About Bridges to Prosperity

Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) is a non-profit organization that envisions a world where poverty caused by rural isolation no longer exists. Rural isolation is a root cause of poverty, and we believe that connection is the foundation for opportunity. We build bridges to better lives in rural communities. With a sophisticated data collection and evaluation program, we can prove that the value and impact of our work is sustained long after the opening celebration.

B2P’s operational headquarters is in Kigali, Rwanda, with additional program offices in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zambia, as well as a US office in Denver, Colorado. Founded over twenty years ago, B2P has built over 500 trail bridges in 21 countries, bringing safe access to more than 1.8 million people. We are thrilled to continue our growth with the launch of a national program in Zambia!

Job purpose

The Zambia Country Director (CD) oversees the strategy and implementation of Bridges to Prosperity’s (B2P) Zambia country program. The CD is responsible for the delivery of the objectives of the program while at the same time managing a diverse range of stakeholder inputs to ensure rural connectivity is improved where it’s needed most. The CD has deep experience fostering partnerships with ministries and government stakeholders.  The CD has a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to build government relationships, promote local ownership and sustainability to ensure long term service delivery. This role doesn’t act alone, and therefore it’s important for the CD to have experience guiding diverse teams to deliver against challenging objectives and keeping that team engaged and motivated. The CD manages a team of 10-12 staff and oversees the Zambia-based infrastructure, partnerships, finance, HR departments.

Duties and responsibilities

Program Leadership and Delivery (40%)

• Lead B2P-Zambia to deliver against the grant objectives and expectations of government and community partners
• Oversee the Zambia-based infrastructure, partnerships, finance and HR departments to ensure effective program delivery
• Empower direct reports to oversee daily operations and prioritize high risk and important activities
• Design and implement business strategies, plans and procedures to ensure quality and impact are optimized
• Review quarterly reports and submit timely to the B2P project lead.
• Be the face of B2P-Zambia and present the program to external parties including government, donors, vendors, and other strategic partners

Partnership Management (40%)

• Identify opportunities for growing the Zambia Rural Access Program beyond the grant period
• Lead rural transportation access advocacy efforts in Zambia at multiple levels of government.
• Manage timely recovery of reimbursements from partners
• Engage effectively with the partnerships department to ensure all program objectives are achieved
• Lead the partnerships team in government negotiations, ensuring engagement and networks are created that prioritize rural infrastructure development
• Develop and enhance relationships, partnerships and networks with external organizations to maximize B2P’s impact
• Work with the partnerships department to develop, implement and update a government and donor engagement strategy
• Travel with Zambia government officials on visits to other B2P programs

Talent and Human Resource Management (10%)

• Foster a B2P-Zambia culture which supports the health and performance of a growing team
• Communicate openly and transparently across the Zambia team
• Contribute to, and ensure compliance with, the B2P Zambia HR policy

Financial Controls and Reporting (10%)

• Approve realistic budgets for all program activities
• Work with the finance department to ensure efficient and fully compliant financial management in the allocation/budgeting, disbursement and accounting for all resources
• Support the Program Manager with Zambia regulatory compliance, and business management

Qualifications

• BA/S in Business Administration, International Affairs/Development, Public Policy/Public Administration, Urban Planning, Civil Engineer or other relevant field. Bachelor’s degree required.
•  5+ years of experience managing and leading a team in planning and/or delivering rural programs is required. Experience with infrastructure programs is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years experience establishing relationships with senior government and partners
• Proven experience of exercising leadership functions with increasing responsibility in an international environment related to development
• Knowledge of programming in challenging environments with good understanding and appreciation of the local context
• A sound understanding of international development, especially in terms of infrastructure development and market systems development
• Proven networking and negotiation skills with governmental and non-governmental actors
• Record of raising funds from government and/or international agencies (bilateral/multilateral) preferred
• Knowledge of financial and human resources management with experience owning significant budgets and leading staff teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage high stakes projects in complex environments
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments

Working conditions

The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia and requires travel to rural locations.

Physical requirements

The position requires the ability to visit sites in remote and isolated areas, as well as the ability to climb stairs. The position may require standing for extended periods of time.

Direct reports

•  Infrastructure Manager
• Partnerships Coordinator/Consultant (TBC)