Program Manager – Elections

Job description

                                         WE ARE HIRING!

Zambia Federation of Disability Organisation (ZAFOD) is a national umbrella organisation of and for organisations of persons with disabilities whose mandate is to advocate for the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Since the early 1980s, ZAFOD has been advocating for the promotion and protection of disability rights and the inherent dignity of persons with disabilities, including advocacy for the observance of rights to political and public participation of persons with disabilities through inclusive and accessible electoral processes. ZAFOD will be conducting a pre- and post-election observation of key aspects of accessibility and participation in electoral processes for persons with disabilities in all the provinces. ZAFOD’s thematic election observation will monitor specific processes, activities or events for issues that could undermine the accessibility and participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process and support ZAFOD to conduct evidence-based advocacy for improving accessibility and participation of persons with disabilities.

ZAFOD is seeking highly motivated and qualified candidates for positions of Elections Program Manager and Project Officer. Send your application and CV with names and telephone numbers of three traceable referees info@zafod.org.zm not later than 5th June, 2026. No applications will be considered after 17:00 on 5th June, 2026. The applications should be addressed to the Federal Director, ZAFOD.

ZAFOD is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

JOB DESCRIPTION: PROGRAM MANAGER – ELECTIONS (DISABILITY INCLUSION)   

Organization: ZAFOD

Place of assignment: Lusaka

Job Title: Elections Program Manager

Program: Zambia Federation of Disability Organisation (ZAFOD)

Reports to: ZAFOD Program Manager

Job Overview

The Program Manager – Elections will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for ZAFOD’s disability-inclusive election observation program. The role is responsible for program design, implementation, partnership management, and donor reporting, while ensuring high-quality, evidence-based advocacy to promote inclusive electoral processes.

The Program Manager – Elections will work within a dynamic team and engage closely with civil society organizations (CSOs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), electoral stakeholders, and development partners. The Program Manager – Elections will report to the ZAFOD program manager.

Responsibilities and Duties

●     Serve as primary point of contact and provide overall strategic and operational leadership of the election observation program

●     Develop and manage partnerships with CSOs, OPDs, and election stakeholders

●     Provide technical assistance and capacity building to partners on inclusive election observation

●     Lead program design, work planning, and budgeting processes

●     Produce analytical reports on political and electoral developments

●     Lead donor reporting, monitoring & evaluation, and data-driven learning

●     Manage program budgets, financial tracking, and compliance

●     Oversee observer recruitment, deployment, and coordination systems, including accreditation

●     Supervise program staff, assistants, and interns

●     Represent the program in stakeholder and donor engagements

Qualifications and Experience

●     Must have a University Degree in field of study related to international development; political science, international relations, public policy, law or related field.

●     Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in governance, elections, or civil society programming

●     Demonstrated experience in program management and partner coordination

●     Proven expertise in inclusive governance, disability inclusion, or election observation

●     Strong experience in monitoring & evaluation, data analysis, and reporting

●     Experience managing budgets and donor-funded programs

●     Familiarity with Zambian electoral processes and political context

Skills and Competencies

●     Strong analytical and political assessment skills

●     Excellent written and verbal communication skills

●     Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and partnerships

●     Strong organizational and leadership skills

●     Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and data analysis tools

●     High level of integrity, objectivity, and non-partisanship; willing to work long hours

Working Conditions

●     Based in Lusaka with occasional travel within the country

●     May require extended working hours during peak election periods

Send your application and CV with names and telephone numbers of three traceable referees to info@zafod.org.zm not later than 05 June, 2026. The applications should be addressed to the Federal Director, ZAFOD. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.