Betty Njovu
Lusaka
Summary
Dynamic project coordinator with extensive experience at PADECO, driving successful capacity development initiatives across Southern Africa. Experience strategic planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and stakeholder engagement, I effectively managed project budgets and fostered collaboration among diverse entities, ensuring impactful outcomes and enhanced operational efficiency. Proven ability to lead teams and build strong relationships for sustainable development.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Officer (Consultant)
TradeMark Africa
03.2026 - 05.2026
- Coordinated implementation of a pilot digital trade initiative across five districts.
- Managed coordination between consortium partners, Digital Ambassadors, local stakeholders, and TradeMark Africa.
- Supported onboarding of youth and women entrepreneurs onto the iSOKO digital marketplace platform to improve market access.
- Coordinated training sessions, awareness campaigns, stakeholder meetings, and field activities.
- Monitored implementation progress and tracked milestones against project objectives.
- Prepared implementation updates, activity reports, and project documentation.
- Supported digital literacy, entrepreneurship development, and e-commerce participation among beneficiaries.
- Documented lessons learned and recommendations to support programme scale-up.
Southern Africa Regional Project Coordinator
PADECO
04.2021 - 12.2024
- As the Southern Africa Regional Project Coordinator for PADECO under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Project, I played a key role in the implementation of the Capacity Development for Smooth Operation of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) along the North-South Transport Corridor, covering Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.
- Conducted research and gathered critical data to support project planning and implementation.
- Participated in the development and implementation of project work plans and budgets to ensure successful project delivery.
- Monitored project progress, identified potential risks and challenges, and recommended corrective actions where necessary.
- Supported the coordination of project activities to ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines.
- Coordinated meetings and engagements among stakeholders, including government ministries, agencies, development partners, and NGOs across Southern Africa.
- Managed communication between project stakeholders to ensure alignment on project deliverables, schedules, and emerging issues.
- Assisted in the preparation and facilitation of presentations for stakeholders and project teams, providing updates on project scope, progress, and outcomes.
- Fostered strong working relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration and project effectiveness.
- Coordinated complex international travel logistics, including flight bookings, accommodation arrangements, and travel itineraries for project teams and stakeholders across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely execution.
- Organized suitable venues and managed event logistics for workshops, meetings, and stakeholder engagements in all four countries.
- Coordinated local transport and field visit logistics, including vehicle hire and route planning, to facilitate site assessments and project monitoring activities.
- Scheduled meetings, prepared agendas, and recorded minutes, ensuring adherence to administrative procedures and timely follow-up on action points.
- Supported the recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of project personnel to ensure high performance and quality standards.
- Prepared and submitted regular reports to project management on budget utilization, project milestones, operational issues, and technical progress.
- Maintained accurate project records and documentation in compliance with project requirements and donor guidelines.
- Ensured adherence to project policies, procedures, and reporting obligations.
- Supported the implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track project performance against established objectives and indicators.
- Participated in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of project data to assess results, measure impact, and inform decision-making.
- Contributed to the preparation of M&E reports and performance assessments for project stakeholders.
- Supported the organization and implementation of training programs and workshops aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of border officials and partner institutions.
- Assisted in facilitating knowledge-sharing sessions and developing training materials tailored to stakeholder needs.
- Contributed to institutional strengthening initiatives through on-the-job coaching, mentoring, and continuous professional development activities.
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Project
- This role required strong competencies in project management, regional coordination, stakeholder engagement, trade facilitation, logistics management, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and capacity development.
Socio-Economic Planner
Ministry of Local Government and Housing
Lumezi District
11.2019 - 11.2020
- As a Socio-Economic Planner with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in Lumezi District, I was responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing development initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, improving service delivery, and enhancing livelihoods within the district.
- As part of my responsibilities, I served as a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist, supporting the design, implementation, and coordination of M&E systems for local development programmes and projects.
- Developed and managed Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks to track performance indicators aligned with national development plans and donor-funded initiatives.
- Designed data collection tools and conducted field monitoring visits to assess the progress of infrastructure projects, service delivery interventions, and socio-economic development programmes.
- Collected, analyzed, and interpreted quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate project outcomes and support evidence-based planning, budgeting, and policy formulation.
- Prepared comprehensive M&E reports, performance assessments, and policy briefs for senior management, development partners, and local authorities to support strategic decision-making.
- Built the capacity of local council staff in data collection, reporting, and utilization of M&E tools to strengthen accountability and results-based management.
