JOB TITLE: Mentor of Boys Empowerment Program

ORGANIZATION: Mothers Without Borders

LOCATION: Lusaka West, Zambia

POSITION TYPE: Part-time

Organization and Program Overview

Mothers Without Borders (MWB) is a Zambian NGO, dedicated to protecting the vulnerable and empowering marginalized individuals, families and communities. For over 20 years, we have provided support to women and vulnerable youth in the greater Lusaka area.

The Boys Empowerment Program (BEP) is a Zambian based program by Mothers Without Borders focused on helping young men lead self-determined lives, fulfill their full potential, drive prosperity and development in their communities and beyond. Mothers Without Borders launched the boys empowerment program in Lusaka, Zambia in the year 2021.This program places boys in peer support groups with an appointed mentor, and financially supports them through their secondary and tertiary education. The program focuses on equipping boys with the necessary resources to navigate life’s challenges and empowering them to become independent men in society. There are currently 81 boys on the program.

The objectives of this program are to: 

• To prioritize Mental health of adolescent boys who face unique challenges. Stigma prevents boys from seeking help.
• To empower boys, we must prioritize their mental health, offer accessible services, promote emotional well-being, and encourage help-seeking behavior. This fosters growth and resilience.
• To empower boys by challenging societal norms, promoting emotional intelligence, and supporting their interests to raise empathetic leaders who contribute positively to society.
• Empower each boy to achieve his dreams, realize his full potential, find his voice, and be a force for good in the world.
• Empower each boy in his physical, emotional, mental, and cultural growth and learning, which is key to achieving gender equality.
• The engagement of boys, alongside girls, is fundamental to address gender inequality in health care systems. Men and boys have a profound role in helping transform rigid norms that shape sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) which will improve health care overall. Change societal beliefs and norms that marginalize girls in the communities where these boys live and study.

Position Overview:

The mentor of the Boys Empowerment  Program is responsible for leading and overseeing the mentorship programs in all its aspects, aiming to educate and ultimately help boys acquire the necessary skills to pursue their ambitions. The ideal candidate is passionate about boys’ education, mentorship, and empowerment, demonstrating a commitment to fostering positive personal development, leadership skills, and academic success among program participants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Recruit boys into the program to identify boys , according to predetermined guidelines. This will include recruiting boys who are most in need in selected communities.
• Manage the Sub-center.
• Manage safe space groups.
• Prepare for and facilitate weekly group meetings.
• Participate in community engagement activities within their areas or otherwise specified.
• Together with the boys identify an appropriate safe meeting place.
• Conduct home visits to adolescents who miss safe space meetings more than twice in roll.
• Organize meetings with parents and community members as appropriate
• Attend monthly mentor meetings /refresher trainings
• Complete weekly and monthly group activity reporting forms
• Facilitate visits to health care center’s for boys needing services
• Any other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications: 

• Must be a Zambian national living near Lusaka, Zambia.
• Minimum GCE O Level certificate or any level of study  in a relevant field (e.g., education, social work, NGO Development, or gender development studies).
• Minimum 2 years work experience in program management, particularly in boys’ education, empowerment, and mentorship.
• Strong understanding of gender issues, cultural dynamics, and educational challenges specific to Zambia.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Commitment to the values and mission of both BEP and MWB.
• Fluent in English, Nyanja and Bemba (other Zambian languages a plus).
• Provide guidance and support to boys, such as counseling or mentoring.