Institutional & Alliance Building Officer

Mansa District Land Alliance (MDLA) was established by the Zambia Land Alliance in 2006 as a network of Non-governmental Organizations advocating for just land policies, laws and administrative systems that take into account the interest of all people of Zambia, especially the poor.  With financial assistance of the European Union (EU), Mansa District Land Alliance in partnership with People in Need (PIN), an international non-government organization based in Western Province will be implementing a 3 year project called ‘Strengthening citizen action to improve democratic governance in Luapula and Western Provinces’. In Luapula Province, the project will be implemented in three districts namely; Chembe, Chienge and Mansa districts. In Western Province, the project will be implemented in Mongu, Kalabo and Limulunga. The main objective of the project is to increase the capacity of CSOs to create an active civil society and support communities in development, democratic governance and accountability issues.

MDLA and PIN are now inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions.

Mansa District Land Alliance Positions

Position: Institutional & Alliance Building Officer (1 position- duty station: Mansa)

Purpose of Job

Reporting to the Provincial Coordinator, the Institutional & Alliance Building Officer will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the implementation of the project in Luapula Province, compiling donor reports for submission to Provincial Coordinator, and maintaining the relationship with CSOs, government and district staff.
• Providing overall support to the monitoring and evaluation activities of the project for both reporting to the donor and monitoring implementation of activities
• Administration and Quality assurance.
• Supervise project staff at district level, three in number.

Principle Duties

• Leading the revision of the project work plans and budget in consultation with PC and other staff members.
• Leading the development of detailed workplans and budgets for each year of project implementation in collaboration with PC and other project staff.
• Lead the development and implementation of a communication and visibility plan in collaboration with PC and other project staff
• Lead the development and implementation of the procurement plan in collaboration with PC, Accountant and  other staff
• Leading the development of project finance and administration tools based on EU guidelines including procedures for documenting staff time,, raising and reconciling payments and procurement with support from PC and Accountant
• Ensuring that project implementation is done in accordance with the signed Grant contract between  EU, MDLA and PIN as well as  approved project document (description, LFA, work-plan and budget
• Be the contact person between the project, MDLA network, associate partners, MDLA Secretariat and other stakeholders
• Spearhead the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation system including establishing project baseline, developing monitoring templates, collecting and analysing data and using the findings in decision making for continuous improvement
• Lead in activity and financial monitoring and reporting to PC through meetings/emails/field monitoring visits
• Arrange and coordinate field monitoring and/or other visits by  EU, PIN and other stakeholders
• Create and strengthen existing and new strategic and collaborative partnerships and alliances
• Assess and facilitate strengthening of operational capacities of participating CSOs.
• Facilitate planning and timely holding  of scheduled seminars, workshops and conferences, ensuring that reports, tool kits and cost statements etc are provided on time
• Preparation and submission of activity and financial reports from district coordinators monthly to PC according to EU formats
• Arrange and coordinate provincial and district project launching in collaboration with PC
• Facilitate development of training manuals and tool kit in democratic & land governance, advocacy and community engagement
• Support District Coordinators to develop and publish advocacy and campaign materials with input from other stakeholders
• Map Non State Actors (NSA)  involved in democracy, good governance  land rights
• Write policy briefs
• Coordinate  media activities
• Participate in exchange visits and any other networking events deemed relevant to the project

Desirable Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelors Degree/Advanced Diploma in  Development Studies,  or any other relevant Social Science or equivalent from an internationally recognised academic institution
• At least 5 years relevant working experience, preferably in Civil Society Organization capacity building
• Holder of Advanced diploma should demonstrate at least 7-8 years professional work experience in  development work
• Experience of working on an EU funded project will be an added advantage
• Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge and experience in policy dialogue, advocacy,  land rights issues, democratic governance, capacity building and M & E
• At least 5 years’ experience in project implementation and administration (budget and work plan execution) is a must
• At least 5 years experience in a supervisory position with responsibilities of mentoring and supervising field staff
• Experience with the partnership approach and working with a cross-section of  strategic partners at sectoral and community levels
• Knowledge and skills in monitoring and evaluation, the Logical framework approach, gender mainstreaming and participatory methodologies
• Good facilitation and community mobilisation skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with minimum supervision
• Willingness to travel moderately  in the province
• Excellent computer and analytical skills
• A good team player

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply

Only candidates meeting the above criteria will be called for interviews.To apply, submit an application letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae and contact details of at least 2 traceable referees.

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