is recruiting a National Programme Coordinator for skills development. He/she will coordinate all skills development interventions, working closely with the private and public sectors and with vocational and technical training providers. He/she will contribute to the development, design, implementation, and assessment of vocational education and training systems and institutions, involving national vocational qualifications, skill standards and skills assessment and recognition, upgrading of non-formal, and encouragement of workplace training and ensure these are based on market demand

Reporting Lines

The position works under the supervision of the Project Manager (PM) for Inclusive Growth through Decent Work in the Great Rift Valley. The overall technical backstopping will be done by the Employment Specialist based in CO Dar es salaam, the specialists for Skills Development and Lifelong Learning and for Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition, DWT Pretoria.

Description of Duties

• n coordination with the Project Manager, provide programming, organizational, and administrative support to activities, including workshops for sectoral training bodies and vocational training centres.
• Conduct consultations with line-Ministries, central and county government departments; employers’ and workers’ organizations, private sector, development agencies on enterprises development issues particularly on skills development.
• Support the coordination of project implementation including through discussions with project implementing partners, field visits, development and analysis of progress reports, and participation in reviews and evaluations determining targets delivery.
• Organize training and orientation courses, seminars and workshops envisaged within the programme, taking notes of proceedings and write associated reports.
• Prepare briefs, periodical reports and data on status of project activities to ILO Dar es Salaam Country Office, Decent work country team Pretoria, Regional office and Headquarters.
• Ensure visibility of the project activities by drafting news items, taking quality pictures etc. and sharing them with the office communication unit Dar es salaam, Pretoria, regional office, and HQ.
• Assist in the capacity building of selected implementing partners to facilitate knowledge, awareness and smoother implementation of enterprise development programmes and strategies; working closely and collaboratively with them to implement project activities.
• Undertake missions to relating to project implementation.
• Collaborate with the project professional team and national partners in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities, and in coordination with the ILO Field Offices and HQ.
• Provide inputs for budget preparation and other administrative related matters, including preparing relevant documentation for responsible ILO entities.
• Collaborate closely with relevant ILO programmes and projects, ILO units and responsible ILO offices and DWT as appropriate, to obtain technical inputs and share best practices and lessons learned.
• Prepare background information, programme briefs, periodical reports, gender analysis and related technical reports and statistical data on status  of  programme activities  for  internal  and  external distribution.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies or a relevant field. An advanced degree on studies on Skills development would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least three years of work experience of programme/project implementation around skills development, entrepreneurship, monitoring and evaluation, applied research, or social work.   Familiarity with ILO policies, technical programmes, and procedures, including experience working with the United Nations. Experience in implementing development projects funded by donors is an asset. Experience in working with Governments, Employers and Workers organizations will be an advantage.

Technical requirements: Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of skills development such as Technical Vocational Educational Training Authority (TVETA), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Ministry of Education, Kenya National and Qualification Authority (KNQA), Curriculum Development, and Assessment Council (CDACC) and with development partners would be an asset.

Languages

Excellent command in English. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is required.

Competencies

• Knowledge of project and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Kenya.
• Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations. 
• 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 to 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.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.