Senior Expert (Skills and Workforce Development) - UNDP Zimbabwe

job Description

Mission and objectives:
In support of the Government of Zimbabwe, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has embarked on the implementation of a five-year Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022-2026.

UNDP focuses on areas that have a multiplier effect through a targeted build-up of capacities, policies, the creation of dialogue space, and scalable downstream interventions. Proposed downstream interventions will seek to provide platforms for citizen engagement in democratic processes and facilitate access to skills, knowledge and new technologies for increased income generation.

In so doing, UNDP Zimbabwe renders its support through the following three programmatic areas:
1. Democratic Governance
2. Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Livelihoods
3. Climate Change and Resilience Building

Context
The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development is a new Ministry mandated to perform periodical sectoral and national skills audits and drive the national skills development agenda. The Ministry’s primary mandate is to identify the current skills status in the country and identify the requisite skills and competencies that will aid the skills transformation agenda as well as crafting deliberate policies and programmes that will foster the development of critical skills in the country. The Ministry’s strategic direction is to promote critical skills development that will aid the transformation of Zimbabwe to an upper middle-income economy by 2030. It is in this regard that the Ministry, through UNDP, is seeking a UN Volunteer to spearhead the Skills Audit and Skills and Workforce Development work in the Ministry. The Senior Expert will work directly in the office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry and report to UNDP through the Team Leader of the Transformative Governance Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Permanent Secretary the MoSAD and the Team Leader, Transformative Governance at UNDP the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Spearhead the formulation, implementation and review of a national Skills Development Policy and Plans in line with the Ministry’s strategic plan as well as national development imperatives.
• Oversee the undertaking of a comprehensive baseline mapping and assessment of existing skills availability, skills needs, and skills gaps in the country, as well as of the national training and skills development system (universities, TVETs programmes, etc.).
• Propose market monitoring systems that can help government and social agents track and identify skills gaps and skills development needs on a regular basis.
• Superintend over the identification of appropriate skills required for development of value chains in priority areas of the economy.
• Lead in the identification of skills development strategies and the development of the corresponding programmes to ensure that the county has the human capital base that enables it to adopt emerging technologies for the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolution.
• Oversee the development and implementation of policies and systems that are aimed at ensuring the alignment between curricula and syllabi to focus on skills required in industry and the public service.
• Advise and propose inter-ministerial consultative institutional mechanisms that help build consensus and a holistic understanding of skills development needs within government and in the country and ensure coordinated action by all relevant actors (MDAs, business, unions, training centres, etc.).
• Coordinate regular consultations on skills and workforce development with key and relevant stakeholders including but not limited to, government, private sector, business, non-governmental organisations, academic, research institutions, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes as well youth focused organisations stakeholders at national and regional level.
• Superintend over the development of skills development programmes that ensure critical skills shortage areas are augmented.
• Lead in supporting the development of provincial skills development programmes.
• Facilitates the development of rural skills development programmes and traditional skills transfer.
• Develop synergies with the country technically oriented public entities in order to resuscitate and carry out special apprenticeship training programmes.
• Lead efforts to standardise vocational and technical education curriculum, accreditation and recognition in both the private and public and informal sectors.
• Oversee the development and execution of programmes designed for reverse migration and organise special skills share schemes with experts in the diaspora.
• Supervise, coach and counsel subordinates.

Furthermore, MoSAD volunteers are encouraged to:
• Strengthening their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant MoSAD and external publications and taking active part in MoSAD activities;
• Getting acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in Zimbabwe;
• Reflecting on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for MoSAD publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;

Results/Expected Output:
In order to support Zimbabwe in its skills revolution agenda, the volunteer will develop SOPs in line with Government statutory requirements:
• A National Skills Development Roadmap document outlining the vision, goals, and objectives.
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets for monitoring progress.
• Recommendations for resource allocation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Strategies and action plans for different sectors and industries.

Qualifications and Experience

Languages:
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required

Required education level:
Master degree or equivalent in Social/ Industrial Psychology, Adult Education, Labour studies, Development Studies, Development Planning

Competencies and values
• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Required experience:
15 years of experience in data research, analysis, and management.
• At least ten (10) years relevant experience, of which two (2) must be at Director Level or equivalent grade.
• Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.
• Strong relationship management skills
• A high degree of maturity, self-discipline, initiative and creativity.
• Strong advocacy skills.
• Possess strong communication skills.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good organizational, leadership, analytical, investigation and team building skills.
• Ability to employ information communication technology in skills and workforce development programmes and related decision areas.
• Show an understanding of public sector related legislative and accountability framework
• Experience working outside Zimbabwe would be an advantage
• Proven track record in negotiation partnerships and working with multiple stakeholders.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in providing expert support in handling staff placements in line with best fit approach.
• Experience in leading such projects in public and/or large private/multinational institutions.