Government and Partnerships Lead (Zambia)

About the role

The Government and Partnerships Lead will drive the development and strengthening of relationships with government bodies, development partners, civil society, youth‑led and community organisations to support the EKN HIV Instrument AGYW‑focused programme in Zambia. Reporting to programme leadership, the role serves as the main point of contact for government engagement, coordination of Country Advisory Committees and stakeholder collaboration.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain productive relationships with national, provincial and district ministries, departments and agencies relevant to HIV, AGYW, SRHR, GBV and youth health.
• Represent the programme in technical working groups, coordination forums and strategic consultations.
• Facilitate alignment of programme activities with national health priorities and support government participation in planning, review and learning processes.
• Monitor policy developments, provide strategic insights and coordinate approvals, stakeholder consultations and project entry processes.
• Identify and promote opportunities for the programme to contribute to policy, systems strengthening and evidence dissemination.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with CSOs, NGOs, youth‑led organisations and development partners to enhance programme impact and sustainability.
• Support capacity building of local partners and ensure meaningful community participation in decision‑making.

Required profile

• Proven experience in government relations, public‑sector partnership management or similar roles within health or development programmes.
• Strong understanding of national HIV, AGYW, SRHR, GBV and youth health policies in Zambia.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and to influence policy and systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to travel within Zambia and attend meetings with government and partner representatives.

Required skills

• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Policy analysis and strategic insight generation.
• Knowledge of health systems strengthening and programme implementation.