Programs Director Job Opportunity at Habitat for Humanity Zambia – August 2025

Full Time Zambia August 23, 2025 Project Management Jobs

Job Vacancy: Programs Director

Organization: Habitat for Humanity Zambia (HFHZ)
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 9th September 2025

About HFHZ

HFHZ is dedicated to providing affordable housing and housing support services to low-income families in Zambia. The organization works closely with government, NGOs, UN agencies, donors, private sectors, and communities to deliver sustainable shelter and WASH solutions.

Position Summary

The Programs Director reports to the National Director and leads the planning, development, implementation, and growth of HFHZ’s programs. The role ensures alignment with organizational strategy, effective stakeholder engagement, and sustainable partnerships to support vulnerable communities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Management

Provide overall strategic and technical leadership in program design, planning, budgeting, and implementation.
Manage program cycles including needs assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Encourage a culture of learning, innovation, and documentation of best practices.
Oversee grant compliance, donor reporting, and program budgets.
Represent HFHZ in key external platforms, clusters, and forums.
Risk management and contingency planning.

Business Development & Fundraising

Develop and implement a diverse fundraising strategy for institutional, corporate, and private donors.
Identify and track funding prospects and maintain donor databases.
Lead preparation of concept notes, proposals, and reports in compliance with donor requirements.
Explore new funding opportunities and manage engagement with consortia and partnerships.

Partnerships Development

Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, NGOs, INGOs, private sectors, and multilateral agencies.
Develop partnerships to support HFHZ’s programs, advocacy, and policy engagements.
Execute fundraising campaigns and high-level donor engagement events.

Networking & Image Building

Enhance HFHZ visibility through communications materials, reports, and participation in sector meetings.
Liaise with communications teams to strengthen HFHZ’s public profile.

People Management & Safeguarding

Lead, manage, and mentor a program team of six, ensuring performance management, staff development, and succession planning.
Promote a safe, inclusive, and diverse work environment.
Implement safeguarding systems and community feedback mechanisms.

Qualifications & Experience

Advanced degree (Master’s preferred) in Development Studies, Project Management, Civil Engineering, Social Sciences, Urban Planning, or Leadership & Management.
Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in senior management, preferably in the INGO sector.
Proven experience in program management, logical frameworks, theory of change, and donor/partner relations.
Experience securing major grants and leading multi-year projects.
Strong analytical, strategic planning, and leadership skills.
Knowledge of Zambia’s housing and development sector is an asset.

Values & Competencies

HFHZ expects all employees to uphold its core values:

Humility: Part of something bigger than oneself.
Courage: Doing what is right, even when difficult.
Accountability: Personal responsibility for HFHZ’s mission.
Commitment to safeguarding beneficiaries and communities.

Working Conditions

40 hours per week, with two 20-minute health breaks daily.
National terms and conditions with competitive and negotiable salary based on experience and competencies.