Programme Officer – Environment, Water, Mining and Training

Job description

Organization: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Location: JICA Zambia Office, Lusaka

1.    About JICA

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the implementing agency of the Japanese Official Development Assistance, dedicated to supporting Zambia’s nation-building efforts for over 50 years. With a steadfast belief that human development is synonymous with national development, JICA collaborates closely with the Government of the Republic of Zambia to tackle development challenges across various sectors, including agriculture, private sector development, infrastructure, energy, water, health, and education. JICA’s assistance primarily involves technical cooperation, which encompasses the dispatch of Japanese technical experts and the provision of training programs in Japan. Additionally, JICA employs other modalities such as financial assistance, the deployment of Japanese volunteers known as the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), and collaboration with Japanese civil societies. Over the past 55 years, JICA has dispatched more than 1,600 technical experts and volunteers to Zambia and has facilitated training for over 5,000 government officials and graduate students in Japan. Former training participants have established an alumni organization called ZAJIFA, which serves as a valuable asset in Zambia-Japan bilateral cooperation.

2.    Position Overview

JICA Zambia Office is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Programme Officer to oversee initiatives in the Environment, Water, and Mining sectors, as well as manage Training Programs. This role is pivotal in ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of JICA’s projects and programs, fostering collaboration with stakeholders, and enhancing the impact of JICA’s contributions to Zambia’s development.

3.    Key Responsibilities

  Project Management: Assist in the management of JICA’s programs/projects in the Environment, Water, and Mining sectors through project identification, planning, appraisal, monitoring, follow-up, and evaluation.
Sector Information Collection: Gather and update sector-specific information relevant to JICA’s cooperation programs by obtaining materials such as policy documents and reports on development programs/projects. Attend workshops and meetings with stakeholders, including Cooperating Partners, to stay informed.
  Training Program Coordination: Plan, arrange logistics, monitor, and evaluate training programs to ensure their successful execution and alignment with JICA’s objectives.
 ZAJIFA Support: Provide support to the ZAJIFA alumni organization and manage the budget allocated for its activities.
   Study Missions: Make logistical arrangements and accompany study missions from Japan or other countries to Zambia, ensuring smooth operations and effective data collection and analysis.
  Volunteer Support: Assist and support JOCV working within the Environment, Water, and Mining sectors.
  Public Relations and Communication: Support public relations and communication activities related to the sectors, enhancing visibility and engagement.
 Additional Duties: Perform any other related duties as assigned by supervisors, contributing to the overall success of JICA’s mission in Zambia.

4.    Qualifications and Skills/Competency  

(1)  Bachelor of Arts degree in a relevant field such as Development Studies, Environmental Science, Water Resource Management, Mining, or related disciplines.

(2)  Proven experience in project management, preferably within the development sector, of no less than 3 years.

(3)  Strong analytical skills and organizing capability.

(4)  Good computer skills including a solid command of MS word, excel, power point and e-mail / internet.

(5)  Ability to work in a team, strong work ethics, punctuality and ready to work in a multicultural environment.

Only those candidates who meet the above requirements should submit their application letters, CVs and a description on why you think you are the best candidate (maximum one sheet of A4 size paper) by e-mail to; zb_oso_rep@jica.go.jp stating “Recruitment of Programme Officer-Environment,Water,Mining and Training Sectors” in the subject line. Deadline for submission of applications is 23 June 2025 at 17:00hrs.