Job Details

Job Description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Title:  Programs Director
Department Name:  Programs
Reports to: National Director (ND)
Supervises: 6

Position Summary:

Reporting to the National Director, the Programs Director is accountable for delivering the outcomes of HFHZ through leadership across projects/program and upwards with the senior management team and the governance structures.  This position will be responsible for the growth and development of the existing and new programs, management, growth, and development of existing and new strategic funding relationships, consistent with organizational standards and strategic goals of providing housing and housing support services to low-income families.

The Programs Director will develop effective strategies for fundraising with existing as well as newly established partnership structure in collaboration with HFHZ teams across departments, HFHI, AFR AO board Committees and other external partners to deliver successful fundraising activities targeted at bilateral, multi-lateral, private, foundations, corporate and high net worth individuals (HNWI).

The role will leverage current key partnerships whilst building and assessing a pipeline of new partners to support HFHZ agreed annual targets. The position holder will be responsible for ensuring that HFHZ identify, engage, and influence key shelter and WASH stakeholders in Zambia responsible for promoting HFHZ program outcomes for vulnerable communities. This includes collaboration with government, NGOs, UN, donors, Private sectors and other humanitarian coordination decision makers, shelter and WASH implementing partners, and large-scale development initiatives to improve shelter needs.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

-Provide overall strategic and technical leadership in the design, development, planning, budgeting and implementation of the HFHZ Strategy.
-Initiate, coordinate and lead HFHZ’s programming, ensuring it delivers on HFH vision and objectives and championing the innovative ways of working envisioned in its business strategy.
-Managing program cycles (needs assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation)
-Encourage a culture of learning and innovation, ensuring that all projects capture and document lessons learned and best practices.
-Oversee and support grant compliance and donor reporting on grant-funded projects.
-Participate fully in the annual budget process, leading the programs budgeting process, and providing ongoing oversight and management of program budgets.
-Keep abreast with and contribute to HFH’s global initiatives and trends.
-Provide thought leadership internally by establishing, evolving, and driving the execution of HFHZ’s vision and priorities.
-Risk management and contingency planning
-Represent HFHZ in key external platforms as appropriate or as may be delegated by ND.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

In liaison with appropriate senior staff/teams:

·       Develop and manage the implementation of an overall fundraising strategy plan which includes a diverse range of funding streams

·       Identify and track funding prospects as they arise and maintain the appropriate tracking tools in collaboration with Global Foundations, Organisations and Institutions (GFOI) and Resource Development.

·       Play a key role in the development and maintenance of HFHZ’s database of potential funders, consultants’ roaster, and partners for business development

·       Lead efforts in identifying new donors by exploring new funding opportunities from institutional donors.

·       Conduct donor visits and develop donor mapping and Funding Action Plans.

·       Manage HFHZ’s engagement in active frameworks and consortia, including maintaining relationships with other framework/consortia participants and coordinating meetings where required.

·       Oversee and support the development of winning concept notes, campaign reports and proposals in liaison with the Business Development and Partnership Specialist in compliance with donor requirements.

·       Identifies grant opportunities, compiles executive summaries detailing the nature and guidelines of such opportunities and share with programs department.

·       Gathers relevant and timely intelligence necessary for grant acquisition and partnership building.

·       Develop and maintain up to date HFHZ Capacity Statement document and widely share when a potential opportunity exists.

·       Monitor new funding options and work as focal coordinator for new project applications for resource development in collaboration with HFHZ SMT and GFOI.

·       Develop a robust local fundraising strategy/plan and vigorously seeks grant funding opportunities from website, business magazines and from local corporates

·       Ensure that the Go No Go (G/NG) has been properly completed from the onset of pre-positioning.

·       Develop annual fund-raising plans and implement.

PARTNERSHIPS DEVELOPMENT

·       Provides support to the National Director in the process of joining consortia and establishment of strategic partnerships.

