About Children International

Children International (CI) is a global non -profit organization whose vision is to bring people together to end poverty for good. Its mission is to connect people around the world in the fight to end poverty. Working together, we invest in the lives of children and youth, build the healthy environments that they need to thrive, and empower them to create lasting change in their own lives and communities.

TITLE: INTO EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM LEAD
REPORTS TO : PROGRAM MANAGER

B. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/SCOPE

• Develop the annual work/implementation plans for the strategic objective or programmatic pillar, in line with the Agency’s program quality principles, standards and best practices, through participatory program planning.
• Provide technical and methodology guidance and undertake capacity building of field officers/social workers on program guidelines, protocols, processes, and standards.
• Undertake periodic reviews of the Strategic Objective programmatic offering at field sites to track timely program activity implementation and adherence to established processes, standards, and procedures. Ensure that reflection and learning properly accompanies program activities throughout the program cycle.
• Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
• Coordinate and oversee working relationships with all local program stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the program team to mobilize local actors and promote program activities and impact.
• Facilitate, complete and send reports on all program activities and ensure all required documents are submitted as per agency and donor requirements, in coordination with all incumbents.
• Promote reflection and learning opportunities on Strategic Objective programmatic results and improvement areas.
• Look for and implement strategic partnerships related to the programmatic area of focus.
• Strictly observe confidentiality and strong ethics with respect to all beneficiary information/data.
• Comply with and ensure adherence to the agency’s policies, safety and security protocols and child safeguarding norms and guidelines by self and all other stakeholders both internal and external.
• Promote diversity and inclusion, value other cultures, and demonstrate respect while relating with all organizational constituents irrespective of their race, color, faiths, gender, sexual orientation, age, caste, disabilities, experiences, beliefs and ethnicity.

C. DETAILED ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Participatory Program Planning and Development

• Research and keep updated on local, national, and international child and youth development trends in area of focus (depending on the position – education, health, employment, empowerment, etc.), to incorporate -when useful- in the planning, development and implementation of various child/youth programs.
• Design and plan the strategy behind the programs under their responsibility, according to strategic guidance from CIKC and in partnership with the Agency Director and Program Manager.
• Prepare, in consultation with the Community Center Coordinators/Area Coordinators, Program Manager and Agency Director, relevant program work plans and financial plans of the Agency’s programs, using a participatory approach, in accordance with prescribed Agency or CIKC formats, tools, systems and requirements.
• Develop, update or revise program implementation resources including implementation guidelines, workflows, policies and instructions, MOAs/ MOUs, communication templates, data sources, modules/ training curriculum, IEC materials, reporting templates, and other activity implementation documents.
• Develop and implement employment support programs, including job readiness training, resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
• Conduct initial assessments to identify participants’ skills, interests, and employment goals.

b. Direct Implementation

• Prepare training modules, facilitation guides and resource material for capacity building of field mobilisers, social workers, program officers, and program facilitators.
• Work with regional program lead and co-facilitate training/capacity building programs for field mobilisers, social workers, program officers, and program facilitators.
• Institute program control measures by periodically comparing the plan/ target versus the current/actual status, so that preventive and corrective actions can be taken when there are deviations/ variances in the target beneficiaries, schedules, and costs.
• Undertake regular field visits across all centers and provide supportive technical feedback, coaching and mentoring to facilitators, field mobilisers, social workers, youth members, program officers, etc., for implementation of program activities in line with agreed work plans and budgets.
• Coordinate to ensure volunteers are identified and regularly mobilized for sustainable support in the program(s).
• Facilitate -when necessary- coordination of individuals and teams involved in program implementation with key partners and stakeholders
• Organize workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching sessions to enhance participants’ employability skills.
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers, industry partners, and community organizations to create employment opportunities for participants.
• Facilitate job placements and internships by matching participants with suitable employers.

c. Documentation and Reporting

• Utilizing prescribed Agency or CIKC tools and systems assess, reflect on and drive real time reporting of the work on ground to their Reporting Manager or SO Lead, including a critical assessment, reflection as well as recommendations for improvements.
• Drive, in collaboration with the MEL coordinator, implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation processes to track, identify and assess the strengths of the intervention and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with the MEL Coordinator and IT Department in the development of databases and electronic M&E tools by providing active support during testing and sharing feedback and learnings related to the program(s).
• Prepare and ensure timely submission of all Mid-Year Reports, Year-End Reports and other program progress reports in accordance with prescribed CIKC templates, systems, policies and requirements. Also, respond to other requests for additional information or clarifications as and when required.
• Track participants’ progress throughout the program, from initial engagement to sustained employment.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of employment programs and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular reports on program outcomes, participant progress, and employer feedback.

d. Additional Responsibilities

• Identify, establish, and leverage networks and linkages with local government units, government agencies and other partner organizations for resource complementation and supplementation to meet program objectives.
• Represent the Agency in meetings, conferences and other events when required, with the purpose of positioning CI’s mission and developing a network of potential partnerships.
• Carry out program related administrative and operational tasks in furtherance of program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, in collaboration with the Administration, Accounting and Operations and/or Purchasing Departments.
• Provide input and support to the Program Manager in developing different proposals or concept notes when required.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet program goals.
• Assist in the development of funding proposals and reports to secure and sustain program funding.

D. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND KEY SKILLS

• A bachelor’s degree in related discipline/field (such as health, education, development, etc.) with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of work experience, of which at least 2 have been in a similar role and subject matter.
• Demonstrated experience in developing modules for and conducting capacity building/training.
• Experience in working with a range of stakeholders (government and non-governmental), using effective tools like participatory action planning and facilitating community engagement.
• Strong verbal and written communication in English (Spanish for Latin America) and local language. Good research, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Have good computer skills, specifically MS Office.
• Possess good interpersonal skills with the proven ability to deal tactfully and build effective relationships with people across levels, both internally and externally.

E. ATTRIBUTES

• Is self-motivated and proactive with a high level of compassion, empathy, integrity, and passion to work on complex social causes, especially the cause of children and youth.
• Actively pursues learning and self-development; seeks feedback; modifies behavior considering the right feedback.
• Believes in collaboration and teamwork.
• Resilient to change and can manage change effectively within the team.
• Has proven ability to deal effectively with and resolve conflict and confrontation.

In addition to the above the following are highly desirable in the ideal candidate:

• Experience in project management as well as monitoring projects and collecting relevant data
• Familiarity with other advanced computer and analytical tools
• Understanding and ability to converse in other local languages, if applicable

Children International firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, caste, gender, sexual orientation, creed, disability etc. Our talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to promoting diversity within the organization, alignment to our vision, mission and values as well as protecting children and vulnerable youth from abuse and exploitation

Children International – Zambia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and associates to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subjected to appropriate screening and satisfactory references prior to appointment.