Programme & Systems Specialist

Job description

Job Title: Programme & Systems Specialist
Location: Livingstone, Southern Province Zambia
Reports to: Board of Directors
Contract Type: Full-time
Salary: Commensurate with experience

Organisation Overview:

The Kusimba Alliance is a newly established non-profit company that aims to foster learning, dialogue, and partnerships among community-focused organisations in Southern Province, Zambia by facilitating access to information, sharing best practices, and strengthening collaborative networks for greater collective impact. Our vision is to build a connected and empowered community development sector in Zambia, where shared knowledge and collaboration drive sustainable and inclusive change.

We are looking for a visionary and driven leader to join our team as we refine our way of working. The Governance and Programme Systems Specialist will lead efforts to enhance the organisation’s governance frameworks and strengthen programme systems to ensure effectiveness, accountability, and impact. The role involves supporting the Board of Directors, developing and implementing organisational policies and procedures, and building systems for robust programme design, implementation, monitoring, and learning.

Key Responsibilities

Governance Support and Strengthening
– Provide technical support to the Board of Directors and Board Committees, including planning meetings, preparing documentation, and ensuring compliance with governance standards.
– Develop and update governance policies (e.g. conflict of interest, board code of conduct, risk management).
– Facilitate Board self-assessments and governance capacity-building sessions.
– Support legal and regulatory compliance (e.g. NGO registration, reporting to PACRA, statutory payments)
– Track and ensure implementation of board resolutions.

Programme Development
– Lead the development and refinement of programme management systems including project cycle management, risk management, and reporting tools.
– Ensure alignment between programme activities and strategic goals, using results-based management (RBM) approaches.
– Design standard operating procedures (SOPs) and tools for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
– Train staff and partners in using programme tools and systems.

Partnership Management
– Provide ongoing training and mentorship to staff on governance, programme systems, and compliance.
– Strengthen capacity of partner organisations in programme delivery and accountability.
– Identify and foster partnerships with like-minded organisations
Business Development
– Lead on the development of a 5-year business plan, operational plan, and fundraising strategy
-Lead on all resource mobilization activities including engaging partner organisations, individual donors and grant making institutions

Risk and Compliance
– Identify governance and programme delivery risks and propose mitigation strategies.
– Monitor compliance with internal policies and donor regulations.
– Support preparation for donor audits and evaluations.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications
– Master’s degree in Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Political Science, or a related field
– Certification or training in governance, leadership, compliance, or programme management is a strong advantage.
Experience
– Minimum 5 years of experience in governance support, programme management or institutional strengthening in an NGO in Zambia. Experience in Southern Province is an added advantage.
– Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing programme systems and governance frameworks.
– Experience working with Boards of Directors or governance bodies.
– Experience in donor management, including individuals and institutional donors as well as grant writing, implementation and management
– Experience in overseeing, managing and implementing programme budgets

Skills and Competencies
– Excellent knowledge of governance best practices, policy development, and legal compliance in Zambia.
– Strong analytical, organisational, and project management skills.
– Proficiency in results-based management, monitoring and evaluation systems.
– Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
– Strong facilitation and training skills.
– High integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
– Excellent communication skills in English
– Willingness to relocate to Livingstone

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to info@thekusimbaalliance.com. Please save your documents as a single PDF file with the document name as “Your Names – Application for PSS Role”.Please indicate on the subject line “Application for PSS Role”.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 25th July 2025 or until a suitable candidate is found. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.