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

This study examined the influence of staff skills on the performance of donor-funded projects within the Zambian public sector, focusing on the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in Lusaka District. Guided by human capital theory, the resource-based view, and project cycle management theory, the study analyzed the relationship between staff skills and project performance, assessed the level of planning and implementation competencies among project staff, and identified challenges affecting skill development. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 123 respondents using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through 15 semi-structured interviews, achieving a 100% response rate. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between staff skills and project performance, particularly in meeting timelines, achieving project objectives, ensuring output quality, and maintaining accountability. While staff demonstrated moderate to high competencies in planning and implementation, gaps were identified in advanced monitoring, reporting, and risk management skills. Key constraints included limited access to specialized training, weak institutional learning systems, and high workloads. The study concludes that staff skills are a critical determinant of the success, accountability, and sustainability of donor-funded projects. It recommends increased investment in targeted capacity building, strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and institutionalization of knowledge management practices to improve project outcomes.