Norbert Weiss

Programme Coordinator , International Devleopment Cooperation

Currently:Gaborone/Botswana, Germany

Senior expert in coordinating leadership position, International Sector Specialist for Vocational Training, Value Chain and Private Sector Development. Country Coordinator, responsible for strategic programme planning and implementation.

Contact Norbert Weiss
Area of Expertise:
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
  • Director, CEO, COP, President
  • Private Sector, Social Enterprise, Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Social, Education, Gender, Youth, Child
  • Trade, Finance, Economics, Cooperation, Global
Professional Experience:

Currently I am placed in Botswana as Country Coordinator for GIZ, responsible for programme planning and implementation, incl. 19 international experts, 12 local advisors and portfolio related administrative functionality of the GIZ office, at a total annual budget of two million Euros. The country portfolio is co-financed by the Government of Botswana in partnership with the German Ministry for International Cooperation and Development, BMZ. I am negotiating with the Botswana Government on focal areas, programme development under the guiding principle of the value chain approach and sustainable capacity development and financial contribution, covering a country portfolio composed of demand oriented TVET (technical and vocational education and training), PPP (Private Public Partnership), promotion of the private sector & industrial diversification, renewable energy & sustainable use of natural resources, incl. local value chain development. I am responsible for all programme related financial support, administration, programme steering, strategic decision making and implementation.
Before I have been placed in Vietnam as Program Coordinator in the wider area of TVET (technical and vocational education and training) with foci on industry demand (employability) and reduction of unemployment, PPP (Private Public Partnership) and promotion of SME (small and medium enterprises) and Cooperatives, Value Chain Development with primary focus on poverty alleviation in rural areas for most vulnerable people and minorities. I have been in charge of overall twelve projects including related financial project support, staffed with German Development Advisors and Local Experts, throughout Vietnam. Projects are combined in four development interventions, formal TVET, non-formal Vocational Training, Partnerships with the Private Sector + Small & Medium Enterprise Development, and Value Chain Development. Above on-going projects I was mentor to junior technical advisors for knowledge management and PPP.
Over 4 years I have been working for DED, now GIZ, in Ethiopia; 1½ year in Awassa, 2½years in Mekelle under the umbrella of ecbp (Engineering Capacity Building Program), a bilateral government program for economic development. In both posts I worked in private sector promotion as Technical and Networking Advisor to the governmental Bureaus of Trade and Industry. My roles included coordination of human resources, project coordination, implementation and follow-up/M+E (monitoring and evaluation), technical backstopping, organisation of planning workshops, as well as financial management of donor inputs and design of technical manuals and PR material. My work in both regions was characterized by an ethnical tense environment and required particularly empathy, coordination- and leadership skills.
Prior to Ethiopia I worked as a Technical Management Advisor for DED, now GIZ, in Uganda. My activities were focused on re-engineering and capacity building of an income

Education:

2003-2006:Master of Arts in Development Studies (correspondence course): Martyrs University – Institute of Ethics and Development Studies, Kampala, Uganda
Principal subjects: Understanding development – key issues and concepts; development theories and perspectives; contemporary world; development in practice; managing development projects; public policy formulation; gender, women and development; ethics of environment and sustainable development; ethics of development
2001-2003:Journalism Course; International Study Systems (ILS), Hamburg, Germany (correspondence course)
1994-1996:Technician in Mechanical Engineering: Professional Technical School, Saulgau, Germany
The course focus was on the practical implementation & design of technical machinery layout and system management solutions. This included the practical application of techniques and systems in metal processing industries, production planning, quality management, and re-engineering of production processes under competitive considerations.
1992-1993:A-level: Technical School, Bad - Saulgau, Germany
1987-1991:Apprenticeship: Craftsman in Industrial Mechanics
The course focus lay on welding, metal machining techniques, milling, grinding and lathing according the German dual training system
1977-1987:Primary and Secondary School: Grund- und Realschule Mengen, Germany
Continuous since 2000:- Seminars / short courses: Intercultural Communication and Cooperation; Gender and Youth; Concepts and Methods for Conflict Management and Liaison Techniques in the Intercultural Work Context; Advisory Roles and Competencies; Understanding Organisations and Change Management, Coaching, Personnel screening and placement (HRM); Quality Management as Process; Planning, Monitoring& Evaluation; Management of Vocational Schools; Private Enterprise Management, non-directive Personnel Management, Conflict Management, Program- and Project Cycle Management, Capacity Works, Contract Management
- Field trips: within the framework of the GIZ Sector Framework of Economy & Employment promotion, value chain development and renewable energy & climate change; South Africa, Botswana, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Uganda, China, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda (>).

Affiliations and Achievements:

SOCIAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
My openness to other people and working experience in various countries has helped me to understand social and cultural differences, improved my ability to recognise and solve conflicts and led to an increased appreciation for people’s daily actions. Teamwork has been important from early on in my life and plays a major role in my approach to work. My leadership skills, ability to motivate and solution-, result oriented approach have been improved through the above. Work related courses have helped to further strengthen these skills.
ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
An emphasis during my professional activities has been on initiative and team organisation, which is reflected in my career development. Further, I believe that working relationships in a team are improved through delegation and trust. Team motivation by sharing ideas and discussing issues helps to smooth the implementation of activities. These skills have been further improved in education and work related courses. I have been in management and leadership positions, where leadership qualities and organisational talents are prerequisites. Working successfully with different age- and ethnic groups underlined my experience in a given intercultural context.
COMPUTER SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Excellent command of Microsoft Office applications.

Available for:

  • Job opportunities
  • Being headhunted – make me an offer

Years of Experience:

15-20 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English

Nationality:

Germany

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