Executive Director

Executive Director Opportunity in Lusaka, Zambia

Cecily’s Fund Zambia is currently seeking a dynamic and experienced professional for one of the leading executive director jobs in Lusaka. This role offers a unique chance to lead a newly established charitable organisation dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes and life opportunities for vulnerable children and young people across Zambia.

About Cecily’s Fund Zambia

Cecily’s Fund Zambia (CFZ) is an independent, locally led charitable organisation committed to supporting vulnerable children through education and community development. Building on 28 years of successful programme delivery by its UK-based parent charity, CFZ aims to establish a lean, high-performing team that combines strong governance, effective partnerships, and evidence-driven programming to achieve sustainable impact nationwide.

Role Overview: Executive Director

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership to CFZ during this critical phase of growth. This full-time consultancy position, based in Lusaka with regular travel across Zambia, offers a remuneration budget of £36,000 per annum, paid monthly in Zambian Kwacha at the current exchange rate. There is potential for this role to transition into a salaried position.

Key Responsibilities for Executive Director Jobs in Lusaka

• Strategic Leadership: Direct CFZ’s strategic planning and execution, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and positioning CFZ as a credible Zambian development organisation.
• Programme Oversight: Lead evidence-based programme management, ensuring measurable improvements in education and community wellbeing.
• Organisational Development: Build a sustainable, professionally managed organisation with effective systems, policies, and a motivated team culture.
• Resource Mobilisation: Drive fundraising efforts, develop strategic partnerships, and diversify funding sources to secure CFZ’s long-term sustainability.
• Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to maintain accountability and organisational health.
• Governance and Board Relations: Serve as the primary liaison to the Board, supporting governance and strategic decision-making.
• External Representation: Represent CFZ to government, donors, NGOs, and other key stakeholders, advocating for education and poverty reduction.
• Monitoring and Accountability: Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, learning frameworks, and safeguarding policies are in place and effective.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A university degree in development studies, education, social sciences, business administration, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in NGOs, development, education, or related sectors, including senior management roles such as Executive or Country Director.
• Proven experience managing programmes, teams, budgets, and institutional donor relationships.
• Strong understanding of the Zambian development context and experience working with Boards and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated fundraising and proposal development skills.
• Knowledge of organisational governance, financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

Desirable Experience and Skills

• Background in education, child protection, youth development, or poverty reduction.
• Experience engaging with vulnerable children and communities and community-based development.
• Track record in establishing or strengthening local NGOs and managing international partnerships.
• Familiarity with institutional fundraising, trusts, foundations, and corporate partnerships.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking with strong decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional leadership and organisational management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Adaptability, initiative, and problem-solving aptitude.
• Commitment to continuous learning and the mission of Cecily’s Fund Zambia.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a covering letter detailing their suitability for the role to chair@cecilysfund.org by 20 November 2026. Please use the email subject line: Application – Executive Director.

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 5 December 2026 and invited to interviews during the week commencing 14 December 2026.

Job Details

• Company: Cecily’s Fund Zambia
• Location: Lusaka, Zambia (with regular travel within Zambia)
• Contract Type: Full-time consultancy (Contract)
• Remuneration: £36,000 per annum (paid monthly in Zambian Kwacha)
• Application Deadline: 20 November 2026
• Job Categories: Administration, Management
• Application Email: chair@cecilysfund.org

How to Apply

Apply by emailing: chair@cecilysfund.org