The position will support the implementation of CzDA’s components under the EU-funded project Improved Livelihoods through Enhanced Access to Forest Products, Services, Finances and Value Chains (LEAF), jointly implemented by CzDA and Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The project aims to increase income opportunities and promote sustainable resource management practices for local communities and forest-based enterprises in Zambia, while supporting integrated landscape management through forest governance and climate-resilient enterprise development.

Basic Information

Position title: Project Officer (National)

Location: Lusaka, Zambia (with regular field missions to target provinces)

Key relationships: Project Manager, Technical Experts, Procurement, Finance and Logistics Officer, field stakeholders, and CzDA headquarters staff.

Starting date: August 2026

Length of contract: 1 year, with the option to extend up to the end of the project (July 2029)

Role Purpose: The Project Officer supports the planning, coordination, and execution of CzDA components under the Action. The position ensures smooth day-to-day implementation, effective field coordination, stakeholder communication, and accurate documentation of project progress. The Project Officer acts as the primary operational liaison at field level, facilitating the delivery of activities in line with approved workplans and technical guidance.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Activity Coordination

• Coordinate day-to-day field implementation tasks in line with approved workplans and guidance from technical experts.
• Support the practical organisation of activities at pilot sites, including field visit arrangements, stakeholder mobilization, and logistical preparation.
• Arrange schedules, travel, local service providers, and on-site logistics for missions, trainings, and workshops.
• Maintain regular communication with beneficiaries and local stakeholders to support implementation of agreed technical actions.
• Support coordination of project activities across technical, financial, and logistical functions.
• Monitor implementation progress at field level and flag implementation gaps to the Project Manager and technical experts.

Monitoring and Documentation

• Maintain activity tracking tools and structured implementation records.
• Collect field-level data and information, and identify delays, risks, or operational challenges.
• Ensure completeness, accuracy, and proper filing of documentation required for reporting and audit purposes.
• Support preparation of internal and donor reports, ensuring timely and accurate submission of implementation information.
• Support documentation of lessons learned and implementation progress.

Operational Support

• Support follow-up of action points, timelines, and implementation priorities across project activities.
• Support preparation of procurement-related documentation in coordination with operations and administrative functions.
• Assist in tracking activity-related expenditures in coordination with the Finance Officer.
• Facilitate coordination between technical, operational, and administrative functions to support timely implementation.

Coordination and Communication

• Act as a key liaison between field stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the project team.
• Support coordination and follow-up with local authorities, community representatives, field-level partners, service providers, and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure clear communication and information flow between field and central project teams.
• Represent the project in field-level coordination meetings and stakeholder engagements where required.
• Contribute to problem-solving and adaptive management by providing regular feedback from the field.
• Identify risks, implementation challenges, and propose areas for follow-up and improvement.
• Support coordination and organization of trainings, workshops, meetings, and other project events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in natural resource management, development studies, forestry, Landscape ecology, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of relevant professional experience in project implementation, field coordination, or program support in donor-funded or international projects.
• Experience working with EU or similar donor-funded projects.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, field-level coordination, and collaboration with local communities or public institutions.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong communication, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Core Competencies

• Strong coordination and organizational skills
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and effective prioritization skills
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach
• Teamwork and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary environments
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Accountability, reliability, and professional conduct
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic field environments

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a motivation letter explaining why they wish to work with us and why they are a suitable candidate for this position by 19 June 2026 COB to lusaka@czechaid.cz

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.