About FINKAP Mission

FINKAP is a global provider of expertise that works to improve the lives of people affected by crises and strengthen the capacity of institutions to prevent and respond to conflict, climate-related challenges and other humanitarian and development needs.

FINKAP works with governments, international organisations, regional institutions and other partners by providing specialised expertise and supporting institutions to develop more effective, inclusive and sustainable responses to complex challenges. Its work spans humanitarian action, peace and conflict, climate resilience, governance and other areas where specialist knowledge can contribute to better outcomes for vulnerable populations and communities.

Through its experts and partnerships, FINKAP supports stronger institutions, promotes effective international cooperation and contributes to efforts aimed at building peaceful, resilient and inclusive societies.

Position Summary

FINKAP is seeking a highly organised, proactive and discreet Executive Assistant to the Head of FINKAP Mission to Zambia to provide high-level administrative, coordination and operational support to the Head of Mission.

The Executive Assistant will serve as a key point of coordination within the Mission, supporting the Head of Mission in managing priorities, schedules, correspondence, meetings, documentation, stakeholder engagements and follow-up actions. The position requires excellent organisational skills, sound judgement, strong communication abilities and the capacity to handle confidential information with professionalism.

The successful candidate will work closely with FINKAP colleagues, partners, government institutions, development and humanitarian actors, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective functioning of the Mission and the smooth implementation of its activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive and Administrative Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the Head of Mission.
• Manage and coordinate the Head of Mission's calendar, appointments, meetings and engagements.
• Prepare schedules, briefing materials, agendas, talking points and other documents as required.
• Screen, organise and follow up on correspondence and requests addressed to the Head of Mission.
• Maintain an effective filing and document management system for Mission-related records.
• Prepare minutes, action points and follow-up trackers from meetings.
• Ensure that agreed actions and commitments are followed up in a timely manner.

2. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the Head of Mission in coordinating engagements with government ministries, development partners, UN agencies, international organisations, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
• Assist in organising official meetings, workshops, missions, conferences and other events.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the Head of Mission, where appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date contact lists and stakeholder information.
• Support the preparation and coordination of official visits and missions.

3. Communication and Correspondence

• Draft, format and proofread official letters, emails, memoranda, briefing notes, reports and other correspondence.
• Ensure that communication from the Office of the Head of Mission is clear, accurate, professional and appropriately coordinated.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive correspondence and information.
• Support the preparation of presentations and other communication materials.

4. Meeting and Event Management

• Coordinate logistics for meetings chaired or attended by the Head of Mission.
• Prepare meeting rooms, agendas, participant lists and relevant documentation.
• Take accurate minutes and maintain action-point registers.
• Coordinate with relevant colleagues and partners to ensure timely completion of agreed actions.
• Support the organisation of high-level events, workshops and official engagements.

5. Mission Operations Support

• Provide administrative support for travel arrangements, missions and official visits.
• Assist with travel documentation, itineraries, accommodation and logistical arrangements.
• Support the preparation and processing of administrative and financial documentation in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Coordinate with relevant administrative, finance, procurement and programme colleagues as necessary.

6. Information and Document Management

• Maintain organised electronic and physical records for the Office of the Head of Mission.
• Ensure appropriate storage, retrieval and circulation of official documents.
• Track deadlines, submissions, correspondence and pending actions.
• Support the preparation of periodic administrative and operational updates.

7. Other Responsibilities

• Undertake research and provide information to support the Head of Mission's engagements and decision-making.
• Assist with the preparation of reports, concept notes, briefing papers and other programme-related documents.
• Represent the Office of the Head of Mission in routine coordination matters when delegated.
• Perform other duties relevant to the effective functioning of the Mission as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Management or a related field.
• At least 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in executive assistance, administration, programme support, office management, international development, humanitarian affairs or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing administrative or executive support to senior management.
• Experience working with international organisations, government institutions, NGOs, development partners or diplomatic missions is an advantage.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience managing calendars, meetings, correspondence and official documentation.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

