Local Programme Advisor

Background

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation is a Swiss NGO active in Tanzania since the 1980s, operating on both mainland and Zanzibar. The organization works in three thematic areas:

• Water, Food, and Climate (WFC)
• Skills, Jobs, and Income (SJI)
• Voice, Inclusion, and Cohesion (VIC)

The current Country Strategy Paper (CSP 2023-2027) emphasizes natural resources management, private sector partnerships, policy & advocacy for systemic change, and resource mobilization. To strengthen strategic leadership and ensure full achievement of the strategy, HELVETAS is recruiting a part-time Local Programme Advisor.

Objective of the Assignment

Provide leadership and strategic support to selected projects for quality implementation, innovation, and documentation of best practices. Contribute to strategic steering of the country programme, organizational growth through communication/visibility, evidence-based advocacy, and resource mobilization (partnerships, acquisition, and proposal writing). Oversee finance and staff for accountability and impact, while representing the organization to donors, government, and key stakeholders — all in close consultation with the Country Director.

Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities

Leadership and strategic support to projects

• Provide overall strategic, operational, and financial supervision for selected projects in line with organizational goals, standards, and donor requirements.
• Ensure quality assurance, planning, coordination, monitoring, and compliance with logical frameworks and annual work plans.
• Offer thematic leadership particularly in Skills Jobs Income (SJI) and Voice Inclusion and Cohesion (Governance).
• Guide sound financial management and budgeting in compliance with Helvetas and donor guidelines.
• Ensure integration of gender equality, climate resilience, and youth empowerment across all interventions.
• Facilitate documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
• Promote collaboration and cross-learning within and between project teams.

Communication, Partnerships and Policy Work

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships and lead evidence-based advocacy.
• Lead communication and visibility strategies (success stories, media engagement, knowledge sharing).
• Represent HELVETAS in meetings, networks, and policy dialogues with government, private sector, NGOs, and partners (in coordination with the Country Director).

Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations

• Contribute to the resource mobilization strategy for diversified funding.
• Lead selected acquisition processes, proposal writing, donor engagement, and contract management.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing and potential donors, ensuring transparency and timely reporting.

Deliverables / Expected Outputs

• Projects under supervision are well-planned, effectively implemented, comprehensively reported, properly monitored, and efficiently managed financially.
• Transversal topics (gender & social equity, climate change, youth engagement, private sector development) effectively addressed.
• At least one knowledge management output per project annually, with effective dissemination.
• At least one successful larger funding proposal developed per year.
• At least one concrete policy issue successfully presented to policymakers/legislators annually.
• Detailed progress report every three months (activity summary + work plan for next quarter).

Employment Rate

Approximately 60–80% (part-time), with flexibility to scale up during peak periods.

Duration

12 months, starting from contract signing date, with possibility of renewal based on performance and mutual agreement.

Communication and Reporting

Direct hierarchical reporting to the Country Director. Regular communication and progress updates maintained with the Country Director and International Programme Advisor.

Qualifications and Key Competencies

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in program and project management.
• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement, partnership facilitation, advocacy, and winning grants/proposals from major donors.
• Strong thematic leadership in Skills Jobs Income and Governance.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, facilitation, and leadership skills; self-motivated and able to motivate others.
• Gender and social equity sensitive; shares HELVETAS values; able to work independently under pressure and travel extensively to the field.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Working Station

Dodoma, with frequent field travels.

How to Apply

Submit the following in PDF format to: Recruitment-TZ@helvetas.org

• Cover letter (motivation and relevant experience)
• Detailed CV (max 4 pages, Arial 10.5) with 3 referees
• Indication of availability and expected remuneration (if applicable)

Subject line: “Application – Local Programme Advisor”

Deadline: 25th November 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Selected candidate will undergo criminal and child protection checks.