Senior Programme Officer-ICT

Senior Programme Officer-ICT Primary Purpose of the Job • Facilitate and coordinate the development, implementation and M&E of policies and programmes aimed at building a cost-effective and integrated Telecommunications and ICT Infrastructure and achieving reliable, affordable and universal access to ICT services in the SADC Region. • Manage the efforts and performance of the team falling under the responsibility of the Senior Programme Officer. Policy Development and Harmonisation • Commission and coordinate research/studies to identify Telecommunications and ICT strategy, policy and regulatory gaps in the region. • Coordinate the development, strengthening and harmonisation of Telecommunications and ICT strategies, policies, regulations, guidelines, standards and systems. • Coordinate the approval and adoption of the Telecommunications and ICT strategies, policies, regulations, guidelines, standards and systems by the SADC Structures. • Facilitate the implementation of the Telecommunications and ICT strategies, policies, regulations, guidelines, standards and systems by Member States. • Coordinate the development, review and monitoring of the implementation/domestication of the relevant Protocol falling under the purview of this unit. Research and Information Dissemination • Manage the collection of information and data relevant to this focal area. • Identify priority areas, commission studies, and use/interpret the findings to feed into the planning process. • Coordinate the development and maintenance of a centralised database on this focal area. • Manage the dissemination of relevant data through the SADC website and other forms of media, including social media platforms or through reports to SADC Institutions. • Undertake research work – Think Tank Approach. Strategic Planning and Programming • Identify key areas of interventions in the Telecommunications and ICT sector. • Coordinate the development of long-term, medium and short strategic plans/Programme of Action for the Telecommunications and ICT. • Facilitate the adoption of the Strategic Plans by various policy structures. • Undertake periodic reviews of the Strategic Plans. • Prepare Annual Corporate Plan and Risk Register for the Telecommunications and ICT infrastructure sector. • Facilitate and coordinate implementation of capacity building initiatives for the design, development, implementation, maintenance and operations of regional Telecommunications and ICT infrastructure networks; monitor and evaluate the success of the interventions. • Conceptualize and develop projects/programmes to implement the Strategic Plan. • Support resource mobilisation for programme implementation as and when required by PPRM. • Undertake steps to promote and strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), • Partnerships for infrastructure development, resource mobilisation, funding and operations. Programme Implementation • Coordinate project preparation to ensure availability of a pipeline of bankable projects. • Facilitate implementation of the Telecommunications and ICT infrastructure related programmes/projects aimed at: Development, Construction, Maintenance and Rehabilitation ➢ The development, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of regional infrastructure networks; and Regional Institutions and Frameworks ➢ The establishment and strengthening of regional institutions (including CRASA, SATA and SAPOA) and frameworks for coordination of infrastructure and services. • Manage project staff and consultancies. • Develop and agree on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Targets and criteria in line with SADC M&E system for monitoring the implementation of projects by the Member States. • Monitor implementation of programmes/projects and evaluate their impact. • Prepare reports, documents and annotated agenda for submission to various policy structures of SADC. • Implement Ministerial and Technical meeting decisions directed to SADC Secretariat which relate to the ICT Sector. • Implement risk management measures as outlined in the ICT Division’s Risk Register. • Implement audit recommendations pertaining to the ICT sector. • Contribute to the development of the SADC Annual Report. • Share programme impact and lessons. • Identify and build relationships with external stakeholders (e.g. development agencies, policy, and research organisations) that are critical to delivering the unit’s objectives and programme. • Liaise with other directorates to ensure mainstreaming of cross cutting issues (e.g. Gender, Youth, HIV/AIDS, Poverty, ICT, STI etc.) into own programmes. • Ensure joint/synergised planning and programming for programmes that have cross cutting implications/linkages with other programme directorates and units in the Secretariat. • Liaise with SATA, CRASA and SAPOA on general implementation of the SADC Programmes, as and when required. • Liaise with Continental and International Organisations (ATU, PAPU, ITU, UPU) where relevant in pursuing implementation of the SADC Programmes. Position Requirements Education • At least a Master’s Degree in Telecommunications/ ICT or Electrical Engineering from a recognised institution. Specialised knowledge: • Knowledge and understanding of integrated programme planning, budgeting, development, resource mobilisation, risk mitigation, administration, monitoring, reporting for Telecommunications and ICT. • Proficient in the use of computers and computer software relevant to the position. • Knowledgeable in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR). Experience • At least 10 years of regional, continental or international experience in Telecommunications and ICT within a public or private sector, regional or international organisation. This includes a minimum of 4 years in a line management position. Skills Requirements • Good oral presentation, report writing and workshop facilitation skills. • Conflict management skills. • Decision-making skills. • International relations skills. • Good knowledge of computer and application packages. • Ability to undertake research, analyse and synthesise information. • Experience in managing ICT projects. • Ability to produce both analytical and descriptive reports. • Good analytical, writing, and Interpersonal skills. • Leadership skills. • Mentoring and coaching skills. • Negotiation, persuasion, advocacy, networking, relationship building and stakeholder management skills. • Organisational skills (planning, budgeting, work prioritisation, time management, M&E). • Research, analytical and problem-solving skills. • Strategy and policy development skills. • Team building skills. Competency Requirements • Apply interpersonal styles/methods to develop, motivate and empower individuals toward achievement of goals. • Capable of maintaining quality whilst working under pressure and adhering to deadlines. • Capacity to motivate and influence people positively, and create a climate where people want to do their best. • Conceptual and practical thinking. • Customer focused. • Decisive. • Demonstrated ability to work well, present and win support for ideas in an international, multi-cultural and highly political environment. • Organisational awareness with an understanding of how to engage the organisation to get things done. • Maintain confidentiality and respect of sensitive situations. • Methodical and organised, and able to look at the big picture without losing attention to details. • Professionalism and adherence to good work ethics and professionalism. • Question status quo/conventional approaches and encourage new ideas and innovations for progress. • Resilience and personal drive, self-motivation. • Results and performance driven. • Visionary, thinks and acts strategically.