Bauleni Special Needs Project Director – Leadership Opportunity in Inclusive Education

Job description

Bauleni Special Needs Project Director 

Leadership Opportunity in Inclusive Education

Position Summary
Bauleni Special Needs Project (BSNP) is seeking a visionary and dynamic Program Director to lead the organisation and its inclusive education initiatives. The Program Director will have overall responsibility for the strategic development and day-to-day management of the organisation, ensuring that all programs align with BSNP’s mission and strategic plan to provide holistic, accessible, and high-quality education to children and youth with disabilities, as well as orphaned and vulnerable children. The Director will lead the senior management team and represent the organisation with donors, government, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Bauleni Special Needs Project, shaping long-term goals and annual objectives in line with the organisation’s vision, mission and strategic plan.
Oversee the design, implementation, and management of all program activities, ensuring the achievement of quality outcomes for over 1,650 children and youth annually.
Lead, inspire, and develop the senior management team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Ensure all programs—including Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Primary and Secondary Education, Therapeutic Services, Home-based Care, BTVET skills training, and weekly boarding—adhere to organisational policies, procedures, and relevant accountability standards.
Monitor, evaluate, and report on program progress, adapting approaches as necessary to maintain excellence in service delivery and impact.
Secure and steward resources, driving fundraising efforts and the sustainable growth of the organisation.
Represent BSNP externally, building strong, productive relationships with government agencies, donors, partners, and other key stakeholders.
Champion the rights and needs of children and youth with disabilities, advocating for inclusive education and equal opportunities within the community and beyond.
Lead and manage the implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring that all staff are familiar with the principles underpinning accountability and safeguarding and ensure that information on accountability and safeguarding are disseminated among programme participants and communities.

Qualifications and Experience

Advanced degree in education, social sciences, management, or a related field.
Significant leadership experience, 10 years, in organisation and program management within the non-profit sector, preferably with a focus on special needs or inclusive education.
Demonstrated experience in team leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrable experience of working to attract institutional donor funding and of managing large donor grants
Strong understanding of inclusive education approaches and therapies for children and youth with disabilities.
Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and external partners.
Thorough understanding of safeguarding and accountability considerations in development work.

Personal Attributes

Visionary leadership and a deep commitment to the empowerment of children and youth with disabilities.
Integrity, empathy, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Strong advocacy skills and a passion for inclusive education.

Safeguarding
A central pillar of this role is an unwavering commitment to safeguarding—the responsibility to protect the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of all individuals, especially children and youth with disabilities. Effective safeguarding not only upholds the highest standards of accountability, but also ensures the creation of safe, inclusive spaces where vulnerability is met with protection rather than risk. This commitment extends beyond policy, forming an essential thread that weaves through every aspect of our work, partnership, and leadership.

Interested applicants who match the above criteria should send an application cover letter and CV to the following:

Email address: sshjmbsnpcomms@gmail.com

Reference:

BSNP Director Recruitment

Bauleni Special Needs Project (BSNP)

473A Leopards Hill Road

Ridgeway, Lusaka

Zambia. P.O. Box 51448.

www.sshjmbsnp.org

Closing date for receiving application letter: Friday 18th July 2025.

NOTE: Those invited to interview will need to bring three references from past employers.