Project Coordinator at CARE International Tanzania

In collaboration with Relief to Development Society (REDESO), CARE Tanzania is implementing the project “Enhancing Livelihood Resilience along the Sisal Value Chain in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region,” responding to climate variability and the COVID-19 pandemic. This project supports small-scale farmers in Kishapu district whose livelihoods are threatened by climate change. The initiative empowers vulnerable communities by promoting diversification of livelihood options, such as poultry and horticulture farming, and focuses on working with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and Youth Savings and Loan Associations (YSLAs).

The project also integrates collective investment models and aims to build financial and entrepreneurial skills among communities. CARE Tanzania seeks to scale the impact of the project by increasing the number of beneficiaries from 1,200 to 2,700 by December 2026. The goal is to support women farmers in accessing resources and tools to enhance productivity and autonomy, thereby improving market access and building a strong foundation for women-owned agribusinesses.

Job Summary

The Project Coordinator will provide overall coordination, technical leadership, and operational management for the project, ensuring strong links with the Country Office Management. The Coordinator will work closely with VSLAs and other saving groups to promote financial resilience and sustainable enterprises. They will support the integration of CARE’s VSLA approach, including the CHOMOKA digital platform, to improve access to capital, markets, and savings within the sisal value chain. Additionally, the Coordinator will oversee the formation of new value chains and ensure that all activities are aligned with CARE’s gender-focused goals.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Coordination of VSLAs, Community Mobilization, and Entrepreneurship Impact Pathways

• Plan and conduct meetings with VSL group members, cooperative leaders, and the broader community to explain project goals and responsibilities.
• Organize VSLAs into different tiers and ensure targeted interventions based on group needs.
• Provide entrepreneurship training and facilitate access to capital for VSLAs.
• Develop and implement plans for scaling VSLA activities, considering available funding and staff resources.
• Support the transformation of saving groups into fully functional VSLAs, including setup of structures like cash boxes, constitutions, and office bearers.
• Promote savings models and business opportunities in agribusiness, such as horticulture and dairy farming.

Capacity Building and Technical Support to Project Participants and Partners

• Provide training for local service providers and partners on the VSLA model, gender inclusion, and other key programming elements.
• Coach and mentor local trainers on capital access, market linkages, and financial management.
• Ensure that partners’ staff are adequately trained to implement and monitor VSLA activities.
• Promote the use of the CHOMOKA digital ledger among VSLAs and support awareness of collective investment opportunities.

Promote Gender Focus on Women and Girls’ Inclusion

• Ensure that VSLA interventions remain responsive to the needs of women and girls.
• Facilitate women’s leadership in development activities, ensuring their active involvement in decision-making.
• Engage men and boys in promoting gender equality through training and sensitization.

Project Office and Partner Coordination

• Foster coordination with project partners and stakeholders, including local government and NGOs.
• Ensure partners adhere to project goals and work plans, offering continuous support and guidance.
• Oversee the registration and coordination of service providers such as agro-dealers and financial institutions.
• Monitor the implementation of partners’ work plans and ensure on-time, on-budget completion of project activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning

• Ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of project activities through digital systems like Kobo and Power BI.
• Collect and disseminate data on project impacts and lessons learned.
• Support the preparation and submission of high-quality reports to CARE Tanzania and donors.
• Lead documentation of innovative approaches and ensure transparency in project progress.

Promote and Ensure Safety and Security in the Project Area

• Ensure the safety of program stakeholders, adhering to CARE’s safety procedures.
• Safeguard CARE’s properties and equipment, ensuring zero harm to local communities.

Education Qualifications
Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Rural Development, Project Planning and Management, Community Development, or a relevant social science qualification.

Desired:

• National and international training certification related to VSLAs, business management, and entrepreneurship.

Experience and Skills
Required:

• Minimum 5 years of experience working with women and girls in agricultural development and VSLA formation.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in training and sensitization on socioeconomic development with an emphasis on women’s and girls’ empowerment.
• Extensive experience in working with rural communities and managing community-based development programs.
• Strong project management skills and proficiency in data analysis and reporting.

Desired:

• Knowledge of saving groups and women’s dynamics in rural settings, particularly regarding gender, land rights, and climate change.
• Ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders.