Job Details

The British High Commission (BHC) in Lusaka is looking for an experienced technical officer to support mobilisation and delivery of a new Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP) in Zambia.   The programme will provide technical assistance to developing countries on low-carbon infrastructure and climate-smart development, under the banner of the UK’s British Investment Partnerships initiative which aims to mobilise £8 billion of investment in infrastructure projects in 23 priority countries, including Zambia. ‘ the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme website can be accessed here https://ukgreencitiesandinfrastructure.org/

The job holder will sit within the Economic Development and Green Growth (EDGG) team in the British High Commission, and work closely with the GCIP Team, sitting in the Resilient Cities and Infrastructure Team based in London.   They will work closely with the Infrastructure/Private Sector Development Adviser and the Climate Adviser based in BHC Lusaka, as well with other members of EDGG and colleagues across the office to support delivery of the UK Country Plan in Zambia. GCIP Zambia programme plans to initially focus on energy sector, specifically procurement regulations. There is a possibly for GCIP to expand into other sectors.

The post is funded under GCIP. Should FCDO withdraw funding to the programme, the position will end after any required notice period.

The job holder will oversee the design and implementation of the GCIP in Zambia.  This will include:

• Ensuring  the programme’s objectives are fully aligned with the UK Government’s priorities and policies on international development.
• Ensuring high quality and value for money delivery of GCIP projects in Zambia.
• Identifying and advising on opportunities for new programme interventions.
• Identifying and providing advice on infrastructure investment and carbon market opportunities.
• Establishing and maintaining a strong stakeholder network of GCIP partners
• Coordinating GCIP engagement across BHC Lusaka and the UK’s network.
• Contributing to smooth programme and budget management and reporting.

You will be working in a team of Programme Managers and Policy experts to deliver the GCIP.

The role requires substantial external engagement and influence. The job holder is expected to build and maintain a strong network of diplomatic, government, private sector, multilateral, and civil society contacts to help inform further investment opportunities and programme interventions. The post-holder will have substantial responsibility and the opportunity to influence the design and delivery of a high-profile political priority. The role combines diplomacy and international development delivery, including the UK’s International Climate Finance commitments. The post holder will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working on global issues across the British High Commission and FCDO more broadly, including Urban and Infrastructure, Development Capital, Science and Innovation Network, and Trade teams.

The job holder will also be required to contribute to the wider objectives of the British High Commission, including helping maintain an inclusive working environment where all staff feel valued and can make the best use of their skills and experience. The role will require maintaining good working relationships with colleagues in FCDO’s headquarters in the UK, as well as the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) consortium who have been contracted to lead GCIP implementation. Good stakeholder management is key.

The post is a fixed term contract funded under GCIP. The initial programme and contract period is up to the end of the December 2025.  Subject to FCDO assessment, the programme and contract may then be extended by three further years up to December 2028.  Should FCDO withdraw funding to the programme, the position will end after any required notice period.

We all have a responsibility to embrace the changes of the FCDO as it transforms, building the culture we want to see and delivering our cultural statement in how we lead and behave towards others; how we make decisions and how we get the job done is everyone’s responsibility.

In this role you will also be responsible for:

Project/programme Delivery (50 %)

• Manage programme/project delivery of the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP) in line with the FCDO Programme Operating Framework.
• Ensure PWC Alliance and other delivery partners meet their milestones, remain on track to deliver programme objectives and that reporting is high quality and timely.
• Input into financial aspects of the GCIP: this could include budget forecasting, monitoring and budget allocation of individual projects and input into the overall programme working with GCIP London. Challenging value for money for individual projects.
• Manage and monitor risks to programme delivery, escalating when necessary.
• Work closely with teams at BHC Lusaka, other British High Commissions/Embassies with GCIP activities, and FCDO Headquarters to share learning and best practice.
• Ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation frameworks are in place across all GCIP projects and that projects contribute to the BHC’s Lusaka’s Country Plan objectives on sustainable prosperity and climate resilience.
• All FCDO staff are expected to undertake some administrative tasks to support delivery of work related to their job.  This includes saving own documents to the corporate record, arranging relevant meetings, making travel arrangements and processing expenses claims

GCIP Stakeholder engagement (30%)

You will be a dynamic individual who will need to build and maintain effective relationships e.g., engage and manage relationships with relevant ministries and local government in Zambia to design and implement the programme.  Responsibilities include:

• Prompt strategic, regular communications with key stakeholders in the UK, Zambia, and other regional stakeholders to facilitate sharing of best practice.
• Publicly represent the British High Commission and the UK Government as a credible interlocutor in external engagements on themes relevant to the programme (climate change adaptation, resilient infrastructure, water management, and development).
• Ensure coordination between UK cities, transport and sustainable infrastructure programmes and initiatives supported by the UK and other development partners, identifying opportunities for multilateral cooperation where possible.
• Chairing meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Proactively seek cross-team collaboration opportunities amongst High Commission GCIP teams (particularly in Ghana and Mozambique) to continue supporting a mainstreamed approach in bilateral programmes.

Contribute to effective working across BHC Lusaka (20%)

• All staff on the British High Commission platform in Lusaka are required to contribute 20% of their time to corporate issues:
• Contribute to cross-office activities and discussions; supporting other colleagues to deliver their objectives.
• Provide a timely response to requests for policy briefings and corporate returns, if required.
• Proactively contribute to cross-office efforts across a range of corporate issues, including better delivery, people issues, etc.
• Report to senior leadership on progress towards objectives and develop and implement adequate procedures to support decision-making, monitor projects and their outcomes, engage with government bodies, organise events and visits, and build strong relationships with key UK and Zambian institutions.
• Remain flexible and being prepared to carry out additional duties if needed

No Line Management requirement.

Day to day management of GCIP programme spend with working with London Programme Management . GCIP is a £48m UK’s Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programme with a global delivery reach.

The GCIP Zambia programme will run multi-year with an estimated budget of £3 – £4m, the value of these programme is to change.

The position end date is Dec 2025 with the possibility for extension.

• Programme management qualification.
• Minimum BA qualification and relevant experience in thematic areas relevant to the role e.g. sustainable/green infrastructure, mobilising investment, climate finance, environmental management, power and engineering.
• Understanding of the Programme Cycle Management/ the ability to understand and use the FCDOs Programme Operating Framework  rules and guides or experience using similar policy and programme guides.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English; able to convey your point clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated resilience to manage multiple workstreams concurrently, with the ability to implement, benchmark against national and international evidence and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Experience in building a wide network of government, private sector, international community, and civil society stakeholders and using relationships to deliver objectives.
• Experience in programme management, including planning, budgeting, and coordination of interdisciplinary teams.
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office) and familiar with basic features and use of simple spreadsheets.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Able to create clear and accurate first drafts of project documentation, correspondence, and notes of meetings.
• Able to listen well and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• A commitment to contributing to a positive working environment grounded in inclusion, respect, kindness, and collaboration.
• An organised and proactive approach to work and a willingness to continually learn and improve.