The Program Manager – Elections will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for our client's disability-inclusive election observation program. The role is responsible for program design, implementation, partnership management, and donor reporting, while ensuring high-quality, evidence-based advocacy to promote inclusive electoral processes.
The Program Manager - Elections will work within a dynamic team and engage closely with civil society organizations (CSOs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), electoral stakeholders, and development partners.
Responsibilities and Duties
● Serve as primary point of contact and provide overall strategic and operational leadership of the election observation program
● Develop and manage partnerships with CSOs, OPDs, and election stakeholders
● Provide technical assistance and capacity building to partners on inclusive election observation
● Lead program design, work planning, and budgeting processes
● Produce analytical reports on political and electoral developments
● Lead donor reporting, monitoring & evaluation, and data-driven learning
● Manage program budgets, financial tracking, and compliance
● Oversee observer recruitment, deployment, and coordination systems, including accreditation
● Supervise program staff, assistants, and interns
● Represent the program in stakeholder and donor engagements
Qualifications and Experience
● Must have a University Degree in field of study related to international development; political science, international relations, public policy, law or related field.
● Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in governance, elections, or civil society programming
● Demonstrated experience in program management and partner coordination
● Proven expertise in inclusive governance, disability inclusion, or election observation
● Strong experience in monitoring & evaluation, data analysis, and reporting
● Experience managing budgets and donor-funded programs
● Familiarity with Zambian electoral processes and political context
Skills and Competencies
● Strong analytical and political assessment skills
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and partnerships
● Strong organizational and leadership skills
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and data analysis tools
● High level of integrity, objectivity, and non-partisanship; willing to work long hours
Working Conditions
● Based in Lusaka with occasional travel within the country
● May require extended working hours during peak election periods
