VSO and Cuso International have a long and successful track record of supporting the work of Tanzanian organizations through the provision of technical assistance, mentoring and training. Our success is based on a model of long-term capacity building of local partners, through tailored coaching by highly skilled professionals. This model enables us to go beyond the impact of traditional training and allows us to focus on creating a learning culture within the organizations where we work. 
Project Description:
The project, Tanzania Local Enterprise Development (T-LED), will support 1760 SMEs through targeted tier 1 support to 160 growth-oriented local SMEs to increase employment and incomes through the securing of contracts associated with foreign investments in the mining, gas and agricultural sectors and tier 2 support to 1600 local SMEs to access associate supply chains. The project will also enhance the capacity of existing Tanzanian institutions to provide market-driven and gender responsive business development services to support local SMEs. The project will train and mentor SME staff on business practices, provide selected technical inputs, and facilitate access to financing, as well as provide information on, and access to, new market opportunities. The project will facilitate direct linkages with the private sector (including Canadian investors) and financing institutions. The project will also address specific challenges facing female-headed SMEs, and deliver interventions for female entrepreneurs to ensure they are able to participate and adequately benefit from these growing sectors.

Role overview

This is a leadership role in VSO Tanzania with the overall responsibility to provide direction for the T-LED project. The T-LED project is funded by the Global Affairs Canada and implemented by VSO International in partnership with CUSO International. The ideal candidate for this role will be responsible for developing and managing partnership agreements and good working relationships with key T-LED stakeholders in Tanzania including the Tanzanian government and Canadian government representatives. If you want to enhance equitable and sustainable economic growth prosperity for women and men in the Southern, Lake and southern highland regions of Tanzania and Work with Volunteers, Partners and Staff from a different culture, this might be your job!

Skills, qualifications, and experience

• Excellent understanding of project cycle management tools to ensure effective planning, resourcing, implementation and review of projects and experience of organizational assessment, planning and review tools and processes. 
• Practical experience of applying development issues at a project or community level. Able to demonstrate knowledge and
  understanding of development issues. Experience and knowledge of the relevant project area.
• Substantial experience of contract and project risk management within complex project frameworks. Evidence of an understanding of the challenges of donor and contract management.
• Ability to lead, develop, coach and support high performing teams, and in particular experience and expertise in leading multicultural and multidisciplinary teams. 
• Experience of the financial management of budgets, including building a budget, monitoring and managing expenditure. Previous experience of having compiled financial reports
• Able to develop multiple ideas to solve an issue or situation and take a swift decision, including in a high-risk situation.
• Able to adapt to new and demanding situations, with experience of living and working in developing countries.
• Competent Data usage: including speedy collation and analysis of complex and high volume data, using appropriate Information Technology packages where necessary.
• Excellent communication skills, with proven ability to work fluently in English. Strong written and oral communication skills with attention to detail. Articulate, influential, concise and able to negotiate.
• Familiarity with monitoring & evaluation methodology in terms of gathering evidence and presenting results to meet donor requirements
• Ability to present and represent the T-LED project in a variety of media and to a variety of audiences including government, the private sector, donors and civil society
• Strong networking skills and the ability to build relationships, alliances, and networks in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment. 
• Able to travel and work long hours, including work away from the home base for up to 30% of the time, both within the country and occasionally internationally and some weekend and evening work.
  
  

Education Qualifications:

Masters or Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences with 5-10 years Experience in Programming.

VSO values a diverse workforce and aim to be an equal opportunities employer. 

Due to anticipated interest in these posts, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

This is National role, Only Tanzanians are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in applying for this role, please download the job description for more information.