National Project Coordinator – Market Systems 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 Market Systems Development. He/she will be responsible for planning and coordinating the implementation of the systemic interventions in the selected sectors, sub-sectors and value chains in the framework of promoting decent jobs for the vulnerable communities.

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

• In 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 enterprise 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.
• He/she will facilitate enterprise development, enhance the capacity of service providers and value chain actors, explore enterprise opportunities and solutions, and provide technical support for business plan development.
• 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 Market systems approach and enterprise development strategies; working closely and collaboratively with them to implement project activities.
• Undertake missions to relating to project implementation.
• Ensures that program targets benefit from enhanced supporting and core market systems, identify and prioritize systemic issues/constraints, and promotes value addition activities through stakeholder consultations.
• 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 duties as requested by the immediate supervisor and ILO Country Office Director.

Required qualifications

Education

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

Experience

At least three years of work experience of programme/project implementation around market systems development, enterprise development, entrepreneurship, business development services, monitoring and evaluation, micro finance, applied research, or social work.   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 of Market System approach and facilitation, including extensive knowledge of local economic development, particularly market systems development, value chain development, private sector development and entrepreneurship in Kenya context.

Languages

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

Competencies

• Experience in implementing a market systems development (MSD) project
• 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.