- Collaborated with cross-sectoral stakeholders to ensure the integration of M&E findings into district and provincial planning processes.
- Participated in the development and implementation of Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) for Lundazi, Lumezi, and Chasefu Districts to ensure alignment between local development priorities and national policy objectives.
- Coordinated and integrated local authority activities with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), cooperating partners, and community stakeholders to promote harmonized and inclusive development.
- Facilitated stakeholder consultations and engagement processes to ensure participatory planning and ownership of development initiatives.
- Identified and assessed local economic resources and opportunities that could contribute to sustainable economic growth and development within the district.
- Developed strategies aimed at creating an enabling environment for investment, entrepreneurship, and private sector participation.
- Supported initiatives designed to strengthen local economic development and improve income-generating opportunities for communities.
- Coordinated and facilitated meetings of the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC), ensuring effective planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of development programmes.
- Served as Secretary to the DDCC Sub-Committee on 'Creating a Conducive Government Environment for a Diversified and Inclusive Economy,' providing technical and administrative support.
- Supported the implementation of government policies, programmes, and strategic development priorities at district level.
- Participated in the District Malaria Task Force Stakeholder Committee, contributing to national malaria eradication efforts and public health interventions.
- Led hygiene and sanitation sensitization campaigns across 15 villages in Chikomeni, raising awareness on clean water, sanitation, and hygiene practices to prevent waterborne diseases.
- Coordinated and monitored borehole drilling projects aimed at improving access to safe and clean drinking water in line with Zambia's Vision 2030 and national sanitation goals.
- Worked closely with community leaders and stakeholders to promote community-driven development initiatives.
- Served as Secretariat for the Lumezi District Investment Expo planning meetings, coordinating logistics and ensuring the successful execution of investment promotion activities.
- Reviewed and updated the Lumezi District Investment Plan by consolidating stakeholder input and identifying strategic investment opportunities.
- Supported the planning and implementation of projects intended to enhance economic development and attract investment into the district.
- Served as a member of the DDCC Sub-Committees on 'Poverty and Vulnerability Reduction' and 'Economic Diversification and Job Creation.'
- Collaborated with local authorities, development partners, and community stakeholders to design and implement initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and creating employment opportunities.
- Contributed to programmes that promoted inclusive economic growth and strengthened community resilience.
- This role required strong competencies in socio-economic planning, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, public sector governance, community development, investment promotion, project management, and policy implementation.
Research Assistant
Integrated Training Solutions
04.2019 - 11.2019
- Supported implementation of the Agricultural Labour Practices programme through field research, data collection, analysis, reporting, and worker rights assessments.
Research Assistant
Integrated Training Solutions
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Conducted research and documentation for the ILO centenary publication highlighting 50 years of Zambia’s engagement with the International Labour Organization.
Education
Master of Science - Project Management
Copperbelt University
Kitwe, Zambia12.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Development Studies
University of Lusaka
Zambia06.2017
Skills
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Project Management
- Administering budgets
- Strategic Planning
- Community engagement
- Program Coordination
- Developing Campaigns
- Decision-making
- Team coordination
- Remote team management
- Procurement
- Networking and relationship building
- Stakeholder relations
Certification
- Data Analysis with R (Essential Level), Kobo Toolbox, Bedrock Solutions Institute
- Statistical Package (STATA and SPSS) Short Course Training, University of Zambia
- Psycho-Socio Counselling Short Course, University of Zambia
References
- Ms. Momoko Nomura, Training and Sensitization Specialist 1, Padeco.Co.Ltd., momoko.nomura@padeco.co.jp
- Mr. Edson Lungu, District Planning Officer, Lumezi Town Council, edsonlungu33@gmail.com, 0977301313
- Mr. Ngosa Chisupa, Consultant, Integrated Training Solutions, ngosatsu@gmail.com, +260 979854980
Timeline
Project Officer (Consultant)
TradeMark Africa
03.2026 - 05.2026
Southern Africa Regional Project Coordinator
PADECO
04.2021 - 12.2024
Socio-Economic Planner
Ministry of Local Government and Housing
11.2019 - 11.2020
Research Assistant
Integrated Training Solutions
04.2019 - 11.2019
Research Assistant
Integrated Training Solutions
08.2018 - 02.2019
Master of Science - Project Management
Copperbelt University
Bachelor of Arts - Development Studies
University of Lusaka