Program Manager – Elections (Disability Inclusion)

Job description

The Program Manager – Elections will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for our client’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.

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