Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit human rights organisation established in 1993 to promote and protect children’s rights through civic education, advocacy, and community engagement. Together with Restless Development and Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS), ZCEA will work with children, communities, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and duty bearers to increase awareness, understanding and application of the Children’s Code Act under the EU-funded project, titled: Enhancing Civil Society’s Role in Advancing Children’s Rights and Supporting the Implementation of the Children’s Code Act. The project will be implemented in the six districts:

Central Province (Chibombo and Kabwe)

Southern Province (Choma and Sinazongwe)

North-western province (Kalumbila and Solwezi).

Project Duration:

This is a three-year four-month (40 months) fixed term contract beginning January 2026.

TEAM/PROGRAMME:

Programmes

LOCATION:

North-Western Province

POST TYPE:

National

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to:

Programme Manager

Staff directly reporting to this post:

None

Scope and duties

Required Academic and Professional Qualifications

Grade 12 school certificate or equivalent

A bachelor’s degree in law, Development Studies, Human Rights, Education, or a related field.

At least 3-5 years’ experience working on child rights, child protection, civic education, or community development programmes.

Demonstrated knowledge of the Children’s Code Act and child protection systems in Zambia.

Required Competencies

Desired Personal Attributes

High energy results oriented.

Ability to set and surpass goals.

Team player with ability to involve and motivate staff and stakeholders.

Well organised and thorough with close attention to detail and follow through.

Strategic, creative, and progressive thinker

Thrives in a fast-paced working environment.

Focused and calm even under a lot of pressure.

Persuasive, analytical and innovative

Adaptive and flexible

Honest, and committed to organizational values such as zero tolerance to child rights violations and corruption.

Contract Types:

These are full-time contracts valid for one-year and renewable upon production of quality deliverables and availability of resources.

CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING:

The post-holder(s) will have regular contact with children and young people (e.g. once a week or more) or intensive contact (e.g. ten days or more within one month) as they work directly on the project. They will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of project activities, including the distribution of food items during meetings and training. In line with the European Union Grant Contract Annexes and the Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, ZCEA applies a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), all forms of harassment (including sexual harassment), and discrimination. All shortlisted and selected candidates will be subjected to safeguarding-compliant recruitment procedures, including reference checks, background screening, and a mandatory commitment to comply with ZCEA’s safeguarding and code of conduct requirements.

• Take leadership role in the technical oversight of the project.
• Support the development, adaptation, and delivery of the Children’s Code Act–aligned curricula and training materials for communities and stakeholders.
• Coordinate the co-design, pilot, and implementation of community accountability tools, Hybrid Justice Committees, and annual district accountability reporting.
• Facilitate the formation, mobilisation, and mentorship of child-led structures and support child-led advocacy and accountability initiatives.
• Support the co-design and dissemination of harmonised child protection and referral guidelines aligned with statutory and community systems.
• Assist in participating in cultural and legal mapping and the deployment of digital rights education platforms, including IVR and SMS.
• Support project coordination, partner engagement, and timely reporting in compliance with EU grant requirements, safeguarding standards, and ZCEA procedures.
• Represent the project team with partners and key stakeholders, maintaining positive relationships with donors, line ministries and networks working with children and particularly, the Children’s Code Act.

• Strong understanding of children’s rights, child participation, and safeguarding principles.
• Ability to coordinate multiple activities and stakeholders at community and district levels.
• Good report writing and documentation skills, including basic monitoring and activity reporting.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills, including engagement with children and diverse community actors.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver outputs within set timelines.

• Grade 12 school certificate or equivalent
• A bachelor’s degree in law, Development Studies, Human Rights, Education, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years’ experience working on child rights, child protection, civic education, or community development programmes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Children’s Code Act and child protection systems in Zambia.