Head of Programmes

Job description

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Company: Plan International

The Organization

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.Geographic Reference

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

We won’t stop until we are all equal.Advertise in Zambia

Working in Zambia since 1996, Plan International Zambia’s development and humanitarian programmes focus primarily on Inclusive Quality Education, Skills and Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship, Reproductive Health and Rights, Early Childhood Development and Gender Responsive Child Protection. Child protection is key in all that we do. Plan International Zambia has Programme Areas (PAs) in; Central, Luapula, and Eastern Provinces including in Lusaka, where the Country Office is located.

The Opportunity

The Head of Programs (HoP) will provide strategic program planning, design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation in line with the Programme Quality and Influencing Approach. The HoP will be responsible for leading, managing, and supporting all Programme, Monitoring and Evaluation to ensure the delivery of quality and integrated programming in line with the Country Strategy (CS), as well as organizational standards, frameworks, and procedures. The HoP will also provide external representation and recognition of Plan International Zambia with various stakeholders for collaborative working relationships to position Plan International Zambia as a global leader in achievement of girls’ rights.

Strategic Leadership & Programme Direction
Leads the implementation of the Country Strategy, ensures high‑quality development and humanitarian programmes, oversees planning, monitoring, research, and reporting, and promotes feminist and value‑based leadership.

Accountabilities

Drives strategic partnerships with government, civil society, private sector, academia, youth groups and networks, ensuring alignment with partnership principles and strengthening the organisation’s visibility and influence.
Develops and supports evidence‑based advocacy strategies, influences key decision‑makers on girls’ rights, and ensures strong coordination between advocacy and communications.
Ensures programmes meet global standards, promotes learning and innovation, embeds gender equality and safeguarding, and strengthens the capacity of partners and stakeholders.
Provides leadership and direction to programme teams, builds high‑performing and safe work environments, nurtures organisational values, and ensures effective performance management and staff development.
Oversees resource mobilisation, budget utilisation and donor compliance, ensures timely grant management, leads on audits and risk management, and enforces safeguarding, gender equality and organisational policies.

What you will bring to the role

A Master’s Degree in Development, Social Work, Social Sciences, International Relations or similar field.
10 years of relevant experience in INGO Sector or demonstrated equivalent combination.
At least 7 years’ experience in managing development programme in the country within the INGO sector.
Proven experiences and ability to coordinate and collaborate with different civil society and Community based organization.
Demonstrable working experience in development programme.
Knowledge of developmental agendas in complex and protracted development and humanitarian landscape.
Demonstrated track record of proposal writing and budget management.

Location: The role must be based in LusakaGeographic Reference

Type of Contract: Fixed Term, Full Time Contract

Reports to: Country Director

Grade:  Hay Level 18

Closing Date: 3rd April 2026

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.