ACCOUNTANT & POLICY ADVOCACY AND INFORMATION EXPERT

Job description

The Agricultural Consultative Forum (ACF)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Agricultural Consultative Forum (ACF) is a platform of agricultural stakeholders comprising five categories, namely: the Public Sector, Private Sector, Research Institutions, Cooperating Partners (Donor agencies), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The Forum provides a platform for voicing their concerns and interests in the public policy making processes as well as during implementation of policies and programmes.

What we stand for? Since its creation in 1998, the Forum has been particularly working to: a) Promote in a non-partisan manner, private/public sector consultation and participation in the development of agricultural sector policies. This is being achieved through providing an environment of constructive dialogue, information sharing, and communication amongst private and public sector stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

How we take action? We engage stakeholders at various levels in policy advocacy and emerging issues in the agricultural sector by: a) Generating credible (quality) evidence and performance data for timely policy decision making and implementation; b) Providing a reliable and relevant source of information and knowledge in the agricultural sector.

The Forum is seeking highly motivated, result-oriented, well-qualified and experienced professionals to fill the following vacancies:

1. POLICY ADVOCACY AND INFORMATION EXPERT

Purpose Reporting to the Manager – Programmes, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation, the position will bridge the gap between research/partnerships/programmatic evidence and actionable change. The position will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing policy strategies that influence decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public to adopt, improve, or uphold specific policies.

Key Responsibilities and Duties a) Policy Analysis and Development: Analyze identified policy issues, conduct research, and develop evidence-based policy positions, proposals, and campaign asks. This often involves producing written briefings, position papers, reports, and proposals. b) Advocacy Strategy and Implementation: Develop and execute advocacy strategies and campaigns to effect specific systemic changes or influence relevant institutions (e.g., governmental bodies, commodity associations). This includes organizing policy debates, attending external meetings, and building alliances with strategic stakeholders. c) Information and Communications Management: Produce and disseminate high-quality written materials for various channels, including press releases, brochures, articles, blog posts, and social media; monitoring media; and coordinating public awareness campaigns. d) Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Build and maintain key relationships with organizations, including government officials, partner members, the media, and the public. e) Advising and Supporting: Provide policy and advocacy advice, briefing materials, and capability building support to internal teams and members.

Experience a) Significant experience in policy analysis, development, advocacy, and/or research, often within a specific sector like humanitarian affairs, conservation, and/or digital rights. b) Proven track record of engaging and influencing external audiences and political stakeholders. c) Experience in managing information and communications tools, including digital content platforms.

Skills & Abilities a) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills. b) Strong analytical, research, and synthesis skills to distill complex material into clear and concise information. c) Ability to work independently, prioritize a diverse workload, and meet tight deadlines under pressure. d) Political sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with potential conflicts and various stakeholders.

Qualifications A degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, international relations, development studies, or social science.

2. ACCOUNTANT

Purpose Reporting to the Executive Director, the position will be responsible for managing, analyzing, and reporting on the Forum’s financial data to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities and Duties a) Act as Chief Financial Officer of the Forum. b) Supervise the collection, receipts, and custody of the funds and securities of the Forum. c) Supervise the payments of all appropriations and other disbursements of the Forum as ordered by the Board. d) Have custody of and preserve all financial records and documents relating to the property of the Forum. e) Supervise the filling of all payments vouchers and attaching all supporting documentation to bring all accounts up to date. f) Keep proper books of accounts and operating budgets for the Forum. g) Ensure that audits of the books and records of the Forum are currently and regularly made. h) Compile and cause to be filed the reports required by government agencies. i) Coordinate the audit of the Forum and attend to audit queries. j) Attend ACF stakeholder meetings as requested by Management.

Experience a) A minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience is commonly requested. b) Specific experience in grant accounting and managing donor funds in an international NGO is often a key requirement for NGO roles. c) Experience working in a cross-cultural or team environment is valued.

Skills & Abilities e) Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Pastel, QuickBooks, SunSystems) and strong computer skills, especially in MS Excel, are essential. f) A thorough understanding of financial accounting, reporting standards, internal controls, compliance with local tax laws (ZRA, NAPSA), and grant/contract management processes is crucial. g) Strong analytical and numerical skills, attention to detail, high accountability, excellent communication, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Qualifications a) A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is desirable. A diploma in accountancy may also be considered. b) Full or partial professional qualifications are often preferred or mandatory. Recognized certifications include:

• Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) qualification (such as CA Zambia)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• ZICA Membership: It is a legal requirement for anyone practicing as an accountant in Zambia to be a registered and fully paid-up member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Only candidates meeting the above role specifications and competencies should apply. Candidates should enclose their detailed Curriculum Vitae and relevant professional and academic qualifications, contact phone numbers/email address, three active referees with their contact numbers and email addresses as one single PDF document.
2. Only attach relevant copies of your professional, academic qualifications and current practicing licences from relevant professional bodies. Applications should reach the undersigned not later than Friday, 27th February 2026 at 17:00 Hours using the following email addresses: info@acfzambia.org; masiye.nawiko@acfzambia.org
3. The ACF is an equal opportunities employer, committed to workplace diversity and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply!

This appears to be a recent job posting (active as of February 2026, with applications due by end of February 27, 2026). If you’re interested in applying or need help tailoring a CV/cover letter, let me know! The organization’s website is www.acfzambia.org for more details.