Officer, Program

Childfund Work Location Lusaka, Zambia

Childfund Division Global Impact

ChildFund Department Country Management

Job Details

Position title: Officer, Program

Location: Zambia

ChildFund office: Chibombo DI

Manager/Supervisor title: Coordinator District

Position type: Full-time fixed term

Work environment: On-site

About ChildFund

ChildFund is a child-focused international development organization that works in 23 countries to connect children with the people, resources and institutions they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe, no matter where they are.

ChildFund’s Values

ChildFund values a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment where everyone is welcomed and celebrated equally. In our culture of connection, you will have ample opportunity to grow, learn, and lead while contributing your talents and innovations to our inspiring mission.

ChildFund’s Commitment

ChildFund International has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) and all other forms of harm by its staff, partners, and other representatives in the delivery of its mission and services for children. ChildFund is committed to creating a safe environment in the workplace as well as in the communities where it delivers programs and services. ChildFund expects every staff member, partner, and representative to adhere to this commitment and to ensure all organizational policies and standards are followed. This position is subject to a range of vetting checks, including a criminal records check and/or disclosure to ensure program participants are safeguarded.

About This Role

The role involves supporting the design and implementation of community-level programs and projects while ensuring timely submission of narrative and success reports. Responsibilities include strengthening volunteer participation, managing community operations in line with ChildFund and donor requirements, and building capacity among community leadership for effective project management. The position also entails overseeing sponsor relations, ensuring that sponsored children benefit from programs, and maintaining high standards of stewardship and accountability. Additionally, the role requires effective people management, encouraging active participation from community members, and liaising with local institutions to advocate for vulnerable children. The candidate will mentor community volunteers, conduct needs assessments, and ensure adherence to child protection policies, while documenting best practices and maintaining accurate records of beneficiaries.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Management, Governance and Networking .

• Support the design and implementation of programs and projects at community level.
• Timely submission of narrative and success reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual reports)
• Strengthen volunteer participation in program implementation.
• Directing, managing and being accountable for community operation in accordance with the organizations and donor requirements
• Building capacity of the community leadership and other partners to manage community-based projects.
• Building positive and productive contacts and relations with communities and enrolled families
• The link between the Community Association and CO.
• The secretary to the Community Association Board
• Ensure community financial records are properly maintained.
• Mentoring community volunteers to effectively monitor implementation of

Sponsorship management

• Providing oversight of sponsor relations in communities
• Provide support, guidance, training to families, and monitor sponsor relation activities.
• Work with the Community Volunteers to ensure that sponsored children and families participate and benefit from the programs implemented by the ChildFund.
• Support the design of community growth plans, enrollment process of children and monitoring availability of the children.
• Ensuring that sponsor relations activities are carried out in a timely and professional manner and in accordance with ChildFund International policy.
• Ensuring that the children write letters, timely deliver them to CO according to schedule (Responses to sponsor queries are acted upon promptly).
• Maintaining a high standard of stewardship and accountability for all resources entrusted to him/her.
• Track and record assistance given to each enrolled child.
• Maintaining up-to-date children’s information, and folders.
• Ensuring timely submission of quality SR reports (monthly, quarterly, annual, and other reports).
• Disbursing and monitoring use of Designated Fund Certificate (gifts for children).
• Documenting best practices and case studies. Develop a comprehensive beneficiary list for all projects.

Management and Capacity Building

• Provide effective representation of interests of children and youths among the partners and networks at the community level.
• Ensuring that parents, community members, children and youths actively participate in project review and planning meetings.
• Mentoring Community Volunteers to effectively accomplish their community assignments.
• Encouraging active participation of community leadership in project activities.
• Ensure a good understanding, appreciation, and adherence to child protection issues/ policies among participants/ stakeholders monitoring and reporting any child abuse cases to relevant authorities.
• Liaising with institutions in the community, government departments and structures in planning and implementation of programs that benefit children in the community.

Safeguarding

Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding Policy.

Required Experience And Education

• College or higher institution qualification in related field (Social work, community development, etc.)
• More than 2 years of experience in development work.

Required Competencies

ChildFund’s Core Competencies

• Teamwork: Understands their role in the team and how their responsibilities connect with others. Firm belief in teamwork, gender equality, participatory approach and sustainable development.
• Communication: Provides clear, concise information to others via verbal or written communication with good interpersonal communication skills
• Results orientation: Demonstrates ability to execute assigned tasks and deliverables in a timely manner and takes responsibility for their outcomes.
• Decision making: Demonstrates ability to evaluate situations and understand problems by analyzing information from a variety of sources. Sound judgement and ability to work effectively with others at all levels.
• Resilience: Solicits support from team members and internal networks as required.
• Digital literacy: Uses existing technology effectively and as required in their role

Other Required Competencies

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in database systems and general office software applications (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook).
• High degree of problem-solving skills and autonomy
• Excellent organization and prioritizing skills – ability to handle and perform in fast-paced, multi-task environment
• Desire to learn process management tools; process management experience a plus