Program Facilitator-Digital Skills for Youth x4

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.

We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Reporting to the Digital Skills for Youth Project Manager, the Program Facilitator will be responsible for directing business incubation and growth strategies for youth led enterprises. The incumbent will collaborate closely with the project team to ensure effective implementation of Digital Skills for Youth grant activities.

1. Program coordination and stakeholder relation
   • Facilitate youth economic empowerment through identification, registration and training of youth for basic, intermediate and advanced digital skills curriculum, and in collaboration with tertiary institutions, Ministry of Youth, community resource persons and partners at grassroots level.
   • Facilitate the development of project incubation hubs into viable business units for sustainability.
   • Initiate and support the growth and acceleration of existing Youth Led Enterprises and high potential new Youth Led Enterprise’s (YLE).
   • Build an enabling ecosystem for the provision of physical and online business development support services for YLEs at the Incubation Hub which is localised contextualised, adaptable and innovative.
   • Participate in the development of business marketing and communication strategies including but not limited to B2B models, product fairs and connections with non-local market opportunities.
   • Strengthen engagement with private sector including financial service providers to develop and offer youth friendly products and services including placements particularly to women.
   • Facilitate the monitoring of the digital skills trainings in both urban and rural areas, including supporting project cadres such as Hub Coordinators and Digital Skills Trainers.
   • Embed gender and inclusion in all interventions, including rural youth using models implemented by the project partner.
   • Coordinate with project partners and the private sector consultant at the district level and provide support in stakeholder engagement and overall coordination and layering of project interventions.
   • Coordinate all community awareness activities to include gender, safeguarding, and promoting meaningful employment/entrepreneurship for young women.
   • Lead on advocacy initiatives at district/provincial level including mentoring young people in influencing improvement in access to digital skills.
   • Ensuring all project equipment in physical hubs are accounted for in the day to day operation of the project and in accordance to Plan Procurement policies and guidelines.
   • Ensuring regular communication with project staff and other local stakeholders.
   • Ensuring all relevant stakeholders are included in the planning and implementation of projects as appropriate.
   • Supporting community planning efforts and actively participate in the capacity strengthening of local partners.
     1. Reporting and administration
        • Supporting the Project Manager in ensuring that project activities are implemented in accordance with the work plan and approved budget.
        • Ensuring familiarity with donor compliance issues, and that the project is compliant with these and Plan procedures.
        • Ensuring adherence to Plan’s administrative, financial and logistical systems/procedures so that support functions are carried out effectively and efficiently.
        • Providing the Project Manager with progress of district-level activities and taking action where necessary.
        • Managing crucial project documents including reviewing for accuracy, and generating periodic project implementation and monitoring reports.
        • Identifying any potential issues or risks that could affect the progression of the project and communicate to the Project Manager.
        • Prepare activity reports and submit to the Project Manager for review.
        • Documenting and sharing best practices for planning purposes.
        • Closely manage the project schedule, monitoring deadlines for each project task and report any potential delays to the Project Manager.
          1. Safeguarding & Gender Equality Mainstreaming
             • Promoting and abiding by Plan policies and procedures including but not limited to: Gender equality and inclusion mainstreaming, Children and Young People Safeguarding, Code of Conduct and the related mandatory reporting responsibilities.
             • Supporting project associates and local stakeholders to receive both gender training and the Children and Young People Safeguarding training, including understanding safeguarding reporting mechanisms for the project.
             • Ensuring that Plan’s safeguarding mechanisms are adhered to during the implementation of the grant, especially if/when a project beneficiary discloses abuse to project staff or any other adult associated with the grant.

               Knowledge

               • A First Degree in Business Studies, Entrepreneurship, or any related degree from a recognized institution.
               • Additional qualifications and experience in enterprise development, project management, report writing and social/community development skills will be an added advantage.
               • A minimum of 3 years practical experience working with rural/urban communities.

                 Skills

                 • Networking, advocacy and partnership building skills, including the ability to work with dynamic partnerships with private institutions and decentralized government agencies and services.
                 • Analytical and problem solving skills.
                 • Ability to prepare reports, briefing note.
                 • Good communication in local languages and English.
                 • Good computer skills (Microsoft Office) and an understanding of digital technology.

                   Behaviours

                   • Be committed to the welfare of children and able to adhere to the vision and mission of Plan, including commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
                   • Promotes high quality youth economic empowerment programming.
                   • Having initiative and able to work independently.