Program Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in a long-lasting way by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. The organization operates in over 50 countries, including Zambia, and has a diverse workforce that collaborates to create impactful solutions for communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Zambia Program Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the STRIDES project. This position involves providing administrative assistance and program management functions to ensure that the various aspects of the STRIDES Activity in Zambia remain on schedule and within budget. The Program Officer is responsible for collecting, compiling, and analyzing information relevant to project activities, providing administrative and project support, contributing to project-related communication and coordination, and monitoring project budgets. Reporting directly to the STRIDES Zambia Program Manager, the Program Officer will also support compliance-related documentation and tracking of subcontractor deliverables, coordinate with the technical team, prepare presentations, and assist in achieving other project objectives and deliverables.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer's duties include collaborating with the STRIDES project management team to ensure project needs and requirements are met, providing support for project management tasks such as planning meetings and arranging conference room setups, supporting travel requests, and taking on sub-task assignments. The officer will collect existing information for reports, maintain distribution lists for project reports, facilitate communication by answering partner inquiries, and ensure internal project websites are current. Additionally, the Program Officer will coordinate assigned project activities, conduct research to achieve project goals, manage the project calendar to ensure deadlines are met, maintain electronic and physical project files, send reminders to keep the team on track with reporting deadlines and technical deliverables, and provide administrative support by writing and reviewing quarterly reports. The officer may also assist the project team administratively to ensure high-quality deliverables to the donor and fulfill other administrative and special project duties as assigned. In terms of finance support, the Program Officer will assist with the coordination and tracking of performance against Financial Cost Objective (FCO) ID, project timelines, budgets, objectives, and deliverables, and serve as the project liaison to internal units such as finance and contracts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a basic knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures related to project design. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite software. The ability to problem-solve and recommend corrective actions as needed is crucial, as well as strong organizational skills and attention to detail to adhere to project deadlines. The Program Officer must be articulate, professional, and able to communicate clearly and positively with clients and staff. Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English is mandatory.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree or its international equivalent in fields such as Civil Society, Communication, Law, Economic Development, Education, Health, Research, Technology, Youth, or a related field is required for this position.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have a minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience supporting projects and/or a technical practice area. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization is preferred. Experience using Microsoft Office Suite is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the Program Officer must be able to read, write, and speak the language proficiently. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia, and may require in-country travel up to 25%. The last day for receiving applications is 2 February 202

• This job posting summarizes the main duties of the position and does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), which may involve requesting information from previous employers regarding any substantiated findings of misconduct. FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and policies that support a healthy work/life balance.