Core Competencies

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Professionalism and discretion, particularly when handling confidential information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective teamwork.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong drafting, proofreading and editing skills.
• Sound judgement and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to interact confidently and professionally with senior officials and diverse stakeholders.
• Flexibility and willingness to work in a dynamic international environment.
• High levels of integrity, reliability and accountability.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working with the United Nations, African Union, government, international NGOs or development partners.
• Knowledge of Zambia's governance, humanitarian, peacebuilding and development landscape.
• Experience supporting senior officials in an international or diplomatic environment.
• Experience organising high-level meetings, missions, conferences and stakeholder engagements.
• Knowledge of programme coordination and reporting processes.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work within an international organisation and contribute to FINKAP's efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and support effective responses to complex humanitarian, development and peacebuilding challenges in Zambia and beyond.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A cover letter outlining their suitability for the position.
• Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications.
• Contact details for at least two professional referees.

Applications should be submitted to cvpromaxzambia@gmail.com.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

FINKAP is committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity and encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

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Vacancy Announcement

Temporary Appointment of Project Personnel

Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities to support full participation in the recruitment process and in the performance of their duties.

Organizational Context

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies to a greater or lesser extent to all SDGs.

The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) is UNIDO’s core strategic document. As the Organization moves from the 2022–2025 cycle to the 2026–2029 MTPF, it sets a renewed vision to support Member States shape their industries for development. The new priorities include renewable and clean energy, sustainable access and climate action, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, and fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.

Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET)

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all organizational entities within UNIDO, in particular the Office of Change Management (ODG/CHM), the Office of Legal Affairs and Compliance (ODG/LEG), the Strategic Planning and UN Engagement Division (ODG/SPU), and the Office of Evaluation and Internal Oversight (EIO), the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible for the development of innovative UNIDO services in the areas of agro-industry and agribusiness, sustainability standards and fair production, and climate-relevant or climate-improving technologies. It is also, in collaboration with ODG, responsible for developing innovative technical cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of finance and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders.

The Directorate houses the Divisions of Coordination and Integration Support (IET/CIS), Quality, Impact and Accountability (IET/QUA), Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR), Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions (IET/IFI), Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST), Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Climate and Technology Partnerships (CTP). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions and relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS).

Division of Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST)

Under the overall guidance of the Director General, the direct supervision of the Managing Director, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST) develops and implements an innovative service package in response to UNIDO's mandate for fair and responsible local industrial production and trade with a particular focus on building the required skills and capacities and foster a conducive business operating environment to ensure that such production and trade are as inclusive as possible, promoting – among others – the development of human capital through vocational training and industrial skills development. In collaboration with IET/IFI, IET/PPP, TCS/SME, TCS/CPA, and GLO/MSR, the Division will conceptualize and negotiate such services and raise funds from Member States, development partners, IFIs, and the private sector to coordinate their effective implementation and devise ways in which their implementation can be brought to scale. This will include cross-cutting and sector-specific initiatives for sustainable supply/value chain and skills development in industrial sectors where UNIDO has, over the years, accumulated expertise, such as agro-industries, fisheries, textiles, leather, light manufacturing, health, mining, automotive and pharma and others. It will do so through close engagement with Member States, private sector associations, industrial enterprises, international quality, standards and trade-related governing bodies, other UN Agencies (e.g. ILO), development partners, NGOs and consumer associations, as appropriate, ensuring solid and operational partnerships.

