Project Officer – Sexual and Reproductive Health – Play it Forward Zambia

Job Description

Play it Forward Zambia (PFZ) is seeking an individual to join our team of dedicated staff in Livingstone. The person will manage effective project delivery by working in partnership with donors and partner organisations to identify new opportunities, prepare proposals for submission and the development of innovative ideas.

The Project Officer (PO) will be responsible for the design and implementation of PFZ’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) projects which promote efforts of meeting the organisation’s overall vision, mission and organisational goals, thereby impacting on the organisation’s collective responsibilities and results.

Background 

Our mission is to empower young Zambians to develop sustainable livelihoods through quality education, health, and football projects. Play it Forward inspires and empowers a whole new generation of young people to take control of their lives. We currently support over 2,500 young people annually, offering programs from health education & HIV testing to literacy, digital skills, mentoring, and support toward higher education and employment. Our support on and off the pitch, ensures that young people emerge from our programmes with new skills to succeed in school, the workforce and in life.

UK Charity Registration Number 1108821

Zambia Non-Profit Registration No. 120170010072

Job Details

Location: Play it Forward Office, Livingstone, Zambia

Type: Full-time

Contract: One year (minimum), subject to a 3-month probation

Salary: Competitive

Reports to: Head of Programmes

Essential skills and experience

• Minimum of 3 years project management experience working in/with government, intergovernmental or international NGO organisations.
• An appropriate degree level qualification in a relevant discipline, such as Public Health, Community Development, Social Sciences, Social Work, NGO Management, Sport for Development or equivalent
• Football or other sports coaching experience
• Experience delivering SRHR/HIV projects and up to date subject knowledge
• Experience of managing high profile donors including reporting, bid preparation and relationship management
• Proven record of budget construction and management
• Excellent English communication  and interpersonal skills

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Project Management 

Key Deliverable: Strong project management systems for planning, delivering and evaluating projects for clearly measurable impact. 

• Ensure that robust systems of planning and delivering projects are in place and implemented, from design and inception to delivery & evaluation (MEL).
• Regularly monitor project performance and compare to targets, deliverables, and budget.
• Ensure that the planning, delivery and evaluation of projects complies with donor expectations and the terms of donor contracts, and that reporting to donors is of the highest standard.
• Ensure that PFZ can clearly demonstrate the impact of its work through annual impact assessments, and promote and disseminate its impact and learning to partner organisations, participants and stakeholders.
• Using the learning and achievement of projects, develop new project proposals, ensuring that participants are involved in the process, along with relevant members of staff.

2. Financial Management 

Key deliverable: Ensure financial controls are adhered to and provide regular quality financial reporting as required. 

• Monitor project expenditures, ensuring costs are within approved budgets and projects are delivered cost-effectively.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial policies, safeguarding the organisation assets and donor funds.
• Provide regular financial reports to ensure alignment with monthly and annual budgetary limits.

3.  Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

Key Deliverable: Demonstrate project impact through comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and data management.

• Collaborate with the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer to develop an M&E framework, collect data, and measure progress against objectives.
• Generate progress reports, ensuring timely submission to donors and stakeholders.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

Key Deliverable: Establish strong partnerships with key community stakeholders to extend the project’s reach and ensure its sustainability.

• Engage with project partners to coordinate efforts and strengthen referral systems.
• Organise and facilitate stakeholder meetings to discuss project impact, share insights, and build long-term support.

5. Risk Management & Safeguarding

Key Deliverable: Ensure safeguarding measures are followed to protect vulnerable youth and staff.

• Implement safeguarding protocols in all project activities and provide training on identifying and managing risks.
• Develop referral pathways for adolescents needing clinical support.

6. General 

• Contribute to the development of organisational plans and strategy.
• Represent PFZ  at meetings, events and other networks as appropriate and in consultation with the Head of Programmes, Head of Finance and CEO.
• Undertake or participate in other organisational projects as requested by the Head of Programmes and CEO.
• Contribute to the work of other colleagues in communications and relationship building, including the provision of information and engagement with social media.

To learn more about the work we do visit our website: https://play-itforward.org/

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all ages (over 18) and backgrounds who have the skills and experience to help strengthen our team.

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter of no more than one A4 page outlining your suitability for the role to workwithus@play-itforward.org

Due to the high number of applications received, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.