Junior Project Officer

What we are looking for 

Hivos is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. We are currently seeking suitably qualified, highly competent, and motivated candidates to serve as Junior Project Officer to join our dynamic team.

Position Information

Location: Zimbabwe

Hours: 80% Level of Effort (LOE) (30 Hours Per Week)

Reports to: Project Manager

Team: Programs

Contract Type: Fixed – Term

Term: This appointment is for an initial term of nine months, with possibility of renewal, subject to donor funding availability, performance and organizational needs.

Office: Harare, Zimbabwe

Gross Salary Range: USD1659.39 -USD1860.20 per month

Deadline: 13 November 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Junior Project Officer, you will contribute to the implementation and performance of our projects/programs, supporting the delivery of results in line with agreed objectives, timelines, and budgets. The role operates as part of a project team and works closely with colleagues across finance, project assistance, communications, and advocacy functions to drive meaningful community impact.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• Support the implementation and delivery of project activities.
• Contribute to project design, planning, and execution.
• Ensure monitoring, reporting, and compliance with project requirements.
• Support teamwork and collaboration within project teams.
• Contribute to learning, improvement, and knowledge sharing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Project Implementation and Delivery

• Contribute directly to day-to-day project implementation.
• Execute clearly defined tasks and responsibilities within the project cycle.
• Ensure delivery of project outputs in line with agreed plans and timelines.
• Support the coordination of activities within the project team.

Project Design and Planning

• Assist the team in defining realistic project targets and deliverables.

 Monitoring, Reporting, and Control

• Monitor project progress against set objectives and planned activities.
• Support the preparation of high-quality narrative and financial reports.
• Identify project risks, issues, and deviations from plans early.
• Contribute to proposing creative solutions and corrective actions

Stakeholder Engagement and Teamwork

• Collaborate productively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support engagement activities with field partners and project beneficiaries.
• Contribute actively to team discussions, planning sessions, and evaluations.
• Consult proactively and transparently with the Project Manager and team members.

 Quality, Learning, and Improvement

• Participate in reflection and learning exercises at both the project and organizational level.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and continuous institutional improvement.
• Support the evaluation of project outputs and outcomes.
• Ensure strict alignment with established project standards and methodologies.

Internal Coordination

• Work closely with finance, communications, advocacy, and other support functions.
• Ensure seamless coordination and information sharing within the wider team.
• Contribute to smooth, efficient, and compliant daily project operations.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Project Management, International Relations, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in an administrative, programmatic, or project support role within the NGO/civil society sector. Relevant internships, fellowships, or structured volunteer work will be strongly considered.

Skills & Competencies

• Project Cycle Knowledge: Foundational understanding of NGO project management frameworks, tracking mechanisms, and project lifecycles.
• Reporting Skills: Strong ability to compile field data and support the drafting of narrative and financial reports in line with institutional donor requirements.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Ability to work smoothly within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating effectively with finance, communications, and advocacy teams.
• Stakeholder Sensitivity: Excellent interpersonal skills with cultural empathy and diplomacy needed to interface respectfully with community members, partners, and project beneficiaries.
• Proactive Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills, with a strong commitment to transparency and knowledge sharing.
• Organization & Adaptability: Exceptional time-management skills with the flexibility to quickly adjust tasks based on moving project objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Digital Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with digital project collaboration tools.

What we offer

We offer a stimulating work environment in a professional international organization with very dedicated staff. This position will be based in Harare, Zimbabwe. We offer a national contract based on Hivos local labour conditions, with comparatively competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and expertise.  Hivos welcomes international & regional applicants but can only offer a position to only those with a valid work permit for Zimbabwe.

Want to apply?

Please submit a cover letter (maximum 1 page) and CV (maximum 2 pages) as soon as possible by clicking the ‘Apply here’ button. Applications are being received until 13 November 2026, midnight CAT.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Hivos is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and strives to be representative of all sections of society. We know that different perspectives, experiences, and competences are key for Hivos to be a relevant, capable, and successful organization. Hivos therefore strives to recruit staff with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.  

Hivos is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and partners with whom Hivos engage. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Hivos also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. When you submit an application, you confirm your understanding of these recruitment procedures.