Job Details

Name of the position: Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) Officer

Location: Lusaka, Zambia.

Contract duration: (6 months with possibility of extension)

Start Date: (as soon as possible)

Line Manager: Project Manager

Application deadline: “the applications will be processed on the rolling basis and can close anytime depending on the volume of applications”

Salary: Candidates will be informed about the salary range in the beginning of the recruitment process

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

People in Need ( www.peopleinneed.net ) works in Zambia since 2017 delivering lifesaving and development assistance to vulnerable people in the sectors of nutrition, livelihoods, WASH, environment and good governance. We are part of Alliance 2015, a strategic network of seven European non-governmental organizations engaged in humanitarian aid and development projects. Lear more here: www.alliance2015.org

Project Summary:

The project titled Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society LEADs is a 36-month intervention funded by the European Commission that will be implemented by People in Need (PIN) and the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR). The project aims to empower and increase resilience of civil society actors that contribute to strengthened governance and sustainable development in Zambia. The project will focus on overcoming challenges faced by CSOs and enhancing their internal governance, management systems, technical capacities in policy development, advocacy, and social accountability. It will engage women, youth and marginalized group Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and CSO networks in policy dialogue, inclusive public sector governance and local development processes. The program will also foster cooperation among CSOs, political actors, and other stakeholders.

Scope of Works:

The FSTP Officer under the Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society LEADs project is responsible for ensuring smooth implementation of the FSTP schemes and adherence to EC and PIN procedures by ensuring that grants are effectively disbursed to CSOs and CSO networks to support the project objectives. He/she will also be responsible for supporting CSOs/CSO networks with FSTP management through regular monitoring of the CSO/CSO network projects, provision of advisory/mentoring support and checking of periodic CSO reporting. This role involves coordination, monitoring, technical support, and stakeholder engagement.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Coordination and Management of FSTP Schemes

• Develop and disseminate FSTP application guidelines and ensure clear communication with potential applicants.
• Coordinate the review and selection process of FSTP grant applications in collaboration with PIN, JCTR, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Manage the disbursement of FSTP funds to selected LEAD CSOs and CSO networks.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with PIN, donor and project FSTP requirements.

Financial compliance and accountability

• Together with PIN Finance team, lead on capacity building of the CSOs on financial policies, compliance requirements, and best practices aligned with PIN and donor’s financial guidelines
• Ensure that the CSOs maintain accurate and comprehensive financial records.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential fraud risks and develop and implement mitigation measures accordingly
• Knowledge of administrative standards and procedures in relation to finance
• Facilitate yearly audits of all financial reports received from the CSOs

Monitoring and Reporting

• Develop and implement a robust monitoring framework to track the progress of FSTP-funded activities.
• Conduct field visits and regular check-ins with grant recipients to ensure compliance and successful implementation.
• Oversee regular submission and evaluation of CSO/CSO network reports on the status of FSTP-funded projects and activities, including financial reports, activity outcomes, and any challenges encountered.

Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Provide technical assistance to CSOs and CSO networks in the design and implementation of all FSTP initiatives.
• Organize and conduct training sessions to build the capacity of grant recipients to effectively implement FSTP-funded activities and to provide ongoing mentorship and advisory support to FSTP recipients during the implementation of their initiatives
• Offer ongoing support for organizational development and internal growth of LEAD CSOs and CSO networks.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Facilitate communication and coordination between CSOs, government entities, private sector stakeholders, and media to support policy engagement and evidence-based advocacy.
• Encourage and support consortium applications and joint actions among CSOs to strengthen collaboration and networking.
• Promote dialogue and cooperation among key stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of CSO advocacy efforts.

Deliverables

• Successful disbursement of FSTP funds across the four schemes to the targeted number of LEAD CSOs and CSO networks.
• Timely and accurate reporting on the progress and outcomes of FSTP-funded activities.
• Effective monitoring and evaluation of FSTP-funded projects.
• Successful organization of capacity-building sessions and technical support for grant recipients.
• Evidence of enhanced collaboration among CSOs, government, private sector, and media to support policy engagement and advocacy.

Accountability and Safeguarding including Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH)

• Carry out the duties in accordance with the PIN Code of Conduct and Key policies
• Participate in training and awareness raising (CoC and KP, Safeguarding…)
• Support the Project Manager in the implementation of Safeguarding measures throughout the project cycle
• including risk analysis related to SEAH and Child protection at the project/program level and develop a
• mitigation plan accordingly.

• Create and maintain a fulfilling and protective environment
• Others – as delegated by the supervisor

Required Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Behavioural Competencies:

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related discipline
• At least 2 years of experience in grant management (preferred), project management, or related roles in the development sector.
• Previous experience working with European Commission funded projects will be a major advantage
• Experience in capacity building and technical support to CSOs is an asset.

Skills and competencies

• Ability to work under pressure and within time constraints under tight deadlines
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to self-motivate, responsible and hardworking
• A team player with an ability to work in a group or alone with limited supervision
• Excellent problem solving, decision making and organizational skills
• Strong knowledge of policy engagement, advocacy, and CSO operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use word, excel and PowerPoint proficiently.

What People In Need Offer

• 24 annual leave per year
• Contributions of Health Insurance (Nhima) as by Law.
• Accident insurance for all injuries during work time.
• National pension scheme contributions as by law
• Extensive Capacity Building program, both internal and external trainings – Induction training.
• internal online opportunities, such as access to e-learning platform and webinars
• Month contribution for phone tariffs
• Annual Staff retreat
• International environments with oppotunities to learn from other country programs
• Paternity leave of 5 days and maternity leave of 14 weeks
• Breastfeeding breaks for nursing colleagues
• Per diem for working and sleeping outside of duty town depending on the location.
• Friendly and fair environment in small collective structure where everyone knows each other.

• We have lunch break with meals available at the office (Mongu Office)
• 2 health breaks per day.
• Salaries are according to People in Need Salary scale and shortlisted candidates to be informed about the salaries.