Program Manager – Elections (Disability Inclusion)
The Program Manager – Elections will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for our client’s disability-inclusive election observation program. The role is responsible for program design, implementation, partnership management, and donor reporting, while ensuring high-quality, evidence-based advocacy to promote inclusive electoral processes. The Program Manager – Elections will work within a dynamic team and engage closely with civil society organizations (CSOs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), electoral stakeholders, and development partners. Responsibilities and Duties ● Serve as primary point of contact and provide overall strategic and operational leadership of the election observation program ● Develop and manage partnerships with CSOs, OPDs, and election stakeholders ● Provide technical assistance and capacity building to partners on inclusive election observation ● Lead program design, work planning, and budgeting processes ● Produce analytical reports on political and electoral developments ● Lead donor reporting, monitoring & evaluation, and data-driven learning ● Manage program budgets, financial tracking, and compliance ● Oversee observer recruitment, deployment, and coordination systems, including accreditation ● Supervise program staff, assistants, and interns ● Represent the program in stakeholder and donor engagements Qualifications and Experience ● Must have a University Degree in field of study related to international development; political science, international relations, public policy, law or related field. ● Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in governance, elections, or civil society programming ● Demonstrated experience in program management and partner coordination ● Proven expertise in inclusive governance, disability inclusion, or election observation ● Strong experience in monitoring & evaluation, data analysis, and reporting ● Experience managing budgets and donor-funded programs ● Familiarity with Zambian electoral processes and political context Skills and Competencies ● Strong analytical and political assessment skills ● Excellent written and verbal communication skills ● Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and partnerships ● Strong organizational and leadership skills ● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and data analysis tools ● High level of integrity, objectivity, and non-partisanship; willing to work long hours Working Conditions ● Based in Lusaka with occasional travel within the country ● May require extended working hours during peak election periods
