Director Programmes Zambia Red Cross Society

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Director Programmes.

The Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is a Humanitarian Organization established in 1966 by an Act of Parliament CAP 307 of the laws of Zambia as an auxiliary institution that augments government’s efforts in developmental works and humanitarian assistance. ZRCS is part of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). In line with its mandate, ZRCS partners with the Government of the Republic of Zambia in responding to both man-made and natural disasters, including epidemics.

ZRCS is a dynamic and growing Humanitarian Organization committed to delivering top-quality services to our communities. ZRCS in fostering a collaborative and positive work environment where each team member plays a crucial role in our success. As part of our expansion plans, we are seeking a dedicated, self-motivated and detail-oriented Director of Programmes to join our Senior Management Team.

Job Summary:

The Director Programmes shall be responsible for overseeing every aspect of programmes from conception to implementation and closure. S/he shall be responsible for building project implementation teams, developing project milestones and implementing budgets in line with the ZRCS strategic goals and donor requirements, S/he is expected to provide technical support and leadership in managing humanitarian relief and integrated community development programmes in accordance with the National Society’s values, principles, mission and vision, aimed at enhancing the welfare, safety, and dignity of affected population. S/he is responsible for stakeholder management and provide technical representation of the National Society in coordination mechanism with public authorities and other actors.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Oversee programming and implementation strategies and budgets ensuring that they are aligned to the ZRCS strategic objectives. Ensure that all programs/ projects address the underlying issues, achieve measurable positive impact on target communities and demonstrate sound resource management.
• Develop strategies for strengthening collaborative partnerships and networks with stakeholders, government agencies, the private sector and other players to ensure implementation of programmes that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Provide technical representation of the Society at local, regional and international meetings, conferences and workshops and other fora to promote the activities of ZRCS and articulate issues related to humanitarian relief & development nexus
• Provide professional leadership and technical guidance in the design and implementation of development and humanitarian programmes.
• Liaise with the appropriate collaborating partners, such as line government ministries & departments, UN affiliated organization national and international non-governmental organizations, and donors in pursuit of implementing the programmes to meet the organisation’s objectives.

Programme Management.

• Lead the development and implementation of programmes strategies, plans and budget, ensuring conformity with the overall ZRCS operational and annual work plans and performance targets.
• Ensure robust programmes management, operational systems, processes and policies in tandem with the Society’s goals.
• Interact regularly with respective managers to ensure their operational priorities are in line with overall society’s direction.
• Coordinate implementation of integrated community-based developmental and emergency programmes that includes Disaster Risk Reduction, Early warning systems, early/anticipatory action, disaster response & recovery, public health, social services, water and sanitation, disease prevention and control
• Liaise with the administrative and financial staff, to facilitate the smooth implementation of programmes

Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting & Reporting

• In liaison with PMER Manager, work with departmental heads and project teams to develop annual work plans.
• Ensure effective and efficient planning, monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting systems are in line with the ZRCS strategic plan and PMER Framework
• Monitor project deliverables and activities; ensure deliverables are accurately completed within deadlines.
• Review all site, supervisory and other activity reports and ensure they are complete, to a high quality and have considered feedback from partners and well as fellow program staff.
• In Liaison with PMER Manager, prepare and submit consolidated quarterly, bi-annual, annual narrative reports as required by cooperating partners and the Society.
• Ensure programmatic issues, challenges and recommendations are communicated to the CEO and partners in a timely and accurate manner

Financial Management

• Provide appropriate inputs in the preparation of the ZRCS annual budgets.
• Ensure that Management operation and programme activities are carried out based on approved annual operating plan and in line with approved budgets.
• Monitor expenditure against approved operations budget and ensure compliance in all expenses incurred.
• Ensure all financial reports for programme teams are properly monitored and tracked accordingly and provide guidance where necessary.
• Ensure all programme retirements are tracked and retired timely by the reasonable departments.

Staff Management and Operations

• Facilitate human resource planning, staff recruitment, development, retention and appraisal in liaison with Departmental Heads according to ZRCS Performance Evaluation Framework and HR policy, in liaison with HR Manager
• Identify staff development requirements for programmes staff and ensure the implementation of initiatives designed to build staff capacity regarding their programmatic areas.
• Direct manage and supervise program and project managers involved to provide feedback and resolve complex problems.
• Create a high performing organizational culture based on transparency, integrity, accountability, performance measurement and results to ensure that programme activities are undertaken on sound management principles and practices.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff to ensure that the candidates selected have the required job competencies and are provided with a job orientation and induction programme necessary for effective performance.
• Ensure existing processes and workflows are analyzed to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Development studies, International Development, Disaster Studies, Humanitarian Action) preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of senior-level management experience in program management, preferably within the humanitarian or development sector.
• Proven track record of designing, implementing, and evaluating complex programs and projects.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving programmatic goals.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Sound understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles, including experience in designing and implementing M&E systems.
• Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization, donor relations, and proposal development.
• Familiarity with humanitarian principles, standards, and frameworks preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.