Programme Coordinator - THRIVE Zimbabwe
As part of the implementation of its new
programme entitled "THRIVE Zimbabwe Programme : Transforming Horticulture
for Resilient, Inclusive & Value-driven Exports" COLEAD is looking for a Programme Coordinator.
The specific objective of this new intervention
is to build and secure the capacity of horticulture farmer groups/cooperatives
and MSMEs to comply with stringent quality and safety standards in order to
access regional and international export markets.
The Programme Coordinator will be based in Harare (Zimbabwe) and
will work closely with COLEAD's programme management units in Nairobi (Kenya),
Brussels (Belgium) and Lomé (Togo).
As Programme Coordinator, you will be responsible for the smooth,
timely and effective coordination of programme activities, translating the
programme strategy into operational workplans, monitoring implementation
progress, anticipating risks and bottlenecks and facilitating coordination
between COLEAD teams, Zimbabwean stakeholders and institutional partners. More
specifically, the Programme Coordinator will be expected to
(non-exhaustive list):
- Lead the
day-to-day coordination and operational follow-up of programme implementation,
ensuring that activities are planned, sequenced, delivered and monitored
effectively in close collaboration with COLEAD’s technical departments, in
particular Technical Assistance and Training departments.
- Provide
strategic and operational oversight of the programme workplan, identifying
priorities, interdependencies, implementation risks and bottlenecks, and
proactively proposing corrective measures where needed, in close coordination
with COLEAD management.
- Coordinate the preparation,
execution, monitoring and reporting of the annual and periodic workplans,
including monitoring of the logical framework, operational performance
indicators, milestones, risks and deliverables.
- Ensure the timely and quality completion
of programme outputs by actively coordinating inputs from COLEAD’s different
implementation units, consultants, experts, partners, and beneficiary
organisations.
- Supervise
the design, implementation, and follow-up of individual development projects
for partner-beneficiaries across the private, public, and support services
sectors, in accordance with COLEAD procedures and in close coordination with
COLEAD’s Technical Assistance Department.
- Ensure
structured follow-up of decisions, action points and commitments arising from
internal coordination meetings, stakeholder consultations, missions, steering
mechanisms and partner exchanges.
- Contribute to the preparation for
the expenditure verification procedure(s) and implementation of potential
recommendations – where appropriate, in close collaboration with COLEAD Finance
and Administration Lead.
- Lead relationship-building efforts
with Zimbabwean stakeholders, including competent authorities, private sector
actors, professional organisations, and academia, among others.
- Represent the programme and COLEAD at national
and regional technical,
policy and institutional events,
workshops, and forums, where deemed necessary.
- Ensure continuous liaison with
institutional partners, notably the EU Delegation, relevant Zimbabwean
ministries, and development partners, as well as sector associations such as
the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) and ZimTrade.
- Coordinate with third-party projects
and programmes operating in similar thematic or geographic areas, with a view
to building synergies, avoiding duplication and leveraging complementary
support.
- Contribute to information-sharing, visibility
and communication activities in coordination with COLEAD’s communication team,
ensuring alignment with EU Delegation expectations and EU communication and
visibility guidelines.
This list of responsibilities is non-exhaustive
and may be adapted in line with the operational needs and strategic priorities
of the programme’s implementation context.
Requirements
- Higher education degree in a
relevant scientific or technical field (e.g., agronomy, agricultural sciences,
environmental science and technology, economics, management, project
management, or a related discipline).
- At least
ten (10) years of professional experience in Zimbabwe’s horticulture or
agri-food sector, including substantial experience in managing or coordinating
complex projects or programmes involving multiple stakeholders, technical
workstreams, budgets, reporting requirements and institutional partners.
- Demonstrated
experience in work planning, results-based management, monitoring of
indicators, risk management, reporting and coordination of multidisciplinary
teams or experts.
- Established
working relationships with key public and private stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s
horticulture sector, including government institutions, sector associations,
exporters, farmer organisations, service providers and/or development partners.
- Strong
understanding of agri-food value chains, from production to processing and
distribution, with a particular focus on export-oriented markets.
- Proven experience in enhancing the
competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of agricultural systems,
including compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, public and
private standards, and environmental and social safeguards.
- Demonstrated expertise in one or
more of the following areas: business and human resources management, plant
health, food safety, or regulatory compliance.
- Prior experience in international
cooperation or multicultural environments, including collaboration with
international teams, remote coordination and engagement with institutional
partners.
- Fluency in English is required.
Proficiency in other Zimbabwean languages (Shona, Ndebele) and other COLEAD
working languages (French, Spanish, or Portuguese) are considered an asset.
Other skills required
- Strong programme and project
management skills, including the ability to translate strategic objectives into
operational plans, prioritise activities, monitor progress, manage deadlines,
follow up on action points, and coordinate multiple workstreams simultaneously.
- Proven ability to anticipate
implementation risks, identify bottlenecks, propose practical solutions and
escalate issues appropriately when decisions or additional support are
required.
- High level of autonomy, proactivity
and ownership, with the ability to move tasks forward independently, seek
relevant information, engage stakeholders constructively and maintain momentum
across teams and partners.
- Proven leadership and coordination
skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and guide multidisciplinary
teams, consultants, experts and partner organisations towards shared objectives.
- Excellent communication abilities,
both written and oral, in face-to-face and digital environments, including the
capacity to write clearly, summarise complex information effectively, and
present information in a structured and compelling manner.
- Strong analytical and
problem-solving mindset, with a solution-oriented and constructive approach.
- Results-driven, with a strong focus
on quality, deadlines, accountability and achievement of programme objectives.
- Strong interpersonal and diplomatic
skills, with the ability to engage credibly with public institutions, private
sector actors, development partners and technical experts.
- Proficiency in basic IT tools,
particularly MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Prior
experience with CRM systems, digital project management tools and the Zoho
suite would be considered an advantage.
Benefits
This is a full-time position based in Harare,
with an initial contract duration of one (1) year, renewable.
Regular travel
within Zimbabwe is expected. In addition to national duties, the selected
candidate should be available for occasional short-term assignments in the
Eastern African region, as well as potential travel to Belgium or key export
markets for Zimbabwe.
The ideal start date is September 2026.
We offer a competitive remuneration package
aligned with market standards and reflective of the candidate’s experience and
qualifications. Depending on the selected
candidate’s profile, experience and the applicable legal framework in Zimbabwe,
the contractual arrangement may be established either through an Employer of
Record mechanism or through a service provision agreement, following COLEAD’s
internal assessment.
Joining COLEAD means becoming part of a passionate multicultural team.
It is also an opportunity to enjoy an enriching experience within a civil
society organisation working for cooperation and development in the agri-food
industry.
COLEAD's values are commitment, difference, humanity, performance and
continuous improvement.
To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and
professional references by Friday 7th of August 2026