Project Officer – Green Project (Wedza)

job Description

Job Reference: SOS/4/2/25
Position Title: Project Officer – Green Project
Location: Wedza
Reports To: Family Strengthening Coordinator

About SOS Children's Villages Zimbabwe
Established in 1949, SOS Children's Villages International (CVI) is a global social development organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. SOS Children's Villages Zimbabwe, a member of CVI, provides vulnerable children with family-based care, education, and family-strengthening initiatives to combat poverty and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Purpose of the Role
The Project Officer will be responsible for implementing climate-smart agriculture and energy solutions that drive three key outcomes:
-Strengthening collaboration among the government, private sector, CSOs, and communities to promote climate-smart and eco-friendly energy solutions.
-Enhancing the resilience and financial security of families through increased income and food production.
-Empowering women, young people, and children to manage and sustain their environment effectively.
-The role includes capacity-building initiatives, partnerships, community development, and climate-smart interventions, such as establishing biogas systems, green economy hubs, and school-based climate-smart income-generating activities (IGAs).
-Additionally, the Project Officer will support training on climate change, business registration for women and youth, and vocational skills development.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program Implementation & Management
-Lead the implementation of project activities in line with the project concept note and results framework.
-Develop and execute climate-smart agriculture and green energy initiatives for targeted communities.
-Support the establishment of community-based climate change structures and green economy hubs.
-Oversee the installation and maintenance of biogas systems and promote sustainable energy solutions.

2. Risk Management & Compliance
-Identify and assess environmental and operational risks, including fraud, fiduciary, and safeguarding risks.
-Implement mitigation measures and ensure compliance with environmental standards and SOS safeguarding policies.

3. Partnerships & Community Engagement
-Build and maintain strategic partnerships with the private sector, CSOs, and government stakeholders.
-Organize community meetings and training sessions on climate-smart technologies and environmental management.
-Strengthen school-based environmental clubs and facilitate knowledge-sharing on climate resilience.

4. Project Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
-Track and report project performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and budget utilization.
-Conduct field visits, surveys, and stakeholder feedback sessions to assess project impact.
-Prepare and submit comprehensive progress reports and contribute to project reviews.

5. Financial & Asset Management
-Oversee the project’s budget, financial planning, and expenditure tracking to ensure value for money (VFM).
-Ensure proper utilization and maintenance of project assets, including biogas systems and green hubs.
-Work with finance teams to ensure accurate financial forecasting and reporting.

6. Capacity Building & Livelihood Support
-Provide training on green economy principles, business development, and vocational skills for youth and women.
-Support registration of community businesses and provide startup kits for income-generating activities.
-Train caregivers on household environmental management for sustainable community impact.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Competencies:
-Self-motivated, results-driven professional with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
-Ability to work independently while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
-Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
-Experience in project planning, implementation, and results-based management.
-Knowledge of climate change, sustainable livelihoods, and green energy solutions.
-Ability to develop and manage relationships with youth, communities, and external partners.
-Demonstrated ability to handle tight deadlines while ensuring project quality.

Minimum Qualifications:
-A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
-At least 3 years (for Master’s holders) or 5 years (for degree holders) of experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and youth empowerment initiatives.

Practical experience in:
-Climate-smart agriculture and green energy solutions.
-Sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment projects.
-Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
-Proficiency in financial management and reporting within donor-funded projects.
-Class 3 driver’s license and ability to ride a motorbike (mandatory).

How to Apply

SOS Children’s Villages Zimbabwe is committed to child safeguarding and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct. All applicants will undergo background checks and reference verification.

Application Process:
Email your application with the subject line: “Project Officer – Green Project (Wedza)”.
Attach the following documents:
Detailed CV with at least three traceable referees.
Certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
Submit your application before 21 February 2025 to:
📩 Email: [email protected]

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Late or incomplete applications (missing CV or certified certificates) will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.