ActionAid International Zambia Job Vacancy: Youth Coordinator


  • Company: ActionAid International
  • Location: Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
  • State: Lusaka
  • Job type: Full-Time
  • Job category: NGO Jobs in Zambia

Responsible for driving forward youth programmes and programming in line with AAZ’s strategic objective on Youth engagement. The job holder will provide coordination for all youth-related projects and initiatives to ensure strategic collaboration and impactful programming. The post holder will develop strategic linkages to other thematic areas and projects to effectively build integration of youth engagement, take advantage of opportunities and mainstream youth within the organisation. The incumbent will, as required, work across AAZ’s strategic priorities to ensure that activities and results of all projects related to youth are well implemented and communicated.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide coordination in the implementation of the Transformative Youth Initiative (Light Touch) based on the programme set objectives and approaches;
  • Provide link with other projects which have a youth component to create opportunities for complementation with the “Light Touch’;
  • Ensure open, transparent and accountable tools and mechanisms in place for the selection of partners for youth-related projects and initiatives;
  • Provide link with the governance team, Global Platform and other relevant teams including Denmark on day to day implementation of the Light Touch;
  • Develop and review work plans, build integration and coherence of youth programming in consultation with relevant thematic leads;
  • Develop and review all tools, mechanisms and processes on a regular basis to ensure that Action Aid Zambia youth work is responsive and is able to provide support to innovative youth initiatives in the selected locations;
  • Oversight and tracking of the Light Touch work plan and budget and ensuring compliance in reporting;
  • Prepare quality reports as per agreed timelines and schedules;
  • Coordinate strategic planning within the youth team to ensure joint working, and innovative and impactful programming
  • Coordinate the youth team response and involvement in AAZ overall planning processes;
  • Work with the youth team to map out potential youth partners, create database and develop strategy on how to form and maintain networks with youth or youth-focused organizations and movements;
  • Develop linkages with AA International’s Youth Working Group to share lessons and best practices across the Federation;
  • Strengthen linkages and communication amongst AA Zambia country office, Youth organisations and movements, Global platform and LRPs with respect to youth agendas;
  • Provide strategic input to support capacity development Programmes for youth by the Global Platform;
  • Establish, foster and maintain strategic partnerships with government, CSOs, CBOs, NGOs, UN agencies and other relevant development agencies engaged in the youth sector of the country.
  • Coordinate the youth team to provide strong policy responses when need arises.
  • Coordinate all youth youth advocacy and policy engagement processes in collaboration with thematic leads and relevant stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with the Youth team to ensure that AAZ develop strong working relationships with networks and NGOs, etc. to connect partners with local, national and international advocacy initiatives; and
  • Ensure that AA youth programme documents, toolkits, position documents are utilized and reflect in the capacity development and advocacy.
  • Maintain interface with the Global platform to encourage innovation whilst ensure it operates within the AAZ guidelines, values and principles;
  • Coordinate documentation of success stories and enhancement of information sharing and learning within the youth team and be the main contacts for M &E of youth programming;
  • Promote the highest standards of integrity, cost consciousness and accountability in line with the AAZ’s policies, learning and planning systems;
  • Participate in fundraising initiatives; providing technical input into proposal development;
  • Any other lawful duties that may be assigned from time to time.

a) QUALIFICATIONS

Appointment to the position will be made from persons who have:

  • A university degree, preferably a Master’s degree in relevant subject areas social sciences, development studies, economics or a related disciple. Graduate diplomas, degrees are desirable and experience in the field will also be considered favorably.
  • At least 5 years or more of sound experience in topics involving youth leadership, participation, advocacy and lobbying in both rural and urban contexts;
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the youth sector, capacity development, grants management or related fields;
  • Knowledge in People Management (Leadership)skills and Monitoring & Evaluation;
  • Satisfactorily served as Programme Officer or a comparable position with similar responsibilities in like organizations for a minimum period of three(3) years; and
  • Demonstrated an in-depth understanding of programming issues, resource mobilization including proposal development, donor reporting and managing donor relations.

b) KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Strong leadership, conceptual, analytical and innovation skills;
  • Have high degree of integrity and dependability;
  • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated;
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills;
  • Excellent knowledge and use of internet, social media and software packages (i.e. MS Office, etc.); and
  • Excellent team builder and player;
  • Strong skills in managing partnerships and capacity building of local structures;
  • Team player with strong experience in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environments;
  • Extensive experience in working with INGOs and CSOs is preferred;
  • Ability to work under extreme pressure and meeting deadline;
  • Previous experience managing development projects is preferred;
  • Able to utilize relevant participatory methodologies to engage the broad range of stakeholders, staff, and partners. Observes relevant cultural practices that reinforce mutual respect and effective engagement;
  • Able to pilot and demonstrate implementation of alternatives.

Please address your application letter together with detailed Curriculum Vitae including contacts for traceable referees to: The Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager ActionAid Zambia, Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill Plot No 38 G, P. O. Box 51407: Lusaka
[email protected]

Closing date and time for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 27th December, 2017 by 14:30 hours. Please note that only candidates meeting the above job specifications and have the hands on experience are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

NOTE: ActionAid Zambia is an equal opportunity employer, therefore qualified women are encouraged to apply.