Program Officer Miracle Corners Zambia

Miracle Corners – Zambia (MCZ)

GENERAL BACKGROUND

Miracle Corners – Zambia (MCZ) is a community-focused non-governmental organization offering programs in Chanyanya, Zambia. MC-Zambia is an affiliate of MCW (Miracle Corners of the World) a U.S. based non-profit organization founded in 1999 with the vision that communities throughout the world achieve greater levels of education, improved health and increased economic security.

We are seeking a dynamic and creative Program Officer as head of program to manage various diverse projects across areas of leadership, skills development, health and literacy.

This is a one year fixed term contract with possibilities of renewal with a 3-month probation period.

Position: Program Officer

Location: Chanyanya, Kafue

SPECIFIC ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of the position is to provide leadership and technical oversight of the implementation, monitoring and reporting of capacity development packages and trajectories of the MC-Z Country Program. The MC-Z Program Officer will work closely with the MC-Z Country Manager to oversee and maintain the day-to-day running of projects /programs that includes Child Literacy, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Literacy project and Women Empowerment project and grow the projects strategically and according to the needs of communities. The Program Officer also supports the day-to-day running of the MC-Z Skills Development activities that are being implemented at the center in Chanyanya. The Program Officer will fulfill the following roles:

• Designing programs – Develop concept notes, proposals and project plans
• Monitoring and Reporting – Oversees project implementation and reports against objectives
• Ensuring Quality Assurance – Ensures MC-Z projects and programs are in line with MC-Z strategy including Ministry of Education accepted standards.
• Ensuring learning and teaching at MC-Z complies with teaching and learning methodologies set by national policies and guidelines
• Ensuring literacy trainers and project officer(s) receive the required technical support

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project development and Implementation

• Ensure quality and timely implementation and monitoring of the project’s interventions in line with the approved program scope;
• Ensure program implementation is in line with the Miracle Corner Zambia and Government of Zambia National Strategies and relevant standards and policies;
• Create and contribute to a results-based programming with strong data collection practices to show impact and results on community investment programs

Capacity Building, People Management and Partnership

• Support staff orientation and participate in building capacity through coaching and mentoring for increased/enhanced competency;
• Assists in the establishment of the organization strategic goals and objectives;
• Collaborate with diverse teams across organization Affiliates to share best practices and work toward shared goals
• Build and maintain relationship with internal and external partners/stakeholders for enhanced collaboration and sustainability of project intervention;
• Enforces and establishes management procedures for the center which allows for smooth operations of our program including weekly meeting and projects reviews for project officers;
• Participates in professional growth activities;

Program Effectiveness and Quality Assurance

• Guide the development of detailed implementation plan that will support the delivery of the country program, including project objectives throughout the life of projects;
• Track performance of targets in line with the detailed annual implementation plans;
• Assist in the direction, supervision, and evaluation of instructional projects, including the quality of trainers and curriculum,
• Coordinate and facilitate the development of literacy schedules that meets adequate hours for learners;

Resource Mobilization and Communication

• Identify funding opportunities and support new business development (program design);
• Identify, develop and manage program partnerships with government, donors, NGOs and other key stakeholders;
• Oversee all program events to raise the profile of the program;
• Represent MC-Z in local and national forums and platforms;
• Work closely with the Country Manager and Finance and Administrative Officer to ensure that all proposals are assessed against the program design protocol;
• Liaise with the program, finance, and monitoring and evaluation teams to ensure timely development and submission of donor and partner reports;
• Actively identify and pursue creative partnerships which are in line with the strategic goals of the organization

Other Responsibilities

• Writing quarterly and annual reports and submit to the Country Manager; Submitting other reports as required;
• Liaising and working with stakeholders and other like-minded organizations;
• Promoting women and young people’s interests;

Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience:

• University Degree in Development Studies/Project Management/Public Management/ Education or relevant field with minimum 3 years’ experience in relevant field;
• Excellent knowledge of the Zambian development sector and education system – a must;
• Experience in project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and report writing essential;
• Experience working for a community based organisation preferably  NGO context;
• Proven skills and experience in project management (Planning, Budgeting, report writing);
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment.

Required Personal Qualities

• Be an enthusiastic visionary, an encourager, and a self-starter with a high energy level;
• Demonstrate sensitivity towards staff, women, youths and community members and have the ability to interact effectively with them;
• Understand the importance of discernment, discretion, and confidentiality in the operation of the Organization;
• Ability to collaborate with local government agencies;
• Ability to work with the young people and women. Flexible approach to work, willing to play a full role in ensuring the success of the team;
• Can make clear, concise, and accurate presentations, and dialogue and consultation with partners and project team members;
• Ability to cope with partnerships dynamics by employing an inclusive approach to deal with different of partners;

Special knowledge

• Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills;
• Proven ability and willingness to work independently, prioritize and hold oneself accountable;
• Strong mastery of Google Drive and Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel;
• Fluency in English Tonga, Bemba and Nyanja;
• This position is based in Chanyanya, Kafue.