Skills Development, Entrepreneurship and Fair Production Unit (IET/PST/SEF)

The Skills Development, Entrepreneurship and Fair Production Unit supports Member States in integrating into the emerging global systems of fair and sustainable trade and supply chains. It aims 62 to increase employability, strengthen access to decent employment, augment job retention, and increase access to qualified workforce by the industry, through modern technical and vocational education and training (TVET), professional education and entrepreneurship systems essential for driving sustainable transition. Central to its mandate is the commitment to provide the skills required to enabling sustainable supply chain practices, ensuring resilience, particularly at the firm level, and addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from new due diligence regulations. To this end, it provides specialized and country-tailored assistance to Member States to skill, upskill, and/or reskill their labour force and enhance their entrepreneurship capacity, it implements demand driven educational approaches, leverages partnerships with the private sector and strengthens institutional and firm-level capacities that fortify sustainable supply chains, with emphasis on the most vulnerable. It places importance on mitigating unintended consequences stemming from due diligence regulations, ensuring that all actors, especially at firm-level, are equipped to navigate through these changes. The Unit promotes innovation in learning, concepts and norms to augment the quality, relevance, attractiveness and accessibility of TVET for sustainable industrial employment and self-employment for the most vulnerable. The Unit also deploys foresight and planning instruments to guide Member States in developing industrial skills of future employees and respond to re-skilling and up-skilling requirements tailored for sustainable supply chains.

Project Context

The project “Skills for Decent Employment in Zambian Artisanal and Small-scale Mining in the Critical Mineral Value Chains” (EU-UNIDO Contribution Agreement N° 700004786, financed by the European Union and implemented by UNIDO) addresses the structural constraints facing Zambia’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector – informality, low productivity, unsafe working conditions, weak business organization, and limited access to finance, technical and entrepreneurial skills – which disproportionately affect women and youth. The project runs over 54 months and is implemented by UNIDO’s Division of Fair Production, Sustainability and Trade (PST), Skills Development, Entrepreneurship and Fair Production (SEF) Unit, through a Project Management Unit (PMU) based in Zambia (Kitwe/Solwezi, Luapula and, subject to confirmation, Lusaka).

The project pursues two outcomes. Outcome 1 strengthens Zambia’s institutional ecosystem for ASM skills development, supporting national authorities – the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development (MMMD), Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS), TEVETA, and the newly established ASM Directorate and ASM Fund – to coordinate, plan and deliver demand-driven training. This is underpinned by a Market Systems Analysis of the ASM sector, a skills development policy and institutional capacity assessment, and a structured, TEVETA-accredited ASM training framework and curricula. Outcome 2 equips ASM operators, including women, youth and other vulnerable groups, with improved technical skills and entrepreneurship and organizational capacities for increased access to decent employment along the value chain, through community outreach and awareness-raising, upgraded TVET training centres, and entrepreneurship training linked to markets and finance, including a matching-grant mechanism for ASM operators.

The project is delivered through a Zambia-based PMU comprising two Provincial Coordinators, a National Project Assistant, two Community Outreach Officers, and thematic experts covering skills development/TVET, GESI, policy and institutional capacity building, grant monitoring, and monitoring, evaluation and learning, all technically guided by the Lead Technical Advisor (LTA) and overseen by the Project Delivery Manager (Industrial Development Expert, L3) and UNIDO HQ (IET/PST/SEF). The Local Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Expert is a core member of the PMU, responsible for the systematic tracking of project performance, results and learning at field and provincial levels, in close coordination with the local teams and under the guidance of the LTA.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Lead Technical Advisor (LTA), and in close cooperation with the Project Delivery Manager (PDM) and the project's local teams (Provincial Coordinators, Community Outreach Officers and thematic experts), the Local Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Expert will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

Main Duties

Planning / Coordination / Advice

• Support the LTA and HQ KM & Monitoring expert in the design and refinement of the project's MEL framework, including outcome-tracking tools and GESI-sensitive indicators;
• Plan and coordinate MEL-related activities (data collection missions, participatory monitoring exercises) with the Provincial Coordinators and Community Outreach Officers;
• Provide technical advice to the LTA and PMU on monitoring, evaluation and learning matters.

Outputs to be achieved:

• MEL framework, outcome-tracking tools and GESI-sensitive indicators developed/refined and submitted to the LTA;
• MEL activities planned and coordinated with the Provincial Coordinators and Community Outreach Officers;
• Technical advice provided to the LTA/PMU on MEL matters, documented as needed.

Location: Home-based Lusaka

Programme/Project Implementation

• Lead the collection, verification and analysis of quantitative and qualitative project performance data at field and provincial levels;
• Ensure monitoring processes and tools comply with UNIDO standards and EU donor requirements;
• Support the design and application of participatory monitoring approaches with ASM communities;
• Integrate GESI-sensitive indicators into monitoring tools and processes;
• Facilitate continuous learning by synthesizing field evidence, documenting good practices and identifying implementation challenges.

Outputs to be achieved:

• Quantitative and qualitative project performance data collected, verified and analyzed on schedule;
• Monitoring processes and tools compliant with UNIDO standards and EU donor requirements;
• Participatory monitoring approaches with ASM communities designed and applied;
• GESI-sensitive indicators integrated into monitoring tools;
• Good practices and implementation challenges documented through field evidence synthesis.

Location: Home-based Lusaka

Programme/Project Promotion and Outreach

• Communicate MEL findings and lessons learned to the project management team and Provincial Technical Committees (PTCs);
• Support the documentation and dissemination of good practices and success stories generated through MEL processes;
• Contribute MEL-related content for project visibility and knowledge products.

Outputs to be achieved:

• MEL findings and lessons learned communicated to project management and PTCs on schedule;
• Good practices and success stories documented and disseminated;
• MEL-related content contributed to visibility and knowledge products.

Location: Home-based Lusaka

Capacity Building of the Project Partners/Beneficiaries

• Support capacity building of implementing p

  Capacity Building of the Project Partners/Beneficiaries

  • Support capacity building of implementing partners and local stakeholders on MEL practices and tools;
  • Facilitate training and coaching for PMU staff (Provincial Coordinators, Community Outreach Officers) on data collection and monitoring tools;
  • Support partners in adopting participatory monitoring approaches with ASM communities.

  Outputs to be achieved:

  • MEL capacity-building support delivered to implementing partners and local stakeholders;
  • PMU staff trained/coached on data collection and monitoring tools;
  • Partners supported in adopting participatory monitoring approaches.

  Location: Home-based Lusaka

  Reporting

  • Feed lessons learned into adaptive management processes and provide recommendations to the LTA and PDM;
  • Contribute MEL data and analysis to monthly, quarterly and annual project reports;
  • Maintain the project's MEL data systems and ensure data quality and accessibility.

  Outputs to be achieved:

  • Lessons learned fed into adaptive management, with recommendations documented;
  • MEL data and analysis contributed to monthly/quarterly/annual reports on schedule;
  • MEL data systems maintained, with data quality assured and accessible.

  Location: Home-based Lusaka

  Other Duties as Required by the LTA

  • Undertake field missions across the target provinces to support MEL activities as required;
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the LTA in support of the overall achievement of project objectives.

  Outputs to be achieved:

  • Field missions undertaken as required, with mission reports produced;
  • Additional tasks completed to the required quality and timeline.

  Location: Home-based Lusaka

  Minimum Organizational Requirements

  Education

  Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, social sciences, development studies or another relevant discipline is required; Alternatively, a first level university degree or an advanced technical college diploma may be acceptable provided it is combined with additional 5 years of professional hand-on experience that is directly relevant to the expertise required by the specific assignment.

  Technical and Functional Experience

  • At least five (5) years of professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, research or data analysis for development or technical cooperation projects, is required.
  • Experience designing and applying monitoring and evaluation frameworks, tools and outcome-tracking indicators, is required.
  • Experience in quantitative data collection and analysis, including the use of statistical or data analysis tools/software, is required.
  • Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of Zambia or a similar country in the region is desirable.
  • Experience in working with government and development agencies in the province and in Zambia is desirable.
  • Experience with participatory monitoring approaches involving artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) or other rural/informal-sector communities is desirable.
  • Experience integrating gender-sensitive or GESI indicators into MEL frameworks is desirable.
  • Experience providing MEL capacity building to implementing partners is desirable.
  • Experience working with UN agencies or international development organizations is desirable.

  Languages

  Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of Nyanja, Bemba or another locally relevant Zambian language is desirable.

  Core Values and Behaviors

  Core Values

  • EXCELLENCE – Deliver high-quality results; continuously improve performance.
  • INTEGRITY – Uphold ethical standards; act transparently and responsibly.
  • INCLUSION – Promote respect, diversity, and fairness.
  • HUMILITY – Show self-awareness; value others’ contributions.
  • HUMANITY – Act with compassion; align work with sustainable development.

  Core Behaviors

  • CONNECT & COLLABORATE – Build trust through effective communication and teamwork; share knowledge and embrace diversity.
  • ANALYSE & PLAN – Use data and evidence to inform decision-making; plan proactively and prioritize effectively.
  • DELIVER RESULTS WITH POSITIVE IMPACT – Take ownership and deliver high-quality outputs; align work with UNIDO’s mission and objectives.
  • LEARN AND DEVELOP – Continuously develop skills and capabilities; seek feedback and share knowledge with others.
  • ADAPT AND INNOVATE – Respond flexibly to change; embrace innovation and new approaches.

  Additional Information

  This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.

  Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

  All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

  How to Apply

  Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

  Applications should be submitted online through the UNIDO Online Recruitment System:

  APPLY NOW

  Application Deadline: 28 September 2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

  NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

  Notice to Applicants

  UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it.

  Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact:

  Email: recruitment@unido.org

  ⚠️ Legitimate employers do not charge candidates fees to secure employment. Be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for a job offer.

1. Understand What NGOs Actually Screen For at Entry Level

Most beginners assume NGOs want field experience first. Entry-level roles usually want something different.

What they're actually screening for:

• Clear, professional written communication – most entry-level roles involve writing reports, updates, or donor-facing content, so this gets weighed more heavily than people expect.
• Basic project or task coordination ability – can you keep a task moving, follow up, and meet a deadline without heavy supervision?
• Genuine understanding of the specific cause or region – hiring managers can tell within a paragraph whether an applicant actually knows the context or is applying broadly.
• Willingness to learn systems and processes quickly – NGOs run on specific tools such as M&E frameworks, donor reporting formats and case management systems. They want someone coachable, not necessarily someone who already knows their exact system.

2. Translate Your Existing Experience Into NGO Language

You likely already have relevant experience. It simply may not be labelled the way NGOs describe it.

What to do: Rewrite three things you've done using this kind of language. This becomes the backbone of your CV and cover letter.

3. Volunteer Strategically Before You Apply

Volunteering can genuinely shorten the experience gap, but only if it is targeted rather than random.

• Pick volunteer work that mirrors the actual role you want. If you want a communications role, volunteer to write newsletters or manage social media for a small local cause, not just general event help.
• Look for short-term or remote volunteer roles specifically, since these are easier to fit around existing work or study while still giving you relevant experience.
• Ask the organisation whether you can receive a short reference or written acknowledgement afterward. This can become both a credential and a reference contact.
• Treat volunteering as a two-way audition. You are testing whether NGO work actually suits you before committing to a full-time search in the sector.

4. Build One Piece of Visible Proof

Employers respond to evidence, not just claims on a CV.

Build one practical piece of work that demonstrates what you can actually do:

• Communications: create a sample social post, newsletter or campaign concept for a cause.
• Programmes or M&E: write a one-page mock project summary with objectives, activities and how you would measure success.
• Research: prepare a short research summary or evidence-based briefing on an issue you care about.
• Finance or operations: create a simple project budget or resource-allocation sheet.
• Proposal writing: prepare a short sample concept note or project proposal.

Save the work somewhere shareable, such as a Google Doc, Canva page or LinkedIn post, and reference it directly in your application.

5. Tailor Every Application to the Specific Mission

NGOs receive large volumes of generic applications. A tailored application stands out immediately.

• Reference the organisation's actual current work or a specific programme in your cover letter.
• Use specific language from the job description in your CV, but only where it accurately reflects your real experience.
• Avoid sending the same generic cover letter to multiple organisations. It is usually obvious when this happens.

The second version takes a few extra minutes and demonstrates that you actually paid attention.

6. Use the Right Platforms for Entry-Level Roles

Some job platforms are more useful for NGO and development-sector opportunities than others.

Set up email alerts on at least two relevant platforms rather than checking manually. Entry-level roles can disappear quickly under the flood of senior vacancies.

7. Get One Reference Before You Need It

A reference from someone who has seen you work reliably can matter significantly at entry level.

• A professor or lecturer
• A previous employer or supervisor
• A volunteer coordinator
• A community or programme leader who has directly observed your work

Send your reference your CV and a short note on the kinds of roles you are pursuing. That helps them provide a specific and informed reference instead of something vague.

8. Follow Up Without Being Passive

Silence after applying does not always mean rejection. Recruitment processes can move slowly.

If you have a suitable contact email, send one polite follow-up around two weeks after applying.

Keep applying elsewhere while you wait. Never freeze your entire job search around one application.

A QUICK HONEST NOTE

• None of these steps require going back to school or waiting years to “qualify.”
• They require translating what you already have correctly, building one piece of proof and applying with intention instead of generically.
• Many people with “no experience” actually have relevant experience. They simply have not been shown how to describe it effectively.

 FAWEZI is seeking applications for the position of Programme Officer

#FAWEZI

Position Purpose

The Senior Programs Officer - Entrepreneurship and Graduate Employability will lead and coordinate the design, implementation, and strengthening of FAWEZA’s entrepreneurship and employability pathways, supporting young women and marginalized youth to transition from skills development to sustainable livelihoods. The role will ensure the delivery of high-quality entrepreneurship training, employability skills development, incubation, start-up financing, mentorship, and market and job linkages to enable youth to secure decent employment or establish and scale resilient, job-creating enterprises.

As a cross-cutting technical role, the Officer will provide strategic and operational support on entrepreneurship and employability across all programmes and departments, ensuring the integration of market-relevant skills, career guidance, job readiness training, and business development services into FAWEZA’s interventions. The position will also foster and strengthen partnerships with key ecosystem actors including private sector employers, financial institutions, entrepreneurship hubs, mentors, and alumni networks to enhance access to employment opportunities, enterprise development resources, and sustainable economic empowerment for beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, engage and establish partnerships with organisations willing to provide internship and employment opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a database of employers, internship opportunities and graduate beneficiaries.
• Match graduates with suitable internship opportunities based on their qualifications, skills and career interests.
• Coordinate internship placements, onboarding and engagement with host organisations.
• Maintain regular communication with interns and host organisations and address challenges arising during placements.
• Conduct follow-up visits and monitor the progress and performance of interns.
• Organise career-readiness sessions covering CV writing, job applications, interview skills, workplace etiquette, communication and professional development.
• Facilitate mentorship, networking and workplace exposure opportunities for graduates.
• Identify graduates interested in entrepreneurship and support them to develop business ideas and basic business plans.
• Link aspiring entrepreneurs with mentors, markets, business development services, financing opportunities and other relevant resources.
• Organise career fairs, employer engagement meetings, networking events and entrepreneurship activities.
• Track graduates after completion of their internships to determine their transition into employment, further training or entrepreneurship.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers to increase opportunities for graduates.
• Maintain accurate programme records and prepare regular reports on internship placements, employment outcomes and entrepreneurship activities.
• Document success stories, lessons learned and programme outcomes.
• Contribute to programme planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

TECHNICAL AND BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage confidently with employers, business leaders and other stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and partnership-development skills.
• Good understanding of graduate employment and entrepreneurship challenges.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently and achieve measurable targets.
• Good mentoring, coaching and facilitation skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare quality reports.
• A proactive, creative and results-oriented approach to work.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Human Resources, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences or a related field.
• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in entrepreneurship development, graduate employability, internship coordination, recruitment, career development, youth programmes or private-sector engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with employers and other stakeholders.
• Experience in organising career development, mentorship, entrepreneurship or networking activities.
• Experience in beneficiary tracking, programme monitoring and report writing.
• Experience working in an NGO or development organisation will be an added advantage.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified applicants should send their cover letters and Curriculum Vitae ( CV) ONLY as one document demonstrating suitability for employment, with three traceable references, not later than 18th September, 2026 to:

Or addressed to:

Applications should be sent by EMAIL ONLY.

