Head of Mission – Zambia

Job Title: Head of Mission, Zambia

About NCA:

Norwegian Church Aid (‘NCA’) is one of the largest aid organisations in the Nordic region. Together with our international network and partner organisations in the ACT Alliance, we are able to reach millions of people each year and help make a positive difference around the world. We are determined to work towards eradicating injustice, and we, therefore, work with advocacy, long-term development in local communities, and emergency assistance.

Through strong networks and alliances within Zambian civil society, we uphold and protect people’s dignity and promote their active participation in the development of Zambia. In the 2025-2029 country strategy, NCA and DCA will focus their interventions to save lives, build resilience of local communities and seek justice. We envision an inclusive, resilient and just Zambia.

About the position

Are you an accomplished leader with a passion for social justice, civil society strengthening and sustainable development? NCA is seeking a Head of Mission to lead our Zambia programme through strategic leadership, fundraising and representation.

Short description of the role

Reporting to the Area Director for Malawi and Zambia, the Head of Mission will provide overall leadership of NCA Zambia in Lusaka. The position leads external representation, donor engagement, fundraising, strategy implementation and has overall management responsibility for all staff in Zambia.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for NCA Zambia.
• Lead fundraising, donor engagement and resource mobilisation.
• Represent NCA with government, donors, churches and civil society.
• Lead and develop a high-performing national team.
• Ensure sound operational management, compliance and security oversight.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field; significant experience may compensate.
• Minimum 7 years senior leadership experience.
• Proven fundraising and donor relationship management experience.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in building civil society-private sector partnerships on themes including the extractives industry; food security and agriculture; and climate and environmental stewardship is desirable.
• Experience in partnering with the Government of Zambia to design, deliver and scale programmes which address poverty and inequality is desirable.
• Excellent English communication skills. Fluency in languages commonly spoken in Zambia is desirable.

Personal traits

• Strategic and visionary leader.
• Strong networking and influencing skills.
• Empowering people manager.
• High integrity and accountability.
• Diplomatic and culturally sensitive.

We offer

At NCA, we value our staff and are committed to providing a supportive, rewarding, and professional environment. By joining us, you will receive:

• Competitive Salary and benefits package
• Diverse and Values-Driven Culture: Work within a highly respected international NGO governed by strong ethical standards, human rights principles, and active safeguarding policies.
• Please note that NCA does not provide relocation assistance to successful applicants

How to apply

We encourage all qualified individuals who have the legal right to work in Zambia to apply for this position, regardless of gender, age, disability or background. Through our recruitment portal you can register and submit your CV, write a cover letter and attach relevant certificates. Only applicants using this electronic portal will be considered for the position.

Before you apply

We kindly ask you to carefully read the ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and  Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are successful in your application to this role you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy.

Safeguarding

In accordance with core humanitarian principles, NCA implements a range of safeguards to prevent or reduce the possibility of humanitarian aid falling into the wrong hands. This includes those individuals and groups who are subject to sanctions by the United Nations Security Council. As part of this process, NCA will screen the details of the successful candidates for this post against the sanction’s lists maintained by the UN and by some of NCAs governmental donors.

DEADLINE: 23:59 ZAMBIAN TIME, 23RD AUGUST 2026