Country Director Zambia

Job description

About Splash

Splash is an international development organization founded in 2007 and headquartered in Seattle, USA. Over the past 18 years, we’ve reached nearly one million children with clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in cities around the world. Our mission is to ensure children in urban poverty have access to clean water, clean hands, and clean toilets — so they can learn and thrive with dignity.

In 2019, Splash launched Project WISE (WASH in Schools for Everyone) — a five-year initiative reaching over 800,000 children across Ethiopia and India. Building on this success, Project WISE II (2025–2030) expands our reach to East and Southern Africa, beginning in Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.

Our work is guided by five core values:

·       People – People first. People second. People third.

·       Quality – Beautiful products that function and last.

·       Honesty – No drama, no surprises, no BS.

·       Joy – Kids at heart, seeing potential everywhere.

·       Mistakes – Make them. Don’t repeat them.

Learn more: www.splash.org

Position Summary

The Country Director – Zambia will serve as Splash International’s senior representative in Zambia. This role provides strategic leadership, manages government and partner relationships, and ensures the successful delivery of Project WISE II. You will lead a growing country team and partnerships, ensuring high-quality implementation, accountability, and alignment with both Splash’s global strategy and Zambia’s national priorities.

Roles & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Splash Zambia.
Align program design and implementation with national priorities and Splash’s global strategy.
Lead annual planning, budgeting, and reporting.
Ensure timelines, quality standards, and impact targets are consistently met.

Government, Donor & Partner Engagement

Serve as Splash’s lead representative to the Government of Zambia, ministries, and agencies.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with national and district authorities.
Cultivate partnerships with donors, implementers, and peer organizations.
Manage donor engagement, site visits, and transparent communication on progress.
Convene and guide project steering committees for alignment and accountability.
Represent Splash in national and regional WASH sector forums.
Ensure government financial and operational commitments to sustainability.

Program Delivery & Quality Assurance

Oversee implementation of Project WISE II through local partners and subcontractors.
Ensure activities meet Splash’s standards and shared goals.
Maintain systems for partner performance, quality assurance, and learning.
Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for all projects.
Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

Team Management & Development

Lead and mentor the Zambia team to deliver excellence and innovation.
Build a strong culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and joy.
Ensure compliance with Splash’s global policies and local labor laws.
Support professional development and succession planning for national leadership.

Operations, Finance & Compliance

Oversee country operations, resources, and compliance with national regulations.
Manage budgets and financial systems to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Oversee partner contracts, procurement, and due diligence.
Ensure operational alignment with Splash’s standards for transparency and accountability.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in international development, public administration, education, public health, or related field (or equivalent experience).
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in development, government, or education sectors.
Proven ability to lead multi-million-dollar programs and teams.
Strong experience managing partnerships and navigating complex government systems.
Demonstrated success in managing donor relationships and compliance.
Experience in WASH, education, or public health (preferred).
Fluent in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Zambian nationals or residents are strongly encouraged to apply.

Core Competencies:

Strategic and analytical thinker.
Politically astute and diplomatic.
Results-driven and highly organized.
Emotionally intelligent and people-centered.
Collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven.
Committed to child dignity and sustainable impact.

The Ideal Candidate

You are an experienced leader with deep roots in Zambia’s development sector. You combine strategic thinking with humility, diplomacy, and a drive for results. You are passionate about collaboration, child well-being, and transforming systems sustainably.

Compensation & Benefits

21 days of paid leave (increasing by 2 days each year up to 28 days).
11 paid public holidays.
Wellness Fridays (reduced working hours).
Two company-wide breaks (July and December).
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Employer contributions to NAPSA.
A joyful, inclusive, and mission-driven culture.

If this sounds like you — a bold, collaborative, and values-driven leader ready to make a lasting impact — we’d love to hear from you. Join us in bringing clean water, clean hands, and clean toilets to every child in Zambia. ?✨