Team Leader: Improving Access Activity

Team Leader Jobs in Lusaka – Improving Access Activity at Fika

Fika, a leader in advancing innovative and cost-effective rural infrastructure solutions, is seeking an experienced Team Leader for its Improving Access Activity in Lusaka, Zambia. This contract role offers an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about improving rural connectivity and access along a major economic corridor, supporting farming communities and rural populations.

About Fika and the Improving Access Activity

