Job Description

JOB TITLE: COUNTRY COORDINATOR
Organization: Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe
Location: Harare (Zimbabwe.)
OVERVIEW:
PELUM Zimbabwe is seeking a skilled and self-driven Country Coordinator to lead initiatives in agroecology, sustainable land use management and rural development.
Reporting to the PELUM Zimbabwe Board of Trustees, the ideal candidate should have proven leadership, organizational management, and communication skills, coupled with a strong understanding of the non-profit sector and development issues.
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION:
PELUM Zimbabwe exists to upscale agroecological practices in order to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. PELUM Zimbabwe does this through:
1. Strengthening and defending agroecology as the pathway towards a more just, regenerative and viable food and agriculture system in Zimbabwe.
2. Strengthening multi-stakeholder district level community engagements and actions required to transition to agroecology.
3. Building and deepening consciousness, skills, and collective capacity for transformative agroecology in Zimbabwe.
Our Vision
PELUM Zimbabwe’s vision, as part of a broader PELUM Association network, is that communities in East, Central and Southern Africa are self-organized and able to make choices towards an improved quality of life that is socially, economically and ecologically regenerative.
Our Mission
PELUM Zimbabwe’s mission is to upscale participatory ecological land use management practices for improved nutrition security, livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic, Program, and Project Management:
• Lead, develop, implement and monitor PELUM Zimbabwe’s strategic plans, programs, and projects, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, targets and donor requirements.
• Coordinate with teams, partners, and stakeholders to ensure smooth execution and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement necessary mitigation strategies.
• Prepare regular reports for both internal and external stakeholders.
2. Financial Management:
• Oversee the development and management of project budgets, ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.
• Monitor financial performance, address variances, and ensure compliance with local financial regulations and donor guidelines.
• Oversee the preparation of financial reports for organizational and donor accountability.
3. Team Leadership:
• Lead and inspire project teams, fostering a collaborative, results-oriented work environment.
• Delegate tasks effectively, provide guidance, and conduct annual staff appraisals to promote staff development.
• Working closely with PELUM -Zimbabwe’s elected board to provide strong strategic leadership to the PELUM-Zimbabwe network
• Build and maintain strong relationships with team members, partners, and stakeholders.
4. Fundraising and Donor Relations:
• Identify funding opportunities and develop proposals to support organizational initiatives.
• Build and sustain relationships with donors and partners, ensuring timely submission of reports and acknowledgments.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):
• Establish monitoring and evaluation systems to measure program impact.
• Collect and analyse data to inform decision-making and improve program performance.
• Review progress and impact reports for internal learning and stakeholder updates.
6. Advocacy and Lobbying:
• Represent PELUM Zimbabwe in forums, advocating for sustainable land use agroecological and rural development policies.
• Build, nurture and strengthen strategic partnerships with government agencies, ministries, like minded non-governmental organisations, community-based organizations and actively engage with the PELUM regional association to foster collaboration and shared objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• Education: Master’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, development studies, or any other related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of managerial experience with hands on project management experience, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in organizational development, project cycle management, budgeting, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building and strengthening skills.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage teams.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural settings.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency, aptitude and adeptness in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
Desired Skills
• Experience working with rural communities and an understanding socio-economic and geo-political context.
• In depth and extensive knowledge about agroecology, food and seed systems.
• Knowledge of international development trends and best practices.
• Proficiency in resource mobilisation, grant application and proposal development.
• Fluency in local languages (e.g., Shona, Ndebele) is an asset.
Additional Considerations
• Commitment to integrity, agroecological ethics, and transparency.
• Flexibility to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to establish a work culture where there is meticulous attention to detail.

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply with a detailed resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and vision for supporting PELUM Zimbabwe’s mission, vision and organisational strategy. Applications should be sent to [email protected] no later than 9 December 2024 with the subject Vacancy Application for Country Coordinator.