job Description
The following are eligible to apply:
-Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
External candidates
-The ILO values diversity among its staff. We welcome applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to [email protected].
Introduction
The International Labour Organization Country Office for Zimbabwe (CO-Harare) based in Harare is seeking applicants to fill the above vacant post to be stationed in Zimbabwe.
Background
The International Labour Organization (ILO) seeks to advance social justice and decent work, which are essential for poverty alleviation and sustainable, inclusive development. To achieve these objectives, the ILO implements Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs), which are strategic frameworks developed with member countries to address decent work challenges while supporting national development goals. These programmes are partly delivered through development Cooperation projects.
The Skills for Youth and Women Employability and Productivity Project (SYWEP) is a collaborative initiative between the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Zimbabwe, and the International Labour Organization (ILO). It aims to enhance the employability and productivity of youth and women by providing demand-driven skills training, supporting enterprise development, and strengthening linkages to competitive value chains. The project targets agriculture value chains, which offer significant employment and business opportunities.
A key focus of SYWEP is strengthening skills development systems by improving the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs. The project aligns training curricula with labour market demands and promotes work-based learning models such as apprenticeships, internships, and enterprise-based training. These initiatives aim to ensure that young people and women gain the skills required for employment or self-employment.
To foster enterprise development and job creation, SYWEP provides business development support, including coaching, mentoring, and access to finance. The project prioritizes the growth of youth- and women-led enterprises, ensuring they receive the necessary technical assistance to become competitive and sustainable. It also strengthens business support institutions, cooperatives, and associations, facilitating better access to resources, markets, and networks.
The project enhances market linkages and productivity by integrating youth and women into competitive value chains through improved production techniques and processing. SYWEP supports value addition infrastructure and business hubs to boost productivity and competitiveness. Additionally, the project leverages digital solutions and e-commerce platforms to expand market opportunities for young entrepreneurs and small businesses.
SYWEP promotes gender equality and social inclusion by addressing structural barriers that limit women’s participation in economic activities. The project implements affirmative action measures to increase women’s representation in traditionally male-dominated sectors while providing targeted support to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and marginalized communities. It also integrates strategies to combat gender-based discrimination and improve access to economic opportunities.
The project is implemented through a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government ministries, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and training institutions. It builds on existing AfDB-funded initiatives, such as the Sustainable Enterprise Development for Women and Youth (SEDWAY) and Boosting Gender Equality for Youth Employment (BG4YE), to maximize impact. Additionally, SYWEP incorporates policy dialogue and capacity-building components to strengthen national systems for skills development, business support services, and employment promotion.
Through this approach, SYWEP aims to achieve several key outcomes, including increased employability of youth and women, growth of sustainable youth- and women-led enterprises, and enhanced participation in competitive value chains. Additionally, the project seeks to create a more enabling policy and institutional environment for youth and women’s economic empowerment, contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic development in Zimbabwe.
Reporting lines:
The incumbent will work under the overall responsibility of the Director of ILO/CO-Harare and the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator of the Skills for Youth and Women Employability and Productivity Project. The incumbent will receive further technical guidance from CO Harare Operations Officer.
