Project Officer

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Position Title: Project Officer
Location: Lusaka
Country: Zambia
Deadline Date: Rolling basis

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a leading global organization dedicated to ending hunger. Established to innovate solutions and advocate for change, it reaches 28 million people annually through proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. The organization operates in 55 countries with a workforce of approximately 8,990 dedicated staff members. Action Against Hunger focuses on addressing the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies, striving to create a world free from hunger for everyone, for good. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the international network and manages operations in eight countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of project activities under the strategic guidance of the program coordinator. This position entails ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the project, which includes community engagement, capacity development, financial management, and monitoring. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that project activities are approved, implemented, monitored, and reported effectively, contributing to the overall success of the project. The role requires collaboration with team members, particularly the program coordinator, and the ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with multiple priorities and demands.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be tasked with developing project activity plans that are updated monthly in collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring high standards of implementation within the defined scope and timelines. They will work alongside Climate Smart leaders to identify and promote local innovations through adaptive research among stakeholders, particularly farmers, in response to climate change. The officer will ensure successful planning, coordination, and implementation of integrated and multi-sectoral activities targeting households, including conducting market assessments and other interventions. They will oversee the implementation of the 'Seeds of Hope' project activities in the designated operational area, ensuring compliance with Action Against Hunger's standards, regulations, and operational procedures. Responsibilities also include organizing and supporting the execution of all project activities in target camps, providing inputs for project information gathering tools, participating in data collection related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security and Livelihoods, and developing community mobilization strategies for beneficiary targeting and follow-up. The officer will prepare and compile project reports on a regular basis and lead the documentation of impact stories and best practices to promote learning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in social science, agricultural economics, veterinary science, agronomy, or development studies. A minimum of 3 years of experience in the direct implementation of integrated projects, preferably in areas related to climate change adaptation, agricultural resilience, value chain analysis, or agri-business training, is required. Extensive experience in community participation and consultative implementation methods is essential, along with flexibility to adapt to new practices and strategic guidance. Candidates should have experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning within an NGO context, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong facilitation, analytical, planning, and report writing skills are necessary, as well as good supervisory and organizational skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as social science, agricultural economics, veterinary science, agronomy, or development studies. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of the projects and the communities served.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the direct implementation of integrated projects, particularly those focused on climate change adaptation, agricultural resilience, and community engagement. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles within the NGO sector, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in challenging environments.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for 18 months with the possibility of renewal. The role may require extensive travel throughout project areas, and candidates must be physically fit to endure potentially challenging conditions. Action Against Hunger promotes a safe and respectful work environment, adhering to gender equality commitments and zero tolerance for abuse. The organization provides equal employment opportunities and complies with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination.