Head of Programmes in Zambia

Location: Zambia, preferably Mongu based (Western Province) with frequent field trips and regular trips to other provinces of PIN implementation
Starting date: April – June 2021
Duration: 2 years
Languages: Excellent English

People in Need (PIN) has been active in Zambia since 2017. With a team of around 30 staff and 15 local partners it implements programmes focusing on improving good governance, health & nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions and Disaster Preparedness and Response (incl. Covid 19 pandemic). For more info see our website – What we do in Zambia.

Overview of the position:

PIN Zambia is seeking for a senior manager, who would supervise and develop our programmes. The successful candidate should be experienced in programme development & management area, strategic thinking and planning, excelent managerial and communication skills. As a member of the Country Management Team, the Head of Programmes (HoP) will jointly ensure the management and development of the Country Program. HoP supervises all programmes, with the specific responsibility for the timely and efficient programme implementation, and the most importantly quality of projects. By supervising the implementation of results-based M&E systems, HoP also guides the programme strategy and development of future programmes. Together with the Country Director, the Head of Programmes represents PIN to donors and partners as well as engages in medium to long-term program and strategy planning, ensures continuous quality program improvement and contributes towards a successful environment for the programme staff.

Main responsibilities:

• Overall supervision and support of currently implemented programmes in all the phases of project cycle
• Strategic planning, programme development and proposal writing including incorporating innovations, research and good practices
• Participate in Country Management Team meetings and decision making, in line with PIN strategies and policies
• Direct supervision of Program Managers, who are further managing respective project / programme teams
• Building of synergy among the programmes, ensure cooperation with Country Program’s supporting departments and PIN Knowledge & Learning department
• Supervising MEAL processes and procedures, tracking programme status through internally developed monitoring tools and use of common IT tools (e.g. Navision, ELO), through monthly review meetings
• Striving for quality of programmes including mainstreaming accountability systems and cross-cutting issues like gender, protection, environment and good governance
• Ensuring financial side of programming is understood and followed by the project teams together with financial department
• Ensure timely and high quality reporting is done by all programmes towards its donor
• Develop external contacts (in coordination with Country Director) and relations with partners (organizations, authorities) in Zambia
• Back up and substitute Programme/ Project Managers during their leaves

Requirements:

• Successful proposal writing track record including major institutional donors
• Excellent experience with people management, including development of national team capacities
• Proven excellent experience with programme management of EC or other major donors funded projects including supervision of procedures and compliance with donors requirements
• Technical knowledge in one of the sectors: good governance, food security & nutrition, WASH is an advantage
• University degree in development studies or one of the sectors is an advantage
• Excellent English, both written and spoken
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to organize and plan effectively
• Ability to work in difficult conditions and under pressure

PIN offers:

• Work in dynamic and motivated team
• Work experience with professional and flexible NGO, the largest in Central-Eastern Europe
• Competitive salary defined by PINs salary grid
• Accommodation allowance for stay in joint PIN guesthouses or individual stay
• 2 flights to home country covered per year
• Costs of visas and vaccination covered
• 25 days of holiday per year
• Access to professional / sector specific e-learning platform
• Medical helpdesk (international insurance provider)
• Travel insurance (covers the health care incl. the repatriation)
• Participation in enriching annual meetings of all senior field staff in Prague