Project Operations Manager for Eswatini Programme

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND TIMELINES / RESULT OF SERVICE: The Consultant will submit a monthly report on the progress and completion of project activities for validation, as follows:

• Successful implementation of ITC’s Eswatini project measured by meeting project targets set in the project workplan and project indicator
• Monthly progress report on activities implemented as per workplan and results achieved
• Measurable progress towards building strong partnerships with partners (Government, MSMEs and BSOs) verified through written communications / feedback from partners
• Measurable increase in project visibility verified through communication and visibility activities – local media, partners etc.

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Eswatini Government identifies agriculture as one of the main drivers of growth and jobs as stipulated in the Eswatini National Development Strategy and Vision 2022 and developed the Economic Recovery Plan 2020 which identifies the private sector as an engine for economic growth. In collaboration with the Eswatini Government and through funding from the European Union, ITC is supporting the Eswatini Government to achieve its development objectives through the implementation of a Programme comprised of these interconnected programmes, namely: “Support for Job creation and the investment climate (JC & IC); Support to the implementation of the EU-SADC agreement (EPA) and the Livestock programme” and “Eswatini: Skills for Economic and Social Inclusion through Alliances”

The programme aims to unlock the key constraints to competitiveness in Eswatini by improving the policy and regulatory framework for private sector development and through the development of selected value chains; and supports the enablement of a public-private platform for improving the country’s national competitiveness.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The Project Operation Manager is responsible for providing operational support to the Project Manager and local team to create seamless process between the project and relevant partners (Government Institutions, the European Union, partners MSMEs and BSOs, national and international experts, ITC experts) to ensure high-quality support to the implementation of project activities in accordance with project plan and timelines.

Summary of key functions:

• Effective management and implementation of programme activities and achievement of results
• Effective management of workplan, monthly, quarterly, annual reporting and donor reporting
• Provide capacity building, including coaching, to local project staff to effectively implement project activities
• Build and maintain partnership/network with existing and new project partners

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, business administration, management, or a related field. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience Hands-on experience in development projects and establishing inter-relationships between international organizations and national governments, institutions and private sector; Experience in working with government entities managing donor funds is an asset, working with MSMEs in Eswatini and direct experience in managing project operations and team.

Skills:

• Ability to coordinate the work of others
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Good team-player willing to assume additional responsibilities
• Able to operate under pressure and tight deadlines
• Organise and priorities work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines; and,
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the team and partners

Fluency in written and speaking of English, knowledge of local language