JOB ADVERT – PROJECT OFFICER NLGF
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Organization: Peoples Process on Housing & Poverty in Zambia (PPHPZ)
Full-time
Application Deadline: 07/10/2024

About Us:
Founded in 2005, People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia (PPHPZ) is a local non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting the Zambia Homeless and Poor People’s Federation (ZHPPF). PPHPZ’s mission is to empower low-income communities, particularly the urban poor, to take charge of addressing the challenges of poverty and homelessness through community-driven strategies.
As an affiliate member of Slum Dwellers International (SDI), a global network of community-based federations, PPHPZ works within an international framework that emphasizes grassroots leadership and collective action to fight poverty and homelessness. Our work is guided by a set of core principles that place the poor at the heart of all efforts to bring about sustainable social change.

Our Key Guiding Principles:
1. The poor must be at the center of strategies that address poverty: Sustainable solutions to poverty and homelessness require the active involvement of those most affected by these challenges. PPHPZ works directly with vulnerable communities to develop strategies that respond to their specific needs and aspirations.
2. What works for the poorest will work for all: We believe that solutions designed to uplift the most marginalized members of society can generate broader societal benefits. By focusing on the needs of the poorest, we create inclusive, scalable approaches that work for everyone.
3. The resources of the poor are vital to poverty reduction: PPHPZ recognizes that the poor possess valuable resources—skills, knowledge, and social capital—that are crucial to developing successful strategies for poverty alleviation. Mobilizing savings and other local resources is central to our approach, helping communities build resilience and financial independence.
4. Unity is strength: We believe that partnerships are key to achieving long-term impact. PPHPZ collaborates with government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and funding partners to strengthen local initiatives and amplify community voices in policy dialogues.

Project Overview
PPHPZ is seeking a dynamic and committed individual for the position of Project Officer under the Next Level Grants Facility (NLGF), part of the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) Programme. The NLGF is designed to amplify community-led climate actions by supporting grassroots organizations, groups, and individuals who are often excluded from conventional funding opportunities, particularly in the global south.

In partnership with WWF, South South North (SSN), Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), Fundación Avina, and Hivos, the VCA program, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to strengthen the voices of local climate actors and promote innovative, community-driven climate solutions.

Job Summary
The Project Officer will be responsible for managing and overseeing the Next Level Grants Facility (NLGF), which supports grassroots organizations and community actors in their efforts to combat climate change. The officer will ensure the effective administration, coordination, and monitoring of the grants process and help amplify the efforts of traditionally underrepresented groups. This role involves working closely with local communities, organizations, and stakeholders to support climate action, particularly within vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Key Responsibilities
– Manage the overall administration and implementation of the Next Level Grants Facility (NLGF), ensuring alignment with the VCA program’s objectives.
– Support the identification, selection, and assessment of grassroots organizations and climate actors eligible for the NLGF, focusing on marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
– Provide capacity-building support to grantees, helping them with project design, proposal development, and financial reporting.
– Coordinate and monitor the implementation of grant-supported projects, ensuring that they are achieving intended climate outcomes.
– Work closely with local communities to foster co-creation of innovative, locally-led climate adaptation solutions that address challenges in the water-food-energy-health nexus.
– Document and report on the progress, challenges, and successes of NLGF projects, including impact assessments and lessons learned.
– Assist in advocacy efforts by showcasing the work of local climate actors and promoting inclusive and alternative climate financing mechanisms.
– Liaise with key stakeholders, including local and national government agencies, NGOs, and other partners to support broader climate action in Zambia.
Qualifications and Experience
– Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
– At least 3 years of experience in project management, preferably in climate change, community development, or grassroots initiatives.
– Proven experience in managing grant facilities, especially those targeting local and informal organizations.
– Strong understanding of climate action, community-led development, and local climate solutions in Zambia.
– Excellent communication, report writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
– Experience working with grassroots organizations, women’s groups, youth groups, or marginalized communities is highly desirable.
– Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and work effectively with diverse teams.
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant project management tools.