Recruitment of National Programme Officer, Governance, Gender Equality and Human Rights

The Embassy is now looking for a qualified National Program Officer (NPO) to join the Development Cooperation Section. The NPO will manage programs supported by Sweden in the fields of governance, gender equality and human rights. The NPO will be the Embassy’s focal point on gender equality, and as such act as an advisor of gender equality mainstreaming in the development section and actively participate in Sida’s thematic network on gender equality.  

The NPO will work under the authority of the Ambassador. The NPO will be part of the Embassy’s section for development cooperation and s/he will work under the direct supervision of and report to the Head of Development Cooperation. The section consists of the Head of Section, two financial controllers, four sent-out program officers, four NPOs and one program administrator.

Sweden’s development cooperation with Zambia is governed by the Strategy for development cooperation 2024-2028. Under this strategy, Swedish development cooperation with Zambia shall contribute to greater respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, anti-corruption and gender equality, as well as economic development that is inclusive and sustainable in terms of the environment and climate.

Job Description: What will you do as an NPO?

• Manage projects and policy dialogue within the area of governance, gender equality and human rights, including appraisal, organisational assessments, risk analysis, results monitoring and analysis, financial follow-up including audits, and communication.
• Advise on gender mainstreaming and human rights approaches within supported development projects throughout the project cycle.
• Participate in relevant sector working groups and coordination mechanisms together with other donors, international partners, and government representatives.
• Coordinate with the gender advisors at Sida headquarters and actively participate in Sida’s thematic network on gender change.
• Provide advice and input to colleagues on the gender policy and legal reforms development in Zambia.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned by the Head of Cooperation.

Required competences

• University Degree in relevant thematic area, such as such as Development Studies, Gender Studies, Law, Public Administration.
• Excellent knowledge in spoken and written English.
• Minimum six years’ experience working with gender equality, or human rights, in relation to governance.
• Professional experience working with development cooperation (such as for an embassy, international or multilateral organization, or non-governmental organization).
• Experience of grant/contribution management, including identification, preparation and follow-up.
• Knowledge of gender mainstreaming in programming
• Willingness to travel in Zambia and internationally.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. We seek someone who is flexible, and that can organize and plan their work, work well in a team and respect individual differences.

Merits/added advantages:

• Relevant degree at Master’s level

• Experience and good knowledge of anti-corruption work.

• Experience of using the Human Rights Based approaches to programming.
• Experience in capacity building and dialogue with partner/grantee organisations as well as MEL (Monitoring, evaluation and learning)

• Familiarity with relevant Swedish policies and Sida’s ways of working is an added advantage.

Salary and benefits:

The embassy offers an international and dynamic working environment. The embassy is seeking a qualified individual to fill a full-time indeterminate position, starting with a three-month probation period.  The salary is determined on an individual basis. The position is subject to the Embassy’s terms and conditions for local staff.

Employment will start in October 2024 unless otherwise agreed, starting with a probationary period of six months.

The application must include:

• CV (no more than two pages), including the names and contact details of three reference persons
• Cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the position and what motivates you to apply (no more than one page)
• Salary requirements

A reference check will be part of the recruitment procedure. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to perform a written test in English.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and applications will not be returned.

For the recruitment of this position, the Embassy of Sweden is working with P.R.I. Consultants. Contact person is Ms. Malama Lumbwe.

Applications should be submitted by e-mail with the text National Programme Officer, Governance, Gender Equality and Human rights in the subject line to: mlumbwe@priconsultants.com

The final date to submit the applications is August 1, 2024.