Partnerships and Mobilization Lead – Improving Access Activity

About the role

The Partnerships and Mobilization Lead will head the non‑physical infrastructure component of the Improving Access Activity, a donor‑funded transport programme in Zambia. Reporting to the Activity Team Leader and working closely with the Senior Partnerships Manager and Country Director, the role ensures government partnerships, community mobilisation and environmental‑social performance are integrated and effective.

Key responsibilities

• Strengthen and maintain partnerships with national and sub‑national government agencies, district councils, Ward Development Committees and traditional leaders.
• Lead participatory community engagement using the P‑RAM model to align infrastructure decisions with community priorities and enhance ward and district planning capacity.
• Conduct sex‑differentiated social and needs assessments to inform activity design.
• Supervise environmental and social performance, including ZEMA‑aligned screening, compliance, safeguards, resettlement and management plans.
• Lead road‑safety, safe mobility programming and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and trafficking, applying a survivor‑centred approach.
• Manage and coordinate community engagement, safeguards and partnerships staff and sub‑partners.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading partnership building, community mobilisation and environmental/social safeguards in donor‑funded development programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to work with government at national and sub‑national levels and with farmer organisations, civil society and development partners.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating multi‑stakeholder teams.

Required skills