·       Identifies and builds strategic relationships with key personnel at INGOs, private sectors, government wings and bilateral and multilateral agencies.

·       Develops partnerships with other NGOs whose work is relevant to HFHZ’s Core Programs for resource leveraging, advocacy and policy engagements.

·       Supporting the development of the partnership and fundraising strategy, as well as the annual plan.

·       Executing fundraising campaigns and events through local campaigns.

·       Establishing, strengthening, and maintaining relations with key funding partners, members, and other external stakeholders.

·       Developing and managing cultivation activities and high-level events.

NETWORKING AND IMAGE BUILDING

·       Liaises with communications to produce and circulate materials aimed at increasing HFHZ visibility through leaflets, brochures, annual reports, etc.

·       Manages and maintain appropriate relationships with various contact persons through HFHZ’s strategy.

·       Works with the team to ensure that HFHZ attends key government and other major agencies meetings (encouraging thematic attendance).

·       Participate in networking as required to ensure that HFHZ’s interests are represented and to acquire relevant information.

·       Suggest relevant networks from the funding point of view.

·       Participate in cluster meetings and other relevant forums.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND SAFEGUARDING

-Provide proper supervision and management for all direct reports and lead the establishment and functioning of a strong, effective and coordinated programme team.
-Manage and mentor the program team to deliver on the programme strategy, provide leadership and guidance and ensure that the management of the team is in line with HFHZ’s HR policies and procedures.
-With support from HRLOD Manager, will manage the life cycle of individuals within the program team from pre-recruitment to exit, including performance management processes, and working with HR on issues such as disciplinary matters.
-Identify necessary staff development and succession planning strategies for direct reports.
-Develop a team learning agenda that deepens engagement and understanding of insights and priorities, strengthens team culture and collaboration, and addresses team development needs.
-Create safeguarding awareness with project partners and ensure development and implementation of effective and usable community feedback mechanisms.
-Work closely with the HRLOD Manager in promoting a safe, inclusive and diverse work environment.
-Encourage open, honest conversations and feedback on safeguarding with all stakeholders.
-Participate in Senior Management Team meetings.
-As per delegated functions within HFHZ Delegation of Authority (DOA) authorize and approve requisitions and payments.
-Carry out other reasonable duties, as directed/delegated by the National Director, in alignment with the organization’s mandate.

Typical Training &   Experience

Qualifications:

-Advanced degree, preferably master’s in a development field, development studies, Project Management, civil engineering and/or social sciences, urban planning, leadership and management from a recognized institution of learning.
-Proven experience in managing projects and understanding program cycles is a must
-At least 10 years’ progressive experience in a senior management position, preferably in INGO sector.
-Postgraduate training in financial management and project management will be an added advantage
-Critical focus on providing a superior service level to managers and colleagues and delivering agreed results within time and budget constraints and to expected standards.

Skills and Knowledge:

-Understanding of housing issues in Zambia, particularly in relation to housing & development and technical knowledge on Zambia housing value chain is an asset.
-Excellent English language skills (written, reading and spoken).
-Demonstrated analytic capacity and writing ability at a superior level.
-Demonstrated success in securing major grants and managing donor/partner relations in particular, institutional donors.
-Proven experience includes in-depth understanding of designing logical frameworks and theory of change for complex, multi-year projects and leading teams in formulating strategies and action plans.

Active support for HFHI Values:

Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
Safeguarding : HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.

Working Conditions: 40 hours per week, with 2 health breaks of 20 minutes each per day.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your letter of motivation, CV, National Registration Card, certified and ZAQA verified qualifications to [email protected]. Address your application to the National Director.

Kindly only apply if you meet the minimum requirements for the position. Clearly state the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Closing         Date: The    closing          date for applications is Tuesday, 9th  September, 2025
Only   shortlisted     candidates    will      be contacted.

Salary:

National terms and conditions, competitive and negotiable within the salary ranges depending on experience, skills, and competencies.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ZAMBIA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER