Job description
Since 2011, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and DanChurchAid (DCA) in Zambia have been working together to implement a socio-economic justice programme that aims to empower rights-holders, especially women and youth through a Joint Country Programme. Through strong networks and alliances within Zambian civil society, we uphold and protect people’s dignity and promote their active participation in the development of Zambia. The JCP Zambia is a fully merged country programme where funding, technical advice, lobbying & advocacy, communication, administration is shared and coordinated, with NCA as the lead agency. In the 2025-2029 country strategy, NCA and DCA will focus their interventions to save lives, build resilience of local communities and seek justice. We envision an inclusive, resilient and just Zambia. The Economic Development and Food Security programme will build on NCA-DCA’s existing climate smart economic empowerment programmes, and our work on food security and waste for value.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) – DanChurchAid (DCA) Joint Country Programme is seeking a competent and highly motivated Head of Programmes to join our team in Zambia. In this dynamic role, under the NCA-DCA Country Director, and as a member of the senior management team, you will provide inspirational leadership to a highly motivated and skilled programme team, oversee the design and implementation of development, humanitarian and advocacy programmes in line with our 2025-2029 country strategy, build and maintain external partnerships, and contribute to strengthening civil society in Zambia.

Our thematic programs in Zambia focus on Economic Development and Food Security; Climate and Environmental Stewardship; Fighting Inequality; Gender Justice / GBV; Climate Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; and emergency preparedness and response. Through these programmes our goals are to save lives, build resilient communities and seek justice for the most vulnerable people in Zambia. Our current programme is designed and delivered in partnership with 10 Zambian faith-based and secular CSOs.

As Head of Programmes, you will combine strategic vision with the ability to drive quality and timely results. You will be skilled at full cycle project management, including designing, planning, reporting on complex multi-year multi-million US dollar projects, delivered by consortiums of diverse civil society partners and aimed at long-term development, humanitarian response and systemic change through advocacy. You will have a meticulous eye for detail, strong organizational, planning, communication and networking skills and the ability to communicate effectively both internally and externally. You are flexible, resilient to pressure, and can easily adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and complex environment.

The position is based in Lusaka and is for those with existing approval to work in Zambia, according to our national salary scale. We offer a supportive and positive working environment, significant opportunities for personal development, and the possibility to travel extensively both within Zambia and internationally.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Provide leadership to ensure efficient and effective implementation of our programme strategy and activities, in line with NCA programme polices, standards and strategies.

· Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals, including programme and budget design with the support of the Senior Fundraising Officer, the programme thematic leads and the finance team.

· Ensure effective and professional management of donor grants.

· Closely liaise with, assist and support the NCA-DCA Country Director, the Senior Management Team, national staff, relevant Head Office Colleagues in Oslo and Copenhagen to lead high quality Project Cycle Management and partnership management.

· Promote networking, timely coordination and clear communication among civil society, government, traditional and faith leaders and private sector stakeholders.

· Ensure high quality and timeliness in planning and reporting.

· Provide on-the-job mentoring, technical advice, and capacity building of colleagues and partners.

· Contribute to M&E systems and joint monitoring of partners.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

· Over 5 years’ experience in leading project design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of multi-year, muti-million USD consortium projects.

· Contextual knowledge of Zambia, with deep knowledge of one or more of the particular the thematic programmes detailed above.

· Experience leading and motivating team and working in a multi-cultural environment.

· Successfully fundraising track record for multi-year, muti-million USD consortium projects.

· Experience in grant management of major donor funds, in particular Norad, Danida, the EU, and USAID.

· High level of fluency in English, written and oral.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a confident public speaker.
Ability to quickly build rapport as well as motivate individuals, teams and partners.
Structured, result oriented and conscientious about hitting deadlines and targets.
Well organized and able to prioritize and navigate complex tasks and processes.

WE CAN OFFER

Exciting and meaningful work driving largescale change in Zambia with one of Norway’s largest INGOs.
Competitive terms and conditions including medical insurance.
We encourage all qualified persons to apply for a job with us, regardless of gender, age, disability or cultural background

Before you apply:

We kindly ask you to carefully read the ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and the Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position, you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy.