Project Manager

Job description

The Organization

Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS) is a registered Non-Governmental Organization under the Societies Act Section 7 (1) under the Laws of Zambia. ZOCS is a vibrant and flagship organization of Community Schools since 1992 in Zambia that empowers communities to provide quality education.

The pillars on which ZOCS builds its approach are those of enhanced educational opportunities for children through education advocacy and policy engagement, capacity development and service delivery.

ZOCS is about open, accessible schools for disadvantaged children and communities, and these take priority over everything else.

ZOCS is inviting applications for the following positions:

Job Title: Project Manager

Reports to: Education Manager
Location:  Solwezi
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: 24 months

Job Purpose:

The Project Manager will be responsible for overall planning and implementation of the Community Based Integrated Early Childhood Development Project activities in the Northwestern Province, according to the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB). This will include day-to-day management to the successful delivery of the project according to donor and ZOCS expectations including quality, time and budget specifications. The Manager’s role will include supervision of District Coordinators.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management & Implementation

· Ensure that the project is implemented according to the Work Plans and Budgets.

· Coordinate and oversee day-to-day implementation of project activities in the district.

· Ensure timely delivery of project targets according to the approved work plan and budget.

· Supervise project staff, volunteers, or implementing partners operating within the district.

· Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

· Lead and motivate the project team, ensuring regular progress review meetings are in place and behavioural expectations are established.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with district and provincial level stakeholders, including government departments, local leaders, community-based organizations, and partners.

· Represent the project at provincial meetings, forums, and other relevant platforms.

· Review financial reports and provide necessary feedback.

· Ensure appropriate human resource in terms of skills, competencies, capabilities and capacity is made available to facilitate the effective implementation and monitoring of the project.

· Manage and supervise the performance and discipline of Project Team;

Monitoring and Reporting

· Ensure quality data collection during project monitoring to inform timely reporting, decision making and evidence for ZOCS related advocacy work;

· Monitor  expenditure and costs against deliverables.

· Develop the project implementation plan for all the project activities including monitoring schedules.

· Ensure continuous monitoring of the project and initiate improvements to the project management practices.

· Prepare project progress reports on a monthly, quarterly and bi-annual basis including documentation of best practices and lessons learnt to inform project adaptation as necessary.

· Participate in monitoring visits, evaluations, and learning sessions.

· Budget & Resource Management

· Manage entire project resources, ensuring effective and accountable use.

· Monitor expenditures against budget and correct any variances.

Capacity Building

· Support training, mentorship, and capacity building of project staff, communities, and partnersinvolved  in project implementation.

Risk Management

· Identify potential risks or challenges to project success and apply prevention and  mitigation measures.

· Ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor regulations, and safeguarding standards.

Qualifications and Experience:

· Grade 12 Certificate

· Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Education or Social Sciences.

· At least 5 years of experience in  project coordination of an Early Childhood Education and Development project is essential

· Previous staff supervision experience is required.

· Project Management experience is a must.

· NGO experience is desirable

· Experience working with government and community stakeholders at the provincial level.

Key Competencies:

· Strong organizational and planning skills.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

· Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

· Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation tools.

· Fluency in English and at least one local language spoken in the district.

To be considered for the positions, email your application letter,  resume and certified copies of academic and professional qualifications with traceable referees to zocs2008@gmail.com or  send to:

The Human Resource and Administration Manager,

Zambia Open Community Schools,

P.O. Box 50429,

Plot 20, Tito Road, Rhodes Park,

LUSAKA

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 26th  September 2025 at 17:00 hours.

Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Zambia Open Community Schools  is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply