Program Officer-Zimbabwe

PURPOSE OF POSITION
Under supervision of the Program Management, work on design, funding, implementation, evaluation, and reporting for all projects and programs under World Vision Zimbabwe Relief Office and provide technical support to the Relief program

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Management and Evaluation

• Work on the program's design process, including needs assessments, project design, proposal writing, marketing, evaluation and reporting, and when required, donor and Support Office relations.
• Work on creation, compilation, and writing of the program's annual report and operating plans. Revise the program's operating plans throughout the course of the fiscal year ensuring that they are up-to-date and continually reflect the subtleties of conducting operations within the particular field context.
• Prepare grant proposals for submission to major donors.
• Work to ensure the program has adequate funding resources.
• Review monthly and quarterly reports and bring to the attention of the management (and overall programme management team) any issues that require management intervention.
• Through regular field visits, continually monitor progress of projects and programs, ensuring that the program systems and staff are working to achieve goals and objectives and program is maintaining World Vision and donor accountability standards. Ensure all non-financial grant requirements are adhered to.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new projects.
• Assist in programme strategy and operational planning process.
• Respond to general queries for information on relief, refugee and transition programmes.
• Perform any other assignments given to you by direct supervisor.

Representation and Networking

• Represent WV at UN/NGO/donor meetings, joint agency assessment missions and task forces.
• Develop and maintain good communications with key NGOs, WV Support Offices and WVZ National Office staff.
• Develop/maintain relationships with donors to ensure adequate funding.

Documentation

• Prepare monthly, annual, and end of project reports as required by WVZ, government donors, and other interested bodies. Prepare programme information and articles as required by the media and donors in coordination with the Communications Departments and WVZ National Office.
• Compile professional and high quality management reports for major donors in a timely manner, meeting donor-reporting requirements. Ensure that all reports are highly accurate, comprehensive, well documented, and will guarantee the credibility of the program.
• Implement technical and managerial evaluations and audits of all projects with project/program managers, government donors, and support offices.

Human Resource Support

• Provide support to field personnel through frequent communications and visits to field operations (office and communities)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on-the-job training.

Education/Credentials
University degree in development or related field, Masters degree preferable

Experience
3-5 years work experience in a relief and/or development context, preferably within World Vision.

Critical knowledge, skills and abilities

• Excellent interpersonal organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent English communication skills (written and oral).
• A clear understanding of the workings of the major donors’ perspectives, requirements and standards, e.g. DFID, ECHO, USAID. Able to represent World Vision to major donors in a manner which is highly professional, in person and in writing.
• Experience in project design and proposal writing.
• Proven analytical/problem-solving abilities.
• Detail orientation.
• Ability to be creative, flexible, innovative and take the initiative.
• Computer literate (especially with regards to MS Office and Lotus Notes).
• Knowledge of and adherence to the Red Cross and NGO Code of Conduct, and Sphere relief standards.
• Cross-cultural experience and sensitivity, emotional maturity, and physical stamina.
• Ability and willingness to work as a team member.
• Commitment to World Vision Core Values and Mission Statement

Program Officer-Zimbabwe