Capacity Development Specialist

Plan International is an independent non-profit organization that advances children’s well-being and equality for girls. Working in building powerful partnerships for children for over 75 years and present in 70 countries, Plan International strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children while working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. Plan International Ethiopia is looking for Capacity Development Specialist for Country Office who will be reporting to the Women’s Voice Leadership Project Lead with matrix reports to MEAL Thematic Lead.

Dimensions of the Role

The position holder will be reporting to the Project Lead and complement the hands on support provided by the Capacity Development Specialist (CDS). S/he will be responsible for providing technical as well as organizational development support to ensure WOs get appropriate capacity development that leads to sustainability.

Accountabilities

The post holder has responsibility for the day to day management of the Women�s Voice and Leadership Ethiopia Project capacity development support services and related activities to enhance the capacity and sustainability of local women right and development organizations and grant sub-recipients and improve outcomes for project. S/he will be a member of the project management team (PMT) of WVL at Plan International Ethiopia. S/he will provide a hands-on support to the WOs selected to implement the project. The following are key responsibilities:

Individual development � 14%

Lead the development planning and implementation of the activities related to training and capacity building support.

Give direction to WOs in selecting core trainers and coaches (CTCs) that serve as regional and national resources,

Deliver Core Trainers and Coaches training for those cohort of trainers selected by and from WOs,

Customize and adopt friendly training materials to help CTCs cascade the training they received, and

Support and coach the cascading of the training to additional organizations by CTCs.

Organizational development: 43%

Foster strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, serve as an initiator for dialogue and learning around emerging issues, and coordinate efforts among partners. S/he assist and play a role in the knowledge management practise.

Lead the development and implementation of the activities related to organizational development and capacity

Support the development of selection criteria for selection of sub recipients,

Customize standard Participatory Institutional Assessment tool to be used by WOs,

Support WOs to carry out their Participatory Institutional Assessment,

Conduct assessments on capacity building needs of WOs and sub recipients, propose possible gap filling efforts, and give trainings, coaching and mentoring to leaders,

Provide capacity building hands-on guidance and support to WOs throughout the project period,

Facilitate trainings to partner organizations based on the areas identified,

Support organizations in establishing strategic direction for their sustainability, and

Assist the development of resource mobilization strategies to support women in the future.

Develop and implement a capacity building activities to build the capacity of grant sub recipient, women organizations and project staffs to improve the effectiveness of performance management, high-quality performance and learnings

Facilitate strong collaboration, learning and adapting practices, including techniques for gathering, organizing, disseminating and applying knowledge throughout the project cycle.

Develop a comprehensive knowledge management plan that outlines capacity building actions, key learning and knowledge management questions, stakeholders and their roles, and broad stakeholder engagement at multiple levels.

Assist and play a role in the production of reports, such as quarterly and annual reports, training manuals and reports arising out of its activities as required by Plan International

Learning  22%

Identify areas of promising practices in terms of organizational strength and organize forums to share experiences,

Introduce innovative practices of capacity development and learnings

Provide input into donor reports, including supporting capacity building grantees to document experiences and outcomes,

Represent PIE on WVL project in external meetings and on external communications and advocacy platforms,

Knowledge of learning and development best practices and

Exceptional skills at coaching, motivating, influence and persuasion

Internal collaboration  21%

Work in close collaboration with the MEAL and  GC specialists of the project to plan for areas of capacity building needs and fill gaps

Work creatively to support Programme Units� staffs and thematic leaders in the CO in demonstrating effective learning and capacity development system, 

Collaborate with technical programme specialists in the country and with NOs staffs (when required) to develop capacity development framework for specific programmatic/ thematic areas,

Collaborate with other functions (finance, Capacity Development, grant compliance and gender) to ensure that Programme Quality standards and processes integrated across functions,

Contribute to the wider work of the Programme Effectiveness team on a flexible and supportive basis, and

Mainstream child Protection in the program area as well as observe the Child Protection Policy and be vigilant to report all child protection concerns.

Dealing with Problems

This position requires a very high degree of conceptual, analytical and deductive thinking. It requires ability to investigate into and solve complex problems that the organization focuses on. The position requires an objective, integrated and multidisciplinary approach to programming. The post holder requires a clear understanding of the policies, procedures, strategic direction of the department and the ability to conceptualize the existing interrelationships, organizational working environment and other prevailing conditions. Working is such a complex project the post holder must be able to cope up with and address all capacity development related problems that may arise in the course of project implementation.

Key relationships

The post holder is required to develop and maintain a range of working relationships with partners, staffs, consultants and relevant institutions with regard to capacity building activities.

Work closely with Project Lead, grant compliance specialist, MEAL Specialist, and finance team, in rolling-out the technical as well as organizational capacity development requirements,

Collaborate with other members of Program Quality Team (inclusion specialist and Partnership specialist) at CO on programme effectiveness deliverables,

Work closely with NOs� advisors to strengthen alignment of national organization requirements with Plan�s corporate systems.

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge 

• Education, qualification, knowledge and experience.
• Master�s degree Project Management, Development Studies, and other social sciences.
• Minimum of 5 years substantial experience in leading the development and implementation of activities related to capacity building across
• Excellent English language written and verbal skills
• Knowledge of current international development trends and thinking on programme effectiveness, learning and in Gender Equality programming,
• Experience in working with women development organizations,
• Have experience and skills in the development of training materials and delivering trainings is required,  
• Grass root development management experiences-understanding challenges and opportunities in the communities and field level realities of NGOs are desirable.

Skills specific to the post

• Strong communication skills (oral and written) and experience with training facilitation skill
• Excellent conceptual skill on empowerment and feminist approaches,
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail,
• Negotiation and influencing skills,
• Excellent writing and editing skills,
• Strong team building and motivational skills,
• Strong organizational and project management skills, and ability to deliver within tight deadlines,
• Working with wider range of community groups and partnership with local partner organization,
• Establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures,
• Must be self-motivated, self-managed and be able to multi-task with organizational and efficient time management skills. 

Competencies

Able to perform under stress,  innovative, build relationships, communicate effectively, coach and mentor, facilitate change, develop teams, initiate action, strategic decision making, planning and organizing and a personal commitment to children�s development and protection.  

Values and behaviours

• Commitment to Plan Ethiopia Values:
• Integrity, Unity/Oneness, Accountability
• Excellence, Embracing Change, Speed/Agility
• Passion for feminist principles, mission driven work and personal values
• Creates a strong sense of purpose within the portfolio and with stakeholders.
• Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour
• Sound judgment and decision-making in complex situations.
• Commitment to working transparently and with integrity.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• A process-oriented working style, with the ability to be flexible and adaptable
• Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates 
• Leadership qualities.

Leadership Attitudes & Behaviours

• Relates to people in a friendly, open manner and engenders trust from other staff,
• Creates strong sense of purpose within organisation and with stakeholders,
• Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour,
• Aware of impact on others and adjusting own behaviour accordingly,
• Humble, supportive, ethical and service oriented,
• Promotes innovation and learning,
• Pleasant and polite attitude at all times;  ability to reflect professional standards,
• Able to work with minimal supervision.