REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

MINISTRY OF LOCAL AUTHORITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

ZAMBIA DEVOLUTION SUPPORT PROGRAMME (ZDSP)

Proposed Structure and Job Profiles for ZDSP Staff

July 2024

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 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

BACKGROUND

The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) entered into a Financing

Agreement (FA) with the World Bank through a USD 210 million credit facility for
the implementation of the Zambia Devolution Support Program (ZDSP) for the period
2023 to 2028. The Program aims to strengthen the financing, institutional
performance, and accountability of Local Authorities in Zambia. It is
operationalized through the Program for Results (PforR) at US$195 million and
Investment Project Financing (IPF) at US$15 million. The PforR component focuses
on four key result areas: (i) capital grants to Local Authorities, (ii) strengthened
public financial management, transparency, and accountability of Local
Authorities, (iii) strengthened fiscal framework for devolution, and capacity
building for Local Authorities. IPF component provides input-based technical
assistance, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation and project management
support.

Project Implementation Structure

The Program is being implemented through various implementing agencies with

responsibilities of achieving specific Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs)
/Disbursement Linked Results (DLRs), in addition to specific activities financed
under the IPF. The implementing agencies are:

a. Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD),

b. Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute (CLGTI),
c. Decentralization Secretariat,
d. Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MoFNP) (Budget Office and
Accountant General),
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 e. Office of the Auditor General (OAG),
f. Local Government Service Commission (LGSC),
g. Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA); and
Town, Municipal and City Councils.
Program Management Unit (PMU)

PMU Management Structure

PMU of ZDSP shall comprise the Program Coordinator, Assistant Project

Coordinator, Administrative Officer, Financial Management Specialist,
Procurement Specialist, Environmental Safeguards Specialist, Social
Safeguards Specialist, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, and.

The PMU will take the lead coordinating role to support the implementation
of the Program, including both the PforR and IPF components.

The Ministry invites suitable applicants from the general public to

fill up the underlisted positions in the Zambia Devolution Support
Program.

Proposed Job Profiles

i. PROGRAM COORDINATOR (1)

The Program Coordinator will ensure that the Program is fully and timely
implemented as well as meets its objectives while remaining in full compliance
with the national and World Bank instruments that govern Program
implementation. Description of Assignment

To lead the PMU and provide overall operational management for the
successful execution and implementation of the Program. This includes the
daily responsibility to manage, coordinate and supervise implementation and
the delivery of results in accordance with Program documents and agreed
Annual Work Plans and Budgets. Specific tasks and areas of accountability are
as follows:

TASK PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITY

1. General Program • Fulfil the role of secretariat for the Program Steering
Management and Committee (PSC) meetings;
Administration • Liaise regularly with the Permanent Secretary (MLGRD)
and other entities as required on program planning,
implementation, monitoring;
• Oversee the timely planning and implementation of all
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TASK PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Program- activities and instruments (both PforR and IPF)
in accordance with the rules and regulation of the World
Bank and the GRZ.
• Lead the effective and efficient utilization of human,
financial and other material resources;
• Organize, at least quarterly, PMU management team
meetings;
• Organize Program performance review missions and
meetings with all relevant Implementing Agencies and
relevant stakeholders.
2. Staff capacity • In coordination with the MLGRD human resources
building and department, oversee the selection, contracting and
performance contract monitoring of all PMU staff;
management • Review the individual work plans and development plan
to enhance capacity and evaluate performance;
• Directly supervise and support all PMU specialists to
ensure that they remain on track with their tasks.
• In coordination with the MLGRD human resources
department, monitor all PMU staff performance.
• Manage and coordinate the development and
implementation of training plans for all PMU staff.
3. Stakeholder • Ensure the implementation of the Stakeholder
engagement Engagement Plan (SEP)
• Lead the engagement with Implementing Agencies,
including assisting with the identification of technical
assistance linked to the achievement of DLIs/DLRs and
the development and implementation of Activity
Concept Documents;
• Support and help build synergies and capacity among
Implementing Agencies and other stakeholders;
• Facilitate strategic or program-related dialogue between
PMU staff and all stakeholders;
• Lead meetings/workshops/conferences with
implementing agencies and stakeholders,
• Coordinate a timely response to queries by stakeholders
or other interested parties on the program.
4. Implementation, • Monitor, in collaboration with Implementing Agencies,
Monitoring and progress towards the achievement of DLIs/DLRs, any
Reporting potential gaps in performance and identify any needs for
technical assistance in order to achieve the DLI/DLR;
• Ensure that activities under the IPF are well-aligned and
support the achievement and progress of DLIs/DLRs and
other Program indicators;

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TASK PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITY
• Take the lead in preparing forecasts of program-wide
expenditure and planned activities to ensure sufficient
government budget is allocated for Implementing
Agencies to achieve DLIs/DLRs;
• Ensure the timely preparation and approval of the AWPB
for proposed activities under the IPF component;
• Ensure timely implementation and full compliance with
World Bank financial management, procurement and
environmental and social safeguards policies, guidelines
and regulations;
• Monitor the implementation of the Program Action Plan
(PAP) and ensure progress reports are provided to the
PSC and the World Bank;
• Ensure that adequate systems are in place to gather data
and information for program M&E, including early
identification of inadequate progress towards DLI/DLR
achievement;
• Ensure quality in the process of developing
ToRs/specifications and integrity in the recruitment of
consultants and contractors;
• Ensure the suitable support and supervision of
consultants and contractors and review all deliverables
and reports of consultants and contractors before
payment authorization;
• Monitor, in collaboration with Implementing Agencies,
the identified or emerging risks and organize mitigation
as necessary;
• Day-to-day monitoring of risks and risk management
plans to minimize program risks and propose and
manage any changes to the program scope, program
schedule and program costs using appropriate
verification techniques, and subject to the approval of the
Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the World Bank;
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of all reports
on Program implementation.
5. Communication • Monitor and clear the dissemination of information on
program implementation and performance;
• Serve as the main point of contact with the media.
6. Any other Duties • Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the PS,
MLGRD and the PSC.

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Qualification, Experience and Key Attributes

• Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Development/

Gender studies or equivalent
• Master’s degree in Economics, Development Studies or equivalent
will be highly regarded
• At least eight years of professional experience in a relevant sector.
• At least five years’ experience at leadership levels. Experience
managing institution-wide reform initiatives would be highly
regarded.
• Ability to build and manage effective collaboration across teams and
all program stakeholders.
• High level of professional and personal integrity with a track record
of accountability and effective decision-making.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a
team, with a track record of delivering results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills including the ability
to prepare, review and deliver reports and presentations to a wide
range of stakeholders.
• Good problem solving and organisational skills including the ability
to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.

• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint,

Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages
required by the Office
• Previous experience working on a World Bank-funded program will
be highly regarded

REPORTING LINE: The Program Coordinator will report to the PS

MLGRD

Duration of the Assignment: The Program Coordinator contract is for

an initial period of two-years subject to extension based on
satisfactory performance.

Performance Assessment: The Project Coordinator will be subject to

appraisal every 6 months in the first year of the contract and
thereafter on annual basis.

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 Mode of Application: Applicants should address their applications to:
The Permanent Secretary-Administration
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
United Nations Road
LUSAKA

Soft copy applications will be Submitted to Ps@mlgrd.gov.zm not later

than 20th September, 2024.