Head of Mission - Zimbabwe

job Description

Head of Mission - Zimbabwe
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe | Contract: 12 months, renewable | Starting: 15 July 2025

About CESVI:
CESVI is an international humanitarian organization committed to fostering sustainable development, environmental protection, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities. Since establishing operations in Zimbabwe in 1998, CESVI has strategically focused on enhancing livelihoods, especially through entrepreneurship in agriculture and the green economy. CESVI’s mission in Zimbabwe is to strengthen micro and small enterprises, improve market linkages, and build climate resilience while promoting social cohesion and environmental stewardship.

Current Programmatic Landscape:
CESVI Zimbabwe operates with support from key institutional donors including the European Union (EU), the International Climate Initiative (IKI), and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). Current interventions span sustainable land use, climate-smart agriculture, community-based adaptation to climate change, and protection of vulnerable populations.

EU Project: Focuses on improving environmentally sustainable land use for resilient livelihoods through conservation, community-driven development, and ecological prosperity.

IKI Project: Implements community-based adaptation (CBA) strategies, facilitating access to seasonal climate forecasts through Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) and empowering communities to develop and implement Community Adaptation Action Plans (CAAPs).

AICS Project (launching soon): Targets economic revitalization in Chiredzi and Bikita through climate-smart agro-sylvo-pastoralist practices like solar irrigation, goat farming, and agroforestry, with a strong focus on women, youth, and sustainable land governance.

House of Smiles – Harare: Operational since 2004, this multi-service center provides psychosocial care, healthcare, meals, education support, vocational training, and family reintegration services to vulnerable children and youth in partnership with the Department of Social Development.

Role Overview
The Head of Mission (HoM) will lead the strategic, programmatic, and operational functions of CESVI Zimbabwe, ensuring the effective implementation of existing projects and the development of new initiatives. Based in Harare with frequent travel to field sites, the HoM will report to the Regional Manager based in Nairobi and coordinate with CESVI HQ in Italy.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Program Leadership
-Lead the definition and regular updating of the Country Strategy.
-Identify key sectors and geographic priorities for expansion.
-Coordinate proposal development and guide long-term programming aligned with CESVI’s global vision.

2. Project Oversight and Operational Management
-Supervise and support project implementation, ensuring timeliness, efficiency, and impact.
-Ensure robust monitoring and reporting in coordination with the regional and HQ teams.
-Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration and compliance with CESVI procedures.

3. Administrative and Financial Governance
-Oversee country office operations, asset management, procurement, and financial accountability.
-Ensure compliance with donor regulations and local laws.
-Support project cash flow planning and financial reporting.

4. Human Resources Management
-Lead local HR policy implementation and compliance with Zimbabwean labour laws.
-Facilitate staff development and training on safeguarding, anti-fraud, and ethical conduct.
-Participate in recruitment and performance review processes.

5. External Relations and Resource Mobilization
-Represent CESVI in national and international forums, maintaining strong relations with donors, partners, and government stakeholders.
-Coordinate with Alliance2015 partners and other INGOs.
-Monitor funding opportunities and contribute to new proposal submissions.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Qualifications:
-Master’s degree in International Development, Project Management, or related fields.
-Minimum 7 years of senior leadership experience in international development, preferably in East Africa.
-Proven experience in food security, climate-smart agriculture, DRR, and humanitarian assistance.
-Strong understanding of donor regulations (EU, ECHO, UN, AICS).
-Demonstrated success in resource mobilization and donor engagement.
-Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
-Fluent in English; excellent writing and communication skills.

Desirable:
-Previous experience working in Zimbabwe.
-Proficiency in Italian.
-Strong capacity-building and partnership development skills.