1.0 INTRODUCTION – WWF ZAMBIA

WWF is an independent conservation organization, with over 38 million followers and a global network active through local leadership in over 100 countries. WWF Zambia was established in 1962.

Mission: To stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring sustainable use of renewable natural resources and promoting reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

WWF Zambia works across 3 key thematic areas: Biodiversity, Food Systems and Green Economy and Climate Action.

Operates in: Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, the Kafue System, and the Upper Zambezi.

2.0 FINANCE MANAGER

Location: Lusaka

2.1 MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Lead the financial management function of WWF Zambia and serve as strategic business partner to Operations Director, Country Director, and other Directorates. Responsible for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury, grants oversight, risk management, internal controls, statutory compliance, and financial sustainability.

2.2 MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Leadership and Stewardship

• Lead implementation of WWF Zambia’s financial management strategy
• Provide strategic financial advice to leadership
• Support decision-making through financial analysis, scenario modeling, forecasting
• Lead development of financial sustainability strategies and cost recovery
• Contribute to risk management, governance, and business continuity

Financial Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead preparation of annual and multi-year budgets
• Lead quarterly forecasting and financial re-planning
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis
• Support donor proposal budget review and cost recovery

Financial Reporting and Business Performance Management

• Ensure timely monthly, quarterly, annual, donor, and WWF Network financial reports
• Produce management accounts and financial dashboards
• Lead financial analysis of programme performance, burn rates, expenditure trends
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts and maintain data integrity

Grants Financial Management and Donor Compliance

• Provide oversight of project and grant financial management
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations: EU, USAID, FCDO, GCF, GEF, KfW, SIDA
• Monitor grant performance and financial risks
• Support audits, donor reports, and grant reconciliations

Internal Controls, Risk Management and Compliance

• Maintain robust internal control environment
• Ensure compliance with WWF standards, donor requirements, and legislation
• Coordinate fraud prevention, anti-corruption, and ethical practices
• Support enterprise risk management processes

Treasury, Cash Flow and Financial Operations

• Oversee treasury, banking, cash flow, and liquidity
• Ensure timely processing of payments, payroll, receivables
• Manage working capital and donor fund utilization

Audit, Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate external audits, donor audits, internal audits
• Strengthen accountability through monitoring and quality assurance

People Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor and develop finance staff
• Build financial management capacity among budget holders
• Foster teamwork across departments

Resource Mobilisation and Strategic Partnerships

• Support funding proposals through financial modeling and budgeting
• Provide financial due diligence for new partnerships

2.3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• University Degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, Economics, or related field
• Professional accounting qualification: ACCA, CIMA, CPA, CA Zambia, or equivalent
• Membership of Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)
• Minimum 10 years progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in senior finance leadership
• Experience managing complex donor-funded programmes and grants
• Experience in international NGOs or development organisations
• Strong understanding of donor regulations: EU, USAID, FCDO, GCF, GEF, KfW, SIDA
• Experience using enterprise financial systems and BI tools

2.4 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Strong strategic financial leadership
• Excellent analytical, planning, forecasting, problem-solving
• Ability to influence at senior management level
• Strong understanding of internal controls, governance, risk
• Excellent communication and presentation
• Strong people leadership and team development
• High level of integrity, professionalism
• Commitment to WWF values: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration

3.0 APPLICATIONS

Applications should include:

1. Cover letter
2. Detailed CV outlining qualifications and experience
3. At least 3 referees including current or previous employer
4. Copies of academic and professional qualifications certified by ZAQ

Late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.