Job Opportunity: Programme Coordinator – IRLI Rule of Law Initiative (Zambia) Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI), in partnership with the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR), is seeking a dynamic and skilled Programme Coordinator to support justice reform initiatives in Zambia. IRLI is a non-profit organisation working globally to promote the rule of law and access to justice through legal technical assistance, research, and capacity-building. Based at SAIPAR in Lusaka, the Programme Coordinator will act as IRLI’s focal point in Zambia. The role involves:

Coordinating and implementing activities under the IRLI–SAIPAR Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Representing IRLI in Zambia and strengthening stakeholder relationships.
Supporting the delivery and smooth communication of IRLI’s headquarters-led activities in Zambia
Key Responsibilities A. Programme and Partnership Coordination
Support the implementation of activities under the IRLI–SAIPAR Workplan, MoU and IRLI Access to Justice Programme.
Nourish an effective working relationship between SAIPAR and IRLI, and with justice sector stakeholders and IRLI partners.
Track progress against outputs, timelines, and deliverables agreed with key stakeholders.
Ensure the quality of IRLI work in Zambia meets IRLI HQ standards.
Organise, facilitate, and participate in regular coordination meetings and reporting calls between IRLI HQ and SAIPAR. B. Administrative and Logistical Support
Provide administrative support to the IRLI Programme and HQ team, including document preparation, filing, and correspondence.
Coordinate logistics for workshops, meetings, field visits, and stakeholder consultations.
Manage travel arrangements and accommodation for visiting staff and consultants travelling to Zambia and support the organisation of visits to Ireland by Zambian delegations.
Retain records of activities, expenses, and logistical outputs as per IRLI documentation standards. C. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (M&E)
Support the development and rollout of M&E tools, including data collection forms, stakeholder feedback surveys, and baseline studies.
Support with M&E training for IRLI’s key stakeholders.
Assist with research, data collection, entry, validation, and draft reports to ensure an evidence-based approach to programme development and impact assessment.
Contribute to outcome harvesting, learning reflections, and case study documentation. D. Project Management and Reporting
Utilising IRLI’s computer system/software, maintain up-to-date activity trackers and project dashboards for IRLI’s Zambia programme.
Assist in drafting internal and external (i.e. donor) reports, including quarterly donor reports, field visit summaries, and success stories.
Support preparation of financial reconciliations and timesheets for Zambia-based activities.E. Communications and Representation
Serve as a liaison for IRLI in Zambia, attending relevant justice sector events and reporting back to HQ.
Contribute to IRLI’s visibility through note-taking, blog drafting, photo documentation, and media coordination (in consultation with IRLI’s Communications & Engagement Manager). F. Research and Analysis
Conduct legal, policy, and practice-based research to inform programme design, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy initiatives.
Analyse findings from fieldwork, consultations, and secondary sources to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities related to access to justice in Zambia.
Support the development of discussion papers, briefing notes, and other outputs in collaboration with IRLI HQ.
Assist in compiling and synthesizing evidence for case studies, outcome harvesting, and reflective learning exercises.

Professional Experience Requirements A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in programme coordination, project implementation, justice sector reform, or access to justice initiatives, preferably in a multi-stakeholder or donor-funded environment.

A Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required.
Admission to the Zambian Bar is an asset.
Demonstrated experience managing collaborative partnerships with civil society, government institutions, academic or research organizations, and/or international NGOs.
Proven ability to coordinate and deliver complex programme activities, including stakeholder consultations, workshops, field visits, and reporting functions.
Strong research and analytical skills, with demonstrated experience conducting legal, policy, or social research; developing research tools such as surveys; and contributing to learning, reflection, or outcome harvesting processes.
Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (M&E), including data collection methods (qualitative and quantitative), validation, entry, and synthesis of findings into actionable reports or case studies.
Experience in producing high-quality written outputs such as donor reports, briefing notes, success stories, or knowledge products.
Competence in providing administrative and logistical support, financial reconciliations, and documentation management.
Familiarity with the Zambian justice system, access to justice frameworks, and legal aid organizations.
Proficiency in the use of digital tools for project tracking, document sharing, data analysis, and remote coordination.
Professional fluency in English.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization professionally in multi-stakeholder settings.
Commitment to highest professional standards.
Full driving license.
Clean criminal record.

How to Apply Please submit a 2-page CV and a 1-page cover letter to info@saipar.org with the subject line: Programme Coordinator – Zambia. Documentation that exceeds the length requirements will not be considered. Application deadline: 13 October 2025

Southern African Institute for Policy and Research

Latest Jobs

Programme Coordinator