Partnerships and Mobilization Lead - Improving Access Activity

Job description

About Fika Fika (formerly "Bridges to Prosperity") advances innovative, cost-effective rural infrastructural solutions through advocacy, evidence, and technical assistance to promote safe access for geographically isolated communities through partnership with governments and donors. Our evidence-based approach demonstrates that safe, reliable access unlocks opportunity and drives economic and social development in rural areas. Opportunity Overview Fika is seeking an experienced and dynamic Partnerships and Mobilization Lead to lead the non-physical infrastructure component of an anticipated Improving Access Activity — a key component of a large-scale, donor-funded transport infrastructure program in Zambia that addresses physical and non-physical barriers to mobility and market access for rural communities along a major economic corridor. As the non-physical infrastructure component lead, the Partnerships and Mobilization Lead is accountable for strengthening government partnerships at all levels, leading participatory community engagement and mobilization, and supervising the Activity's environmental and social performance. The role reports to the Improving Access Activity Team Leader, with a dotted-line relationship to the Fika Zambia Senior Partnerships Manager (and collaborating with the Fika Zambia Country Director) to ensure partner and stakeholder engagement is streamlined and coordinated with Fika Zambia’s core programming. This position is contingent on program funding and client approvals. Responsibilities Government Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement Strengthen and sustain partnerships with government at national and subnational levels (ministries and agencies, district councils, Ward Development Committees, and traditional leadership) in tandem with Fika Zambia's Senior Partnerships Manager and Country Director and the IAA Team Leader, alongside farmer organizations, civil society, and development partners. Community Engagement & Participatory Planning Lead participatory community engagement and mobilization, including operationalization of a bespoke Participatory Rural Access to Markets (P-RAM) model, so that community priorities shape infrastructure decisions, and strengthen ward and district planning capacity (CDF, WDCs, and Integrated Development Plans). Lead sex-differentiated social assessments and needs assessments that inform Activity design and delivery. Environmental & Social Performance and Safeguarding Supervise the Activity's environmental and social performance, including ZEMA-aligned screening and compliance, social safeguards and resettlement, and environmental and social management plans, in line with donor and national standards, supervising specialists and sub-partners. Lead road-safety and safe, secure mobility programming and the prevention of SHEA/SEA and trafficking in persons, using a survivor-centered approach. Team Leadership & Coordination Supervise community engagement, safeguards, and partnerships staff, and coordinate with the Team Leader, Senior Infrastructure Engineer, and Operations Lead. Qualifications and Experience Advanced degree in social sciences, development studies, environmental and social management, public policy or administration, or a closely related field. Minimum of 7–10 years across government partnerships, participatory community engagement and mobilization, and environmental and social performance on donor-funded programs; experience in rural development is required, and transport-oriented experience is a strong asset. Demonstrated experience overseeing environmental compliance and conducting social safeguards work (screening, management plans, and resettlement) in line with donor standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards) and national regulations. Demonstrated experience leading community outreach and engagement through participatory consultations and needs assessments. Experience with gender and social inclusion (GESI) and the prevention of GBV, SHEA/SEA, and trafficking in persons; familiarity with Zambia's decentralization framework (CDF, WDCs, IDPs). Full professional proficiency in English is required; Zambian languages are a strong asset; established government and civil society networks in Zambia are an advantage. Commitment to Fika's mission, values, and ethical standards, including child safeguarding, integrity, and inclusion. Process Interested candidates are invited to submit an application indicating their expertise and relevant experience. The process includes review of CV and cover letter against the requirements, shortlisting and interviews, reference verification, and final selection per Fika's hiring policies. This position is subject to donor approval and program award. Work Conditions Location: Lusaka, Zambia, with regular travel to program areas along the activity corridor; this is an in-person role (no remote or hybrid arrangements). Position Type: Full-time, project-based; subject to availability of donor funds. Duration: Fixed-term, commensurate with the program award period. Language: English (full professional proficiency required); Zambian local languages (asset). Nationality / Right to Work: Based in Zambia. Zambian nationals and candidates with the existing right to work in Zambia are strongly encouraged to apply. Contingency Status: Contingent upon program award and applicable donor approvals. Application Guidelines To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter indicating your primary area(s) of expertise and relevant partnerships, community engagement, and environmental and social performance experience and general availability, addressing your experience strengthening government partnerships, leading participatory community engagement and mobilization for rural development, and overseeing environmental compliance and social safeguards. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Fika is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment for all staff and consultants. CV Guidelines Length: Maximum 4 pages. Education: Highlight relevant degrees and recognized certifications. Exclude: personal information (photos, gender, religion, marital status, dependents) and non-certified training. Data Protection and Privacy Notice By submitting your application, you consent to Fika collecting, storing, and processing your personal data to evaluate your qualifications for this and potential future opportunities, retained only as long as necessary and in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the EU GDPR. You may access, rectify, or delete your personal information at any time by contacting . Fika will not share your data with third parties except as necessary for legitimate business purposes or as required by law.