Job Title: Youth Project Officer, ActionAid Zambia
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Local terms and conditions apply
The Organization
ActionAid is an international organisation, working with over 25 million people in 45 countries for a world free from poverty and injustice. ActionAid Zambia is an Associate member of the ActionAid International Federation, and has been operating in Zambia since 2006.
Project Brief
The Zambia Firestarter Initiative (ZFI) Project is a reactive and open small grants scheme funded by the Queens Young Leaders Programme and implemented by ActionAid Zambia (AAZ). It targets emerging and innovative youth-led organizations/clubs leading advocacy projects, especially those led by disadvantaged young people. The project will build the capacity of youth driven organizations/clubs, provide peer to peer learning and sharing opportunities, mentorship and coaching. The project will annually disburse funds through an open, transparent and competitive process. The aim of the grant scheme will be to increase youth participation in decision making.
Job Summary
This position reports to the Head of Programmes and Policy. The Project Officer (PO) will be responsible for the overall implementation and management of the project and overseeing our youth work in line with our strategy on youth. The PO will be responsible for ensuring required inputs from relevant team members and grantee youth organisations are received on time, activities are carried out as per quarterly/annual planning and outputs are achieved fully as per the project design and donor requirements. The incumbent will, as required, work across AAZ’s strategic priorities to ensure that results of the project are well communicated. S/he has to visit regularly and extensively, project areas to achieve better outcomes from the project. The incumbent will manage one member of staff – the Activista Coordinator – who leads on our youth mobilisation. They will also work closely with the staff at the Global Platform – our new youth learning centre.
Qualifications & Experience
The candidate must hold a university degree, preferably a Master’s degree in relevant subject areas social sciences, development studies, economics or a related disciple. Graduate diplomas, degrees are desirable and experience in the field will also be considered favourably.
- At least 4 years or more of sound experience in topics involving youth leadership, participation, advocacy and lobbying in both rural and urban contexts;
- Extensive hands on experience in the youth sector
- Significant experience in capacity development of organisations or support of, small grants management;
- Have practical experience in donor reporting, designing, setting up and coordinating, monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment systems and processes;
- Understanding of Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA)
- Team player with strong experience in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environments;
- Extensive experience in working with INGOs and CSOs is preferred;
- Ability to work under extreme pressure and meeting deadline;
- Excellent knowledge and use of internet, social media and software packages (i.e. MS Office, etc.); and
- Previous experience managing development projects is preferred.
Competency Profile
- Able to work with minimum supervision and effectively guide programme in strategic processes such as strategic planning
- Able to utilize relevant participatory methodologies to engage broad range of stakeholders, staff and partners.
- Observes relevant cultural practices that reinforce mutual respect and effective engagement
- Able to pilot and demonstrate implementation of alternatives
- Meets set targets within set time frame and targets of high quality
- Demonstrates clear understanding of organizational mission, vision and lives by values of the organization
- Establishes linkages at all levels, including with government, civil society organizations, etc.
- Able to comment on key national issues and is regularly consulted by various stakeholders
Application Procedure
To apply, please send a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae highlighting how you match the criteria for the role to the following email address; careers.zambia@actionaid.org, no later than Wednesday 9th December, 2015.
Alternatively, applications can be sent to The Human Resource and Organizational Development Manager, ActionAid Zambia, P. O. Box 51407, Lusaka.
Please clearly indicate “Application for Youth Project Officer” in your subject line
Although all applications will be considered on their individual merit, suitably qualified women are especially encouraged to apply. While we respect all candidates, due to the high volume of applications we can only respond to shortlisted candidates.
Action Aid’s Website: www.actionaid.org/zambia
