JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

DIRECTOR – STRATEGY AND INNOVATION UNIT

Job Title: Director: Strategy and Innovation Unit

Location: Lusaka

Position reports to: Country Director

Supervises: Strategy and Innovation Unit (Monitoring and Evaluation Manager; Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion Manager; and Communications and Information Sharing Coordinator)

JOB PURPOSE OF THE UNIT

The Strategy and Innovation Unit (SIU) of iDE Zambia is responsible for ensuring that strategies relevant to the Zambia context are developed and implemented. It also ensures that strategies developed by iDE global and elsewhere are adapted and customized to align with the needs of the people we work with in the country. The SIU Director will keep close liaison with technical units at iDE global to contribute to strategy development, adoption and adaptation and provide feedback on the effectiveness and appropriateness of the strategies.

THE POSITION

The SIU Director will lead a team of technical Coordinators who will provide guidance and advise to the Program unit to ensure that strategies are developed, adopted, adapted, implemented.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A.   Develop and guide Country office strategic directions.

a.    Develop strategies such as Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Strategy, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) strategy, Communications strategy.

b.    Develop/ identify tools to apply in the implementation of those strategies

c.    Develop feedback mechanisms between the Program and the Strategy and Innovation units.

B.   Provide technical assistance to the projects/ program on the implementation of strategies.

a.    Create an understanding of the purpose of each strategy and how it applies to the projects or programs

b.    Review appropriateness and relevance of the strategies to the projects/programs

c.    Create and nurture linkages with respective iDE Global units

C.   Monitor and document the application of the strategies

a.    Develop indicators to measure progress and impact of program implementation

b.    Create feedback mechanisms between Programs and the Strategy and innovation unit.

c.    Plan and provide guidance on the strategy reviews and lead in the design of new strategy direction for the country office.

D.   Contribute to Business Development

a.    Seek opportunities for new business development.

b.    Write proposals and concept notes.

c.    Engage potential donors to develop relationships with iDE Zambia

d.    Provide proof of concepts to enhance the business development process

E.   Contribute to Knowledge Management and Learning

a.    Ensure that lessons learnt as well as challenges faced are documented

b.    Regularly update the Knowledge Management platform on the Shared Drive.

c.    Ensure that all staff have access to the Knowledge Management folder/ platform

F.    Collaborate with partners and stakeholders

a.    Ensure that iDE Zambia work collaboratively with relevant government Ministries and departments, NGOs and private sector players.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

1.  Master’s Degree in Economics, Agriculture, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Social Work or any relevant equivalent qualification.
2.   A minimum of 5 years work related experience in Senior Management Position.
3.  Experience in report writing for donor funded programs, NGOs and/or public sector.
4.  Experience in the design and implementation of Monitoring and Evaluations systems.
5.  Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to gender and diversity.
6.  In-depth knowledge of government policies and programs;
7.  Proficiency in Statistical Software Packages i.e SPSS, Stata, Excel, etc;
8.  Demonstrable experience in statistical analysis and the ability to undertake complex analytical assignments.
9.  Good time management skills; able to prioritize tasks and to meet deadlines.
10.  Be able to set annual Business Development Targets.
11.  Be able to work with Communications unit in the development of digital briefs and presentations for external stakeholders, tailor and deliver content for the organization’s key stakeholder presentations.
12. Work with Communications in the development of various initiatives which include – articles, newsletters, social media management, etc
13. Ensure brand building initiatives are in line with the iDE Zambia’s communication strategy and overall business strategy.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

1.  Strong communications skills.
2.  Proven problem-solving skills
3.  Ability to multi-task with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail;
4.  Excellent written and verbal English skills;
5.  Ability to deal appropriately with sensitive issues and maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times.
6.  Must be attentive to detail
7.  Strong organizational and planning skills
8.  Ability to identify priorities and work accordingly
9.  Able to work under pressure
10.  Willingness to learn and take on new tasks.
11.  Must be flexible with a positive attitude
12. Good analytical skills
13. Demonstrated ability to manage time and perform to strict deadlines;
14. Ability to manage office equipment like computers, printers and other office equipment.