Company Description

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

The Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) is an international not-for-profit development organization that believes in contributing to poverty alleviation in Zambia through various programs/projects that it implements. There is great opportunity by all people to pursue their own sustainable development and SNV is working with different groups in pursuant of the same. SNV provides services in Agriculture, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, and Renewable Energy. The recipients of these services include governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations and private sector organizations, communities, and individual households.

BACKGROUND

SNV is implementing a multi-country Opportunities for Youth Employment (OYE) Project funded by SDC and SIDA in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The OYE approach is a market-based method to sustainably increase youth (self) employment. The OYE model is distinguished from regular/traditional approaches – it goes beyond skills training, including market matching and mentoring into (self-) employment and enterprise development working with key players in the ecosystem. It aims to achieve access to direct employment and business opportunities in climate smart agriculture and renewable energy sectors.

Job Description
OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF THE YOUTH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

The Youth Skills Development Officer is expected to lead the youth skills development component of the project related to basic life skills, technical skills, ICT skills, leadership skills, internships, mentorship, and career guidance to increase the employability of youth for (self)-employment in Agriculture and Renewable Energy sectors. Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager the Youth Skills Development Officer will be responsible for development, implementation and ensuring quality control of youth employment and women empowerment activities. The position will put strategy in place for youth employment and gender intervention plans. S/he will work with youth, youth groups, enterprises and structures, local government, private sector, and other partners for the delivery of the project activities. The kills Development Officer will work to create an enabling environment (by sharing knowledge, understanding of stakeholders and environment) for the implementation of the projects/he will support the pathway of young people engaged by the project transitioning to (self-) employment and entrepreneurship. This support will include tracking, monitoring, and verification of youth progress via the database and working with Local Service Providers (LSPs) contracted by SNV OYE in this. This will also entail monitoring quality in delivery of employability skills and technical skills (as much as possible acquired in a work environment e.g., on-the-job or apprenticeships), as well as with regard to connecting OYE youth with private sector companies and local markets (private sector engagement).

The incumbent also contributes to the preparation of quarterly and annual progress reports for stakeholders and is instrumental in ensuring effective mainstreaming of communication, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and youth empowerment. S/he will work through national and local implementing partners who will be engaged in the design and delivery of the skills development component of the project to assess and proposes technical process improvements to the project team. S/he will be expected to undertake regular field monitoring visits to assess progress and provide backstopping, as well as to perform any other work-related duties to be assigned to support the attainment of project targets.
The position requires frequent in-country travel with minimal international travel expected.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and lead activities targeting youth workforce development and entrepreneurship in Zambia and oversee activities that create links between Zambian youth and private sector partners.
• Provide strategic technical guidance on market-driven workforce development methodologies, private sector partnerships, access to finance, entrepreneurship, technical skills & curriculum development etc. based on the OYE approach, to key personnel, project staff, government ministries, and project partners and stakeholders.
• Facilitate the development of mechanisms for coordination, collaboration, consensus, partnership, and trust building among key local actors including the government, private businesses, civil society organizations, women, media, citizens, youth, and other stakeholders leading to improved (self) employment outcomes for OYE youth.
• In conjunction with the Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, develop and assist in the measurement of youth skills development indicators, and support efforts to increase the impact of program activities; monitoring and quality control of services provided by third parties; track progress with regard to employability and opportunities for youth-led enterprise creation.
• Facilitate the creation of a strong professional image of OYE/SNV internally and amongst external media and stakeholders, including the development of appropriate content and material on project activities for dissemination.
• Support and coordinate with the SNV field teams to promote gender, equity, and social inclusion (GESI) and integration into program interventions through identifying power imbalances and understand marginalized groups’ vulnerabilities and interests.
• Spearhead knowledge development through evaluation of initiatives to collect lessons learned, propose corrective measures, and ensures identification of follow up assignments, as well as engage with available networks of youth support systems, networks, and organizations in Zambia for the planning and implementation of project activities.
• Provide technical support to partner organisations (LSPs), including facilitating specialized trainings on topics of importance relevant to successful project implementation.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Entrepreneurship, or any field relevant to youth and market skills development. Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to design, deliver and report on effective programming in youth skills development, with a minimum 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of Zambian youth and education policies, especially vocational skills development.
• Solid understanding of with engaging private sector in skills development strategies for out-of-school youth, market linkages for small businesses, and related issues faced by young women.
• Experience in effective programmatic communication and GESI initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal skills; creative and flexible, with excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in English.
• High level of proficiency in MS Office package and other computer and web-based applications.
• The successful candidate will show a passion for working with the youth.

Additional information

Working at SNV

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. SNV is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.