Head of Programmes for Zambia

Head of Programmes for Zambia

Contract Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Country Programme: Zambia CP

Location: Zambia, based in Lusaka with frequent field trips and regular trips to other provinces of PIN implementation

Line Manager: Country Director

Starting date: December 2025

People in Need (PIN) has been present in Zambia since 2017. With a team of around 30 staff, PIN works alongside its local partners and Zambian government to strengthen climate resilience, promote inclusive governance and support equitable access to basic services such as health, nutrition, food production and safe water and sanitation.  PIN Zambia focuses on empowering local actors, enhancing community preparedness for crisis and linking emergency response with long-term sustainable solutions.  For more info visit our website - What we do in Zambia.

About the role:

PIN Zambia is seeking for a senior manager, who would supervise and develop our programmes. The successful candidate will have a strong experience in program development & management, strategic thinking and planning, and excellent managerial and communication skills.

As a member of the Country Management Team, the Head of Programmes (HoP) co-leads the management and growth of the Country Program. The HoP supervises all programmes with the specific responsibility for the timely, efficient and the most importantly quality implementation s. By supervising results-based M&E systems, HoP also guides the programme strategy and future programme design. 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 Duties & 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
  • Owns the Programmatic Priorities of the CP by analysing current priorities, trends in global, region and country spaces and align them to needs and gaps
  • Agree on the positioning priorities with Country Director and regional team and identify strategic partnerships and opportunities accordingly
  • With the Country Director, owns the fundraising plan of PIN Zambia by drafting and/or reviewing it, monitor its implementation and identify key funding opportunities and strategic partners
  • Engage with donors for program-related issues and discussions, support the Country Director in positioning with donors where PIN has added value
  • Maintain active relationship with local authorities, partners and donors in coordination with the Country Director, to make sure PIN remains visible and synergies are promoted, and PIN can take part in policy review/development for the sectors aligned to PIN Programmatic Strategies
  • Promote involvement of Project/Program managers in periodical updates meetings with local authorities to ensure they remain on track with PIN program and we stay aligned with government priorities and plans
  • Review PIN position as localization actor by identifying strategic partners, coordinate due diligence process with compliance team, create opportunities for transfer of capacity and exchange of expertise
  • Work in close cooperation with Head of Systems and Operations in ensuring smooth compliance in program, spending supervision, coordination between the departments and identification and mitigation of risks
  •  Leads and oversees proposal development, except when coordinated by HQ.
  • Ensure PIN visibility with key stakeholders by promoting PIN participation in events, engaging with media, stay relevant in coordination platforms and clusters (also through programme staff)
  • Ensure constant communication between program team and key stakeholders (authorities, partners, community) for shared ownership of the projects implemented/planned
  • Participate in Country Management Team meetings and decision making, in line with PIN strategies and policies
  • Chair update meetings in the platforms with Regional/Global PIN with focus on program and MEAL on behalf of Zambia CP
  • Direct supervision of Program and Project Managers, who are further managing respective project / programme teams
  • Direct supervision of MEAL Senior Officer, who further manages MEAL team
  • Building of synergy among the programmes, ensure cooperation with Country Program’s supporting departments and PIN Regional and RDD units (GRL, PSI, IFU etc.)
  • Supervise engagement of advisors in the CP programmatic agenda
  • 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
  • Drives programmatic quality, including mainstreaming accountability systems and cross-cutting issues like gender, protection, environment and good governance
  • Supports Program Managers, Finance team and MEAL Unit in preparing and deliver successful Internal Project Reviews, Audits and Projects spending reviews
  • Ensuring financial side of programming is understood and followed by the project teams together with financial department, in coordination with Head of Systems and Operations
  • Ensure timely and high-quality reporting is done by all programmes towards its donor
  • Supports his/her line management in identify HR needs, conduct key recruitments and maintain balanced, healthy work environment within the teams under Program Management
  • Back up and substitute Programme/ Project Managers during their leaves
  • Identify strengths in his/her team and mentor the team to ensure their professional growth

Main Requirements:

  • At least 3 years in senior position in INGO
  • Successful proposal writing track record including major institutional donors
  • Excellent experience with people management, including development of national team capacities
  • Proven excellent experience in managing programmes funded by European Commission or other major donors funded projects including supervision of procedures and compliance with donors requirements
  • Technical knowledge in at least one of the sectors: good governance, climate resilience and emergency, food security & nutrition is an advantage
  • Knowledge of Zambia landscape (donors community, private sector, partnerships opportunities, needs and opportunities) is a strong advantage
  • University degree in development studies or one of the sectors is an advantage
  • Knowledge of Safeguarding and Accountability, both as concepts and connected to program
  • Excellent English, both written and spoken
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to organize and plan effectively
  • Ability to work in difficult conditions and under pressure
  • Holding a residence permit is a plus

PIN offers:

  • Working environment in a well-established middle-sized humanitarian organization
  • Salary and benefits:  Salary based on PIN´s salary scale and HR policies; expected salary 2950 – 3350 EUR super gross (based on experience)
  • Additional allowances include:

-          Monthly subsistence allowance of 1395 EUR

-          Housing allowance

  • Time Off and Rest:

-          25 days of holiday per year

-          10 sick days

  • Travel Benefits

-          Reimbursement of travel expenses with travel to the country of residence once every 6 months of work

-          Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with the visa application procedure;

-          Reimbursement of the medical check-up before and after the deployment

-          Travel health insurance covering medical care, incl. the repatriation;

  • Health and Well-being:

-          Free 24/7 medical helpdesk and psychological consultation available online;

  • Professional Development: Free Access to e-learning sites, global PIN´s Induction Training, access to PIN Learning Hub and individually tailored capacity-building opportunities;
Successful candidates with nationality of the country program this role will be operating in, will be undergoing the national hiring process in the country.

How to apply:

If you are interested in this position, send us your CV and short cover letter via our application form.

Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.

People in Need staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need Code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp).

People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct and committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need involves. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.