Miracle Corners – Zambia (MCZ) is a community-focused non-governmental organization offering programs in Chanyanya, Zambia. MC-Zambia is an affiliate of MCW (Miracle Corners of the World) a U.S. based non-profit organization founded in 1999 with the vision that communities throughout the world achieve greater levels of education, improved health and increased economic security.
We are seeking a dynamic and creative Country Manager with a wide range of skills in order to oversee a small team with many diverse projects across areas of leadership, skills development, health and literacy.
The Country Manager will report to the MCZ Board of Directors, oversee staff and projects, and work closely with the MCW Global team and MCZ stakeholders.
This is a fixed 24-month position with a 3-month probation period.
GENERAL ROLE DESCRIPTION:
The MCZ Country Manager of Zambia is responsible for executing the mission, goals and objectives of MCZ and its programs and activities. Based on strategic guidance provided by the MCZ Board of Directors, (s)he manages the MCZ Community Center and is primarily responsible for:
- Leading the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan;
- Providing oversight and ensuring effective implementation of programs;
- Tracking performance of the organization and core team members against KPIs;
- Developing and cultivating strategic partnerships;
- Maintaining a diverse funding portfolio to sustain the organizations programs;
- Building and maintaining an effective team;
- Managing external relations; and
- Ensuring compliance with local and donor requirements.
Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership:
- Develop organizational strategy and ensure execution of a diverse portfolio of programs and projects;
- Advance MCZ’s mission through rigorous, ethical financial and contractual practices, and lead staff to ensure behavioral competencies;
- Bring strategic, visionary, entrepreneurial and collaborative thinking to the operations and country management function;
- Develop and implement innovative strategic initiatives in direct support of MCZ’s mission, goals and objectives;
- Develop and implement a fundraising plan for the organization to support the growth and continuity of programs;
- Demonstrate stewardship in ensuring the organization meets and exceeds compliance standards of country regulations, organizational policies, and donor requirements;
- Identify, report and address risk to the organization in a timely manner;
- Develop, manage (i.e., coordinate) relationships with project funder(s) and other key stakeholders, including producing periodic progress reports and other materials requested by funders;
- Identify, pursue and manage strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders including project partners, key experts, and in-country contacts.
Governance
- Coordinate and facilitate regular communications and meetings of the MCZ Executive Board, Advisory Board, and Board committees;
- Identify areas for Board members to participate in MCZ programs and activities throughout the year;
- Work closely with the MCZ Board of Directors to execute strategic plans, policies, and goals.
Finance
- Ensure adequate financial controls are in place to manage organization funding;
- Provide oversight to any key Finance team members and ensure thorough annual audits take place;
- Review and approve funds for expenditures for approved program areas pursuant to set finance policies;
- Develop, monitor and report on the annual operating budget.
Human Resources
- Recruit staff as needed based on agreed strategic growth set out in the organizations strategic plan;
Provide oversight of MCZ team members:
- Work with staff to develop annual work plans and review progress;
- Set performance targets and conduct annual performance reviews for all staff members;
- Manage, mentor, motivate, and encourage staff to set and achieve individual and shared goals, to develop, plan and implement their ideas, and to fulfill their roles;
- Actively cultivate a healthy team culture built on trust and communication;
- Foster a spirit of collaboration, shared purpose and trust between MCZ, MCW and other MCW affiliates.
Administration, Monitoring and Reporting
- Ensure MCZ maintains good standing with all of the appropriate regulatory authorities;
- Ensure all returns to the government and regulatory institutions are filed accurately and in a timely manner;
- Proactively build relationships with and act as primary liason to Government at all levels;
- Submit reports to the Board of Directors and MCW at according to agreed-upon timelines and designated templates.
Program Development, Monitoring and Reporting
- Ensure project management best practices are implemented, including, but not limited to: creation and implementation of project charters, and the establishment and implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans;
- Ensure high quality program monitoring is planned and completed consistently within each program including the collection of baseline data, setting targets, establishing data collection methods, etc.
- Track, record and monitor program participants and beneficiary data and build a strong alumni base;
- Oversee programmatic staff to:
- identify areas for improvement and expansion;
- develop concept notes, project charters and plans to set objectives, outcomes, activities and stakeholders, etc.;
- develop accurate corresponding budgets;
- Conduct needs assessments at regular intervals to ensure programs are relevant and meeting community needs;
- Work with programmatic staff to create an annual impact report assessing project impact;
- Manage and build strategic partnerships to advance mutual interest and drive collective impact;
Stakeholder Communication
- Represent MCZ to key stakeholders, including donors, political figures and others;
- Ensure consistent, and accurate information flow between all stakeholders, particularly with the Board of Directors and the Global Affiliate;
- Provide logistical support to stakeholder traveling within Zambia on certain occasions;
Requirements:
The requirements listed below are representative of the professional qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience and/or abilities required to successfully perform this job:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree in Development Studies or related field preferred;
- Minimum of 5 to 10 years in the field of not-for-profit market, with progressively increasing experience managing complex programs in Zambia;
- Experience working with the Ministry of Youth;
- Experience working with local government and regulatory authorities in Zambia;
- Experience working with and between multi-country non-profits and with multiple funding sources, including foundations, corporations and USG funding;
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate problems, assess situations quickly and implement appropriate policies and procedures in response;
- Strong diplomatic and political skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to plan and develop programs for, and manage, large, complex, multi-disciplinary, geographically-dispersed programs/initiatives;
- Proven ability to manage, motivate, coach, and develop staff;
- Ability to gather, evaluate and present information effectively to employees, management and a Board of Directors and make actionable recommendations; strong written and oral presentation skills;
- Ability to think conceptually and deal decisively with practical matters in a proactive manner that reduces financial risk to the organization;
- Proven ability and willingness to work independently, prioritize and hold oneself accountable;
- Strong mastery of Google Drive and Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel;
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Bembe, Nyanja and other Zambian languages is favorable.
- This position is based in Kafue or Chanyanya, Zambia with frequent travel between the two places.
To apply, please email the following to [email protected]:
1. Letter of interest;
2. CV/Resume; and
3. References.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with an aim to have the position filled by December 1st, 2021.
Compensation:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
www.mcwglobal.org