Job Description

Posted on June 14, 2021

Organization Background
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian non-governmental organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And its girls who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries. Child protection is key in all that we do.
Working in Zambia since 1996, Plan International Zambia’s development and capacity building programs focus primarily on Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Economic Security and Youth Empowerment, including Child Protection and Participation. Plan International Zambia has Programme Areas (PAs) in; Central, Luapula, and Eastern Provinces including in Lusaka, where the Country Office is located
We are looking for experienced and vibrant self-starters to fill the following positions:
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT THEMATIC LEAD – (X1) Lusaka; Fixed Term Contract
Position Description:
The Early Childhood Development Lead will ensure quality delivery and achievement of project objectives and results that support gender transformation, child protection and disaster risk reduction, in line with Plan International’s Global Strategy. The role requires close collaboration with other teams. The person will also support the Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in planning, implementation, capacity building internally and externally with stakeholders. The person will work closely with the response team to ensure accountability mechanisms are in place and functioning effectively.
Responsibilities:
The post holder is accountable for adequate delivery/implementation within the timeline of assigned activities to meet with donor compliance and the needs of the community and children, particularly girls and children.
The post holder will ensure effective and quality reporting and accountability to affected populations as well as coordination of the education projects.
The post holder will cascade capacity to Technical Project Managers, stakeholders and field staff, as well as guarantee a number of elaborate progress weekly reports.
Provide updates on the issues concerning ECD as well as other emerging issues in areas affected by the emergency, highlighting education and protection related issues.
The ECD lead plans and ensures the strengthening of capacities of field staff, communities, committees, local organisations and local governments to promote and sustainably deliver high quality holistic community-led ECD.
Acts as a key link between Plan and Agencies that work with ECD from which children and their families can benefit.
Establishes regular contact and maintain credibility and good public relations with National stakeholders, actively engage the private sector, schools, other local NGOs, partners and other community support organizations.
Monitors project implementation through regular visits, meetings with community and other stakeholders, making informed decisions as necessary.
Document experiences and lessons learned through participatory approaches and coordinate the dissemination of such learning.
Where required, support appropriate representation in ECD and DRM coordination mechanisms at National, including any relevant cluster meetings, prepare and share notes from meetings and undertake follow-up of agreed action points.
Qualifications:
University degree in education, social sciences or related field with good knowledge of the Zambian education system.
Five (5) years’ work-related experience on Early Childhood Development, disaster risk management, and general youth economic interventions;
Knowledge of Humanitarian Minimum Standards, Do No Harm principles and the Core Humanitarian Standards;
Able to support and build capacity of partners and to work with disaster affected communities in a sensitive, participatory and inclusive manner.
Well-developed written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate clearly and sensitively. This includes effective negotiation and representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with a wide range of stakeholders with different interests.
Able to mobilise communities, confidence in talking to people both in groups and on a one-to-one basis with excellent listening skills.
Understands child safeguarding and equality for girls, and demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to gender and diversity.
Competencies:
Strategic thinking.
Facilitation skills.
Clear and effective communication.
Accountability and honesty.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
Proficient in computer skills.
Good interpersonal skills.
To apply, kindly send through your application letter, copies of NRC, Qualifications and CV, indicating day time telephone and/or mobile contacts clearly stating the job title of interest to jobszambia@plan-international.org. Kindly note that only candidates who meet the above specifications and competencies should apply and applications should reach the undersigned not later than 22nd June, 2021, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Hard Copy applications will not be accepted.
All Applications should be addressed to;
The Country Human Resource Manager
Plan International Zambia
Private Bag 518X
Plot 87A Kabulonga road
Kabulonga.
LUSAKA.
We provide equality of opportunity and will not tolerate discrimination on any grounds. We foster an organizational culture that embraces and exemplifies our commitment to gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion while supporting staff to adopt good practice, positive attitudes and principles of gender equality and inclusion.