Assessing the Effect of Staff Skills on Performance of Public Sector Donor-Funded Projects in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in Lusaka District

Abstract

This study examined the influence of staff skills on the performance of donor-funded projects within the Zambian public sector, with specific reference to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in Lusaka. Guided by human capital theory, the resource-based view, and project cycle management theory, the specific objectives were to: Analyze the relationship between staff skills and donor-funded project performance, examine the level of project planning and implementation skills among project performance; examine the level of project planning and implementation skills among project staff; and establish challenges hindering skill development and project performance at MCDSS. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. The target population compromised staff involved in donor-funded projects at MCDSS, selected using random and purposive sampling. Quantitative data was collected through 123 structured questionnaires, and qualitative data was collected through 15 interviews, all of which were returned, representing a 100% response rate, while qualitative data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with key personnel. Findings for the first objective revealed a strong positive relationship between staff skills and project performance, particularly regarding timelines, achievement of objectives, output quality, and accountability. Findings for the second objective showed that although staff possessed moderate to high competencies in project planning and implementation, gaps existed in advanced monitoring, reporting, and risk management skills. The third objective noted limited access to specialized training, weak institutional learning systems, and high workloads as major constraints to skill development and project performance. The study concludes that staff skills significantly determine the success, accountability, and sustainability of donor-funded projects in Zambia’s public sector context. The study recommends sustained investment in targeted training, strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems, enhanced stakeholder engagement frameworks, and institutionalization of knowledge management practices. These measures are essential for improving donor-funded project performance, ensuring accountability, and promoting long-term development outcomes in Zambia.