TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
RECRUITMENT OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ZAMBIA (HFHZ)
1. Introduction and Overview
Habitat for Humanity Zambia (HFHZ) a locally registered NGO is an affiliate to Habitat for Humanity International, a global non-profit housing organization with a strong presence in communities across nearly 70 countries, working towards a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing.
Since inception in 1984, HFHZ has been the leading Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Zambia providing decent low-cost housing to the poorest of the poor predominantly residing in slums, and over 4,000 homes have been delivered to date. Housing is at the core of our operations, but we have an integrated approach that seeks to deliberately mainstream security of tenure, water, sanitation, hygiene, advocacy, financial literacy and housing finance into our programming because these key aspects in our view are key in promoting sustainable and resilient communities in line with the National Development Plans, and global protocols such the Sustainable Development Goals
HFHZ currently operates in Lusaka, Central and Copperbelt provinces with our programmatic focus areas including: Habitability, Affordability, Basic Services and Tenure Security
The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, which meets quarterly and operates through three committees:
1. Finance and Audit Committee
2. Operations Committee
3. Governance and Human Resources Committee
HFHZ is seeking highly qualified, engaged, and enthusiastic individuals to strengthen the governance of the organization. The goal is to have a diverse, skilled, and committed Board that will ensure strategic oversight, fundraising support, and risk management.
2. Scope of Work
a) Roles & Responsibilities of the Board
The Board of Directors is the governing body of the HFHZ, and its role is to provide strategic direction, oversight, and support to ensure HFHZ fulfills its mission, remains accountable to stakeholders, and operates in line with its values and legal requirements. Members are expected to actively contribute their skills, experience, and leadership to strengthen the organization.
General Duties of the Board Members
Each board member is expected to:
· Attend and actively participate in all quarterly board meetings which are held either physically in Lusaka or virtually,
· Serve on at least one board committee.
· Support board decisions, even in cases where they may have voted against them.
· Be an ambassador for HFHZ, promoting its mission and expanding its network of partners and supporters.
b) Specific Responsibilities of the Board
Governance & Compliance
· Ensure HFHZ operates in compliance with legal, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements.
· Uphold the core governance principles outlined in HFHZ’s Constitution and policies.
· Provide oversight on risk management and financial accountability.
Strategic Oversight & Organizational Performance
· Provide strategic direction for the organization’s vision and mission.
· Monitor and evaluate HFHZ’s impact, programs, and operations.
· Ensure the board reviews and approves the annual business plan, budgets, and strategic priorities.
Executive Leadership & Board-Staff Partnership
· Work in partnership with the National Director and senior leadership to achieve organizational goals.
· Ensure board resolutions and decisions are effectively implemented.
· Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to HFHZ’s leadership team.
Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
· Support fundraising efforts and donor engagement to ensure financial sustainability.
· Leverage personal and professional networks to attract potential funders, partners, and investors.
Advocacy & External Engagement
· Represent HFHZ’s mission and interests at national and international levels.
· Build strategic partnerships with government, NGOs, private sector, and community organizations.
· Advocate for affordable housing policies and community development initiatives.
Board Development & Effectiveness
· Ensure HFHZ’s Board remains effective by recruiting highly skilled and diverse board members.
· Participate in periodic board training and annual Board performance evaluations.
· Participate actively in board meetings and committees.
· Sign a Board Member Commitment policies, demonstrating their dedication to HFHZ’s mission and governance standards.
3. Qualifications & Key Competencies
HFHZ is seeking highly accomplished professionals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
1. Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
2. Strategic leadership, Partnership Engagement & Development
3. Finance, Accounting & Risk Management
4. Housing Finance & Affordable Housing Programs
Additional Board Member Requirements
· Extensive executive leadership experience in business, government, or the NGO sector.
· Highly respected and regarded as an expert in development, housing, or nonprofit management.
· A strong commitment to HFHZ’s mission and the ability to advocate for its beneficiaries.
· Ability to strengthen the organization through professional expertise and strategic guidance.
· Availability to attend board meetings and actively contribute to decision-making.
· Ability to bring diversity to the Board in terms of age, gender, expertise, and cultural background.
· Passionate about social change, affordable housing, and community development.
· Strong strategic thinking skills, able to see the bigger picture and long-term vision of HFHZ.
· Experienced in people management, teamwork, and leadership development.
· Well-versed in NGO governance and nonprofit sector regulations.
4. Remuneration & Commitment
· Board membership is voluntary, but members will receive a reasonable travel allowance for attending meetings, as determined by HFHZ.
5. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application to:
Email: hfhzam@habitatzam.org.zm
copy: Habitat_hr@habitatzam.org.zm
We look forward to welcoming passionate, strategic, and committed individuals to join us in transforming communities through affordable housing solutions.
The closing date for receiving applications is 27th October 2025
