Program Manager for Zambia and Malawi At Mennonite Central Committee

Reports to: Country Representative

Duration: One Year

Location: Zambia

Organization Overview

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a global non-profit organization affiliated with Anabaptist churches. MCC is committed to demonstrating God’s love through relief, development, and peacebuilding efforts, prioritizing meaningful partnerships with local organizations and churches. MCC integrates peacebuilding principles into all aspects of its programming.

Synopsis

The Program Manager works closely with the Representative and serves as the operational link between MCC Zambia/Malawi and its various partners. This role requires extensive collaboration and communication with the Country Representatives, who manage a two-country program. The Program Manager is responsible for supporting program methodologies, design, implementation, and evaluation of partner programs to ensure high-quality standards. The role includes supporting capacity building and training needs for partners through accompaniment, as well as assessing the appropriateness of new partners. The Program Manager also collaborates with other staff to enhance MCC Zambia/Malawi’s programmatic framework.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Management

• Lead the implementation of MCC’s programs in Zambia and Malawi, ensuring alignment with program goals, timelines, and budgets.
• Coordinate and collaborate with local partner organizations to ensure effective program execution.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to program staff, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Report to and participate in MCC Program Steering Committee meetings and other sub-committees as required.
• Provide technical assistance to partners and MCC Program Staff on proposals and program design.

Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (PMER)

• Establish and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track program progress, outcomes, and impact.
• Strengthen the PMER capacity of implementing partners, ensuring effective data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Consolidate reports from partners, ensuring accuracy and timely submission of narrative and financial reports to MCC Zambia and Malawi Representatives .
• Ensure the quality and timeliness of all MCC reports from all partners.

Financial Management

• Collaborate with the Finance team to develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability.
• Work with Finance and Grants teams to prepare accurate and timely financial reports and supporting documentation.
• Ensure partners’ financial reviews and audits are up to date and in compliance with MCC policies.
• Contribute to the development of the yearly program budget.
• Ensure all partners’ yearly MOUs are updated and accurate.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key government ministries, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities to ensure their active involvement and support for program objectives.
• Serve as a liaison between MCC, partner organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
• Represent the Country Representative in meetings with partners and stakeholders in their absence.

Capacity Building and Training

• Plan and conduct training for both partners and program staff on various themes to enhance program effectiveness.

Knowledge Management and Reporting

• Contribute to program knowledge-sharing efforts by documenting lessons learned and best practices.
• Provide regular updates to the Program Steering Committee on program progress, challenges, and successes.
• Maintain meticulous records of all program-related documentation to enhance program learning.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with MCC Zambia/Malawi Representatives and actively participate in team activities and functions.
• Demonstrate a cooperative spirit and willingness to support the overall goals of the team.
• Maintain regular communication with the MCC Zambia and Malawi Representative.
• Regularly attend a local church.
• Participate in MCC Zambia and Malawi team life and responsibilities, such as team meetings and retreats.
• Model non-violent peacemaking in the workplace.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Country Representative.
  Qualifications
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as development studies, environmental science, social sciences, international relations, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in program and project management, particularly in multi-partner and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of sustainable development principles and experience working in community-led initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with experience in building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Leadership experience with the ability to inspire a team and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Experience working within Zambia, Malawi, or similar contexts is an advantage.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications, including program management tools and Microsoft Office.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of local languages is an asset.
• Legal right to stay and work in Zambia.