Senior Programme Officer, Climate and Environment Stewardship (CES) Noweigian Church Aid and DanChurch Aid Joint Country Programme Zambia

Introduction to the JCP country office:

Since 2011, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and DanChurchAid (DCA) in Zambia have been working together to implement a socio-economic justice programme that aims to empower rights-holders, especially women and youth through a Joint Country Programme. Through strong networks and alliances within Zambian civil society, we uphold and protect people’s dignity and promote their active participation in the development of Zambia. The JCP Zambia is a fully merged country programme where funding, technical advice, lobbying & advocacy, communication, administration is shared and coordinated, with NCA as the lead agency. In the 2025-2029 country strategy, NCA and DCA will focus their interventions to save lives, build resilience of local communities and seek justice. We envision an inclusive, resilient and just Zambia. Whilst the Climate and Environmental Stewardship (CES) programme is a new thematic priority for NCA globally, it will build on several years of experience by NCA-DCA in Zambia of working on CES in protected and vulnerable landscapes in the Lower Zambezi.

Information about the position:

The NCA-DCA JCP is looking for a proactive and experienced Senior Programme Officer to lead the implementation of our CES programme in Zambia. This programme is implemented both directly by NCA-DCA and through selected Zambian civil society partners under our 2025-29 Programme strategy for Zambia.

Purpose of the role:

As we see more and more people negatively affected by climate change and environmental degradation, NCA is scaling up its efforts to increase community resilience by integrating Climate and Environmental Stewardship (CES) into NCA’s Global Programme Framework for 2025-2029. The aim of CES is to support local communities to:

a) prepare and respond to impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and natural and man-made disasters.
b) sustainably manage natural resources; and
c) mobilise citizens and duty-bearers to act for climate and environmental justice.
In this role, you will be responsible for the programme quality and development of CES in NCA Zambia Country Office. You will work closely with other technical advisors in NCA’s programme areas, such as Climate Resilient WASH, Economic Development and Food Security, and Fighting Inequality, both at NCA Zambia Country Office and at NCA’s Head Office in Oslo, Norway. You will also be part of NCA’s global Community of Practice on CES and cooperate with NCA and DCA colleagues around the world.

Key roles and responsibilities:

Responsible for overseeing coordination and management of CES in NCA-DCA Zambia’s projects and programmes.
Planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on CES, according to NCA’s project cycle.
Provide technical training and competence building on CES for partners and rights-holders.
Lead and/or contribute to relevant funding applications related to CES.
Networking, collaborating, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders, including research institutions, environmental organisations, NGOs, technical working groups, and relevant authorities and government departments.
Travel to field locations for facilitation, monitoring, training, and follow-up of CES projects and programmes.
Provide quality assurance of partner implementation, results, and reports related to CES.
Liaise with CES advisors at NCA and DCA’s Head Offices and global Community of Practices on CES.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s / master’s degree in a related field (e.g. environmental science, Sustainability, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Climate Science, Environmental Policy, Environmental Protection and Management etc.)
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience working in a related role, at least 3 years of which should be at a senior officer level or higher.
Experience working with project cycle management and project coordination.
Technical qualifications related to CES, such as GIS, nature-based solutions, environmental management or engineering, Data Analysis, Environmental Impact assessment, policy knowledge and climate risk assessment is an advantage.
Experience working with community-based programming is an advantage.
Skilled in computer use, MS Office suite, and other digital systems for project management.
Experience working with NEAT+ or other environmental assessment tools is an advantage.
Fluency in oral and written English is essential.
PERSONAL QUALITIES:

Respectful, clear, and constructive communicator with excellent cooperation skills.
Structured and well-organized with a clear sense of direction.
Flexible, self-driven, and able to work both independently and in teams.
The ability to listen, motivate others, build trust and capacities among staff and partners.
Excellent organizational skills, including prioritization, planning and project coordination skills.
Results-oriented and quality-conscious, especially working with reports and applications.
Ability to handle occasional stress and high workloads.
WE OFFER:

A full-time position, with preferable start date on the 1st of January 2024, based in Lusaka Zambia.
Opportunity to make a change and contribute to NCA’s work on climate and environmental stewardship.
Opportunity to travel nationally and internationally and take part in a global Community of Practice.
Access to staff development funds to support relevant career development and educational goals.
Competitive salary, private medical insurance for employees, spouse and up to 3 dependents. Smart phone with employee ownership plan.
A positive working environment with engaged supportive and highly qualified colleagues from around the world.
Before you apply:

We kindly ask you to carefully read the ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and the Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position, you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy.