Project Manager, Business Development Lead VisionFund Zambia

VisionFund Zambia Limited is part of a network of microfinance institutions within the VisionFund International network. We empower low-income entrepreneurs with access to integrated financial services that unlock their potential. We are part of World Vision, the largest global Christian humanitarian organization. In order to support our growth aspirations, we seek to recruit qualified candidates who are self-motivated and results-oriented to fill the following position:

PROJECT MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD

Reporting to: Head Partnerships and Innovations -VisionFund Zambia and matrixed to the Director of Disaster Recovery Financing Solution -VisionFund International.

Location: Based in Lusaka, Zambia, with frequent travel to project sites in Central, Eastern, and Southern Provinces.

The Project Manager, Business Development (PM/BD) Lead will spearhead the “Multi-sectoral Drought Recovery and Resilience” pilot initiative in Zambia, focusing on integrating innovative solutions for disaster response, early recovery, and long-term resilience-building efforts. This role is critical in driving cross-sectoral collaboration, onboarding new partners for growth, resource mobilization, managing the overall project lifecycle, and ensuring effective communication and reporting to stakeholders.

In addition to these responsibilities, the position holder will support the Project Advisory Committee which consists of senior representatives from World Vision Zambia (WVZ), VisionFund Zambia (VFZ), and VisionFund International (VFI).

Supported by the Inclusive Finance Group of VFI, the PM/BD Lead will work closely with the VFZ and WVZ teams (especially the Livelihoods, Disaster Management, and WASH departments), as well as external partners. The role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, project management, and business development, along with the ability to communicate effectively across multiple sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Management:

• Manage the Multi-Sectoral Drought to Resilience initiative, overseeing planning, execution, and monitoring of activities.
• Integrate financial and non-financial solutions, ensuring alignment with disaster response and recovery frameworks.
• Develop and implement a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework to track progress and adapt strategies as needed.
• Manage timelines and budgets to ensure the successful delivery of project objectives.

2. Innovation and Product Development:

• Support the development of tailored financial products and services, such as loans, blended finance models, and smart subsidies, in collaboration with IFG and other technical teams.
• Assist in applying human-centered design principles to ensure that financial solutions are responsive to the needs of drought-affected communities.
• Work closely with technical teams to integrate climate-smart agricultural practices and water management solutions into the project, ensuring alignment with overall project goals.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary liaison between VFI/IFG, WV Zambia, and stakeholders.
• Foster strong partnerships with local communities, government agencies, financial institutions, and other external partners.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder workshops and meetings to ensure alignment and collaborative problem-solving.
• Advocate for the project’s objectives and secure buy-in from key stakeholders.

4. Strategic Planning and Scaling:

• Support the development of a strategic roadmap for scaling successful models and interventions, focusing on long-term sustainability.
• Identify and support opportunities for resource mobilization and partnership expansion to support broader application of the project’s models.
• Ensure the pilot initiative contributes to sector-wide learning and informs future drought response strategies.

5. Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare regular project reports, updates, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to VFI/IFG, WV Zambia, and other key partners.
• Document lessons learned and best practices to inform future initiatives and share knowledge across sectors.

Required Skills and Experience:

1. Project Management:

• Proven experience in managing complex projects in humanitarian or development sectors.
• Understanding of disaster management, early recovery, and resilience-building in drought-affected or fragile contexts is desirable.

2. Financial Services and Product Development:

• Experience in developing financial products and services tailored to vulnerable communities.
• Familiarity with innovative financing models like blended finance, microfinance, and savings group linkages.
• Human-centered design approaches to product development are advantageous.
• Business Development and Sales On onboarding new partners for growth cutting across VFZ products and services

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Strong ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and financial institutions.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder processes and building consensus among partners.
• Resource Mobilization Identify/map out potential donors to engage for further support on grant/funded projects and initiatives/strategies to grow the funding portfolio.

4. Reporting and Communication:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in reporting to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.

5. Strategic Thinking and Scaling:

• Strategic planning skills with a focus on scaling and sustainability.
• Ability to translate project insights into broader sectoral impact.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:

• Experience in developing and implementing MEL frameworks to track project outcomes.
• Proficiency in using data and evidence to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in project management or related fields within humanitarian, development, or financial services sectors.
• Strong drive and motivation with a willingness to learn and grow in the role.
• Experience in financial inclusion initiatives in rural or fragile contexts is desirable.

Duration:

• 12 months (Nov 2024 – Nov 2025), subject to renewal with the possibility of extension based on project outcomes and funding availability.