Chief of Party (COP) – Zambia – Acting on Climate Change Together

Company Description

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

Job Description

Project Description

The goal of the Acting on Climate Change Together (ACCT) Activity is to reduce the adverse impacts of climate-related disasters on education for children, including children with disabilities (CwD). The activity will meaningfully engage communities, children, schools, disabled person organizations and provide opportunities to collaboratively develop and implement disability-inclusive climate programs and approaches.

Position Description

The Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall leadership, strategic vision and direction, program management, and serve as the principal liaison to USAID and national Ministry of Education, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, and Ministry of Health staff. The COP will ensure that the program effectively integrates disability-inclusive disaster preparedness into education systems, promotes environmental awareness among children and youth and increases the enrollment of children with disabilities in schooling. The COP will also be responsible for building sustainable partnerships across local stakeholders, fostering an inclusive and participatory environment, and guiding the implementation of the program's goals.

Qualifications

Education:

A minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as education, environmental studies, climate change adaptation, disaster management, or public policy.

Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of senior-level experience leading large-scale, complex education programs or climate change adaptation projects, preferably in disaster-prone regions.
• At least 10 years of progressively increasing responsibility working in education, disaster risk reduction and preparedness, climate resilience, or disability inclusive education, with experience in sub-Saharan Africa preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing or overseeing climate change adaptation strategies, particularly for the education sector (e.g., continuity planning during natural disasters).
• Experience integrating disability and social inclusion in programming to ensure access for all.
• Ability to establish professional relationships and work collaboratively with government agencies, donors, civil society, and community-based organizations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate a common vision and foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Prior experience managing USAID-funded or similar donor-funded agreements with a focus on education, climate resilience, or disaster preparedness.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Proficiency in Nyanja and/or Lozi is a plus. 

Additional Information

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V) and has Affirmative Action Plans for Women and Minorities and for Disabled Workers and Veterans. EDC is a smoke-free workplace.