Job Overview
CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURAL ALLIANCE ZAMBIA
The Organisation
Registered under The Non-Government Organisation Act of 2009 through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, the Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance Zambia (CSAAZ) under the guidance of Ministry of Agriculture is designed to support the rapid adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Zambia through collaborative efforts and practical experiences of Alliance members in the agricultural sector in Zambia.
The Alliance derives its mandate from the Zambian Government being party to the Equatorial Guinea Malabo Declaration, at which the Heads of States and Governments of the African Union Committed to Enhancing Resilience of Livelihoods and Production Systems to Climate Variability and other related risks. Through the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), the Alliance was tasked to develop a strategy that will ensure that, by the year 2025, at least 30% of our farm, pastoral, and fisher households are resilient to climate and weather-related risks.
As a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Alliance is a member driven Organisation comprising 20 members with a strong ambition to increase membership and reach the whole Zambia especially those adversely affected by Climate Change impacts. To implement its activities that will lead to achieving its mandate, the CSAAZ is looking for qualified, experienced and self-motivated individuals to fill the positions of National Coordinator and Finance and Administration Officer under its Coordinating Unit in Lusaka.
1. NATIONAL COORDINATOR
Position Purpose
Reporting to the Board, the National Coordinator will be responsible for overall coordination and implementation of activities for the CSA Alliance. The National Coordinator shall also be responsible for overseeing the Alliance’s Coordinating Unit (CU). He/she will be responsible for resource mobilisation, ensuring meaningful membership growth and quality implementation of programme interventions by member organisations in contributing to the alliance mandate.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Under the auspices of the Alliance Board, the National Coordinator shall be;
- Lead the overall coordination of CSAAZ alliance membership and activities by members of the alliance
- Lead donor engagements and the development of bankable proposals to mobilize resources for CSA activities
- Maintain good working relationships with alliance stakeholders including Ministry of Agriculture, donors and technical supporters to the alliance
- Lead the assessment of member organisations capacity needs on CSA and lead coordination of capacity building support to member organisations
- Raise the profile and visibility of the alliance through media engagements and proper use of EIC materials
- Represent the Alliance at CSA related meetings and events
- Coordinate the compilation of narrative and financial reports to meet internal and donor reporting requirements
- Develop terms of reference for staff and short-term consultants engaged on specific assignments for the alliance
- Coordinate the hosting of monthly, quarterly and annual planning and review meetings
- Monitor progress and implementation of annual plans for the alliance
- Act as Secretariat to the Alliance Board meetings, General Assemblies and any other meeting called upon by the alliance Board
- Provide over-sight and leadership to staff recruited under the Alliance Coordinating Unit including Finance and Administration Officer and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Five years’ experience designing and/or implementing development programmes particularly those related to agriculture
- Strong understanding of climate change and its impacts on smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in Zambia
- A good working knowledge of climate smart agriculture and approaches therein
- Proven experience in resource mobilization through donor engagements and developing bankable proposals
- Strategic thinker, able to analyze and scan external environment to determine impactful actions for the alliance
- Ability to work independently and self-driven in a fast-paced, high time demand environment with highly time bound deliverables.
- Ability to think, plan, and execute resourcefully and creatively with limited supervision.
- Proven experience in strategic project oversight and coordination of complex projects.
- Proven experience in advocacy actions with strong ability to engage with the media and public
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including reporting, facilitation and representation.
- Experience managing a network of relationships at a distance
Minimum Qualifications
- Relevant academic qualifications preferably a degree in Agriculture Economics, Business Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration or Market development.
- A Masters’ Degree will be an added advantage
- Computer Literacy: Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications
2. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
Job Summary:
Reporting to the National Coordinator, the Finance and Administration Officer will be responsible for overall management of the Alliance’s finances, assets and provision of administrative support. He/she will ensure a high level of resource stewardship, strict financial accountability and financial risk management while ensuring the effectiveness and robustness of the Alliance’s financial management systems, processes, and practices in support of high-quality service to its member organisations. In addition, the incumbent will coordinate the provision of responsive, effective, and efficient administrative services to achieve the Alliance’s mission and vision.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Implement and manage financial processes and systems in accordance with policies and provide proactive service delivery, advice, and support to the National Coordinator
- Manage the Alliance financial assets including cash, investments, account receivables and fixed assets
- Oversee the execution and timely posting of all financial transactions
- Interpret financial reports to ensure accurate financial data is used to inform decision-making by the Alliance Board
- Provide direction and coordination of effective budget development and management (Annual Program Plans and project budgets), ensuring accuracy and consistency of financial data and safeguarding of resources
- Lead efforts to respond and or close audit financial management findings in a timely and sustainable way
- Monitor grant/ funding agreements to ensure spending is within obligated budgets and approved project period
- Review and understand the financial section of all agreements with donors/funders to ensure financial terms are reasonable
- Coordinate and report on activities and required resources to ensure cost efficiency, value for money and quality service delivery from administrative support functions
- Ensure administrative systems, processes, and policies are in line with agency standards and donor and local law regulations
- Engage with relevant external stakeholders (government officials, service providers, etc.) on assigned administrative matters and help ensure required authorizations and documents are up-to-date
- Coordinate the efficient use of Alliance’s assets and rented facilities. Help ensure fully compliant procurement of office materials and asset management systems
- Help identify safety issues and ensuring a safe and sound work environment
- Coordinate the provision of travel and logistics support and services to staff and Alliance Board members
- Coordinate event planning activities, including delegation visits, trainings and workshops for Alliance members.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications.
- Knowledge of financial accounting packages and financial reporting software such as Pastel, Quick Books is highly desirable
- Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations highly preferred
- Excellent analytical skills with ability to make sound judgment and decisions
- Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
- Proactive, resourceful, solutions and results-oriented
- Ability to work collaboratively with member organisations
- Good planning, organizational and time management skills
- Strong customer service orientation with very good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ethical conduct and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Substantial experience in budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting experience
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance and/or equivalent
- A professional certification with reputable Accounting bodies
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ professional experience in a similar position, preferably with a Civil Society Organisations.
How to Apply
Candidates that meet the required qualifications and experience are to send their Application Letters and Latest Curriculum Vitae with Three traceable references to the following email: climatesmartagriculturezambia@gmail.com.
Please indicate the name of the position you are applying for in the Subject line of your email.
Deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday March 4th 2020.
Please note that the alliance has a zero tolerance on sexual harassment and abuse. Women are encouraged to apply.