ROLE PURPOSE:

The Head of Program Operations (HoPO) provides strategic and managerial leadership for Save the Children Zambia’s program implementation, reporting to the Program Director, the role ensures that all programs are implemented efficiently, in compliance with donor and organizational standards, and in alignment with the 2025–2027 Country Strategic Plan (CSP). The HoPO leads the delivery of high-quality programs across all thematic areas—Education, Child Protection, Health and Nutrition, Child Rights Governance, Social Protection, and Climate Resilience—through both direct implementation and local partners, advancing Save the Children’s commitment to localization and impact at scale. The include management of all sub offices, emergency preparedness and response (including DRR), and Country Office supply chain.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Program Director (PD)

Staff reporting to this post: 4-Program/Project Managers (PMs), for (LDSC, SIDA-CSO, CSSP/Cummins & CP, Sponsorship & KNB); 1-Humanitrian and Social Protection Lead; Supply Chain Manager

Budget Responsibilities: US$8 – 10 million CO Portfolio, with approval limit as per SOD (scheme of delegation)

Role Dimensions: The Save the Children Zambia Country Office implements integrated development and humanitarian programs in collaboration with government, civil society organizations, and private sector partners, reaching children and families across multiple provinces; currently with operational bases in Eastern Province, Copperbelt Province, Western Province and Lusaka.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in development studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or related field

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing field operations and partnerships.
• Proven experience managing large, multi-sector, multi-donor funded programs (e.g., USAID, UNICEF, Sida, Irish Aid, GPE, World Bank).
• Solid understanding of program operations, compliance, risk management, and field coordination.
• Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control and securing and managing grants from major institutional donors
• Solid project management skills related to organisational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results.
• Substantial experience in, logistics, including procurement, supply chain, fleet management & inventory.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within a matrix management structure

• Provide strategic and managerial leadership for Save the Children Zambia’s program implementation.
• Ensure that all programs are implemented efficiently, in compliance with donor and organizational standards, and in alignment with the 2025–2027 Country Strategic Plan (CSP).
• Lead the delivery of high-quality programs across all thematic areas—Education, Child Protection, Health and Nutrition, Child Rights Governance, Social Protection, and Climate Resilience—through both direct implementation and local partners.
• Advance Save the Children’s commitment to localization and impact at scale.
• Manage all sub offices, emergency preparedness and response (including DRR), and Country Office supply chain.

• Solid understanding of program operations, compliance, risk management, and field coordination.
• Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control and securing and managing grants from major institutional donors.
• Solid project management skills related to organisational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results.
• Substantial experience in logistics, including procurement, supply chain, fleet management & inventory.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within a matrix management structure.

• Master’s degree in development studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing field operations and partnerships.
• Proven experience managing large, multi-sector, multi-donor funded programs (e.g., USAID, UNICEF, Sida, Irish Aid, GPE, World Bank).