Team Leader - Zambia

FHI 360 is a global development organisation, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with more than 4,000 employees in Zambia, the United Kingdom, the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Team Leader for the upcoming FCDO Effective State and Democracy in Zambia (ESDZ) Programme. This position will be based in Lusaka, Zambia and is contingent upon award.

Programme Description:

ESDZ is an upcoming, seven-year programme (2023 – 2031) funded by the FCDO, which will aim to: (1) Support the Government of Zambia to design, implement, and improve policies and programmes that deliver development, reduce poverty, and promote growth for all citizens; and (2) Support Zambian institutions to uphold democratic values, with strong social accountability and participation. ESDZ will aim to address both supply- and demand-side governance challenges in Zambia, working with the Government of Zambia, regional institutions, Parliament, media organisations, and CSOs to strengthen key institutions and promote active citizen participation and social accountability. 

Position Description:

The Team Leader will be the most senior person responsible for the delivery of the supplier contract. They must provide overarching leadership for ESDZ, ensuring activities under all components contribute to a coherent, focused, and effective strategy. They must manage a large and diverse team of Zambian and international experts delivering the programme. They must lead high-level discussions between FCDO and the Supplier relating to the supplier contract and other commercially sensitive issues. They must lead high level, sensitive discussions between the supplier and government of Zambia and Zambian stakeholders.

Job Summary/Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to the programme team, technical and operational aspects of the programme, including planning and implementation of the programme; ensuring clarity over plans and priorities, and model and facilitate effective teamwork

• Provide technical and managerial leadership, including overseeing the implementation of the programme in an adaptive manner. 

• Lead on collaboration with other programme components and/ or the wider consortium

• Oversee the development and implementation of adaptive program work plans and strategies aligned with donor and government priorities. 

• Collaborate with partner organisations (both public and private), FCDO representatives at the British High Commission Lusaka, and other FCDO/donor-funded projects to achieve the programme’s objectives. 

• Manage relationships with the relevant Zambian Government Ministries and Agencies, including the Presidential Delivery Unit and Statehouse, and other external stakeholders, including Zambian CSOs. 

• Coordinate and be responsible for the preparation of the annual work plans, budgets, and annual and other progress reports, in a timely fashion for submission to FCDO. 

• Oversee development and application of a robust monitoring, evaluation research and learning framework. 

• Ensure high technical standards are used to guide the technical and programmatic aspects of work plans and activities in a politically smart and adaptive way. 

• Ensure that robust and appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place and applied across the programme. 

• Plan, direct, and coordinate activities with team members to ensure that goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters.

• Ensure programme is planned and delivered in a way that will optimise value for money. 

•  Establish programme teams and standard operating procedures to meet project goals and ensure compliance with policies.

• Responsible for induction of programme staff, ensuring their familiarity with mandate values, quality standards, policies and program objectives and their individual responsibilities in upholding these standards and policies.

Required Experience:

• At least 12 years of relevant experience.

• Internationally competitive senior expertise as Team Leader or Chief of Party in the leadership, strategy development, and delivery of donor-funded governance programmes (both supply and demand sides) in Zambia (preferred) or elsewhere in Africa (essential).

• Excellent communication skills, and demonstrated ability to think critically and deliver results.

• Proven experience necessary to build strong, senior level relationships with Government in Zambia and be seen as a respected and fair broker. Strong relationships with civil society and media preferred.

• Knowledge and experience of working in Zambia or southern Africa is preferred.

Relevant expertise in:

• ​Leadership and management of large and complex governance programmes with a specific focus on adaptive management of public sector governance and democratic reform as well as civil society and media. Experience of FCDO programming preferred.

• Inclusive and effective management of large teams of senior staff from a diverse group of backgrounds.

• Maintaining a high level strategic and managerial oversight of sophisticated governance programmes, ensuring that the correct people, resources, and processes are in place to drive efficient, effective delivery

• Making difficult management decisions to improve the impact of Official Development Assistance (ODA), including moving or replacing staff and closing down underperforming activity and grants;

• Understanding and interpreting the FCDO and wider UK Government’s latest political and policy requirements and working proactively with FCDO staff to ensure ODA programmes make a substantial and visible contribution to these.

• Experience in thinking and working politically, coaching teams to identify how political, group, and individual incentives act to drive or block change, and forming effective, professional partnerships with key collaborators with power and capacity to progress issues.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable level of professional experience in public administration, international development, or related field. Masters, Ph.D. or Ed.D. preferred.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively in English.

This job description summarises the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. We offer competitive compensation and a package of exceptional benefits. Please visit the FHI 360 Career Center at http://www.fhi360.org/careers for a list of all open positions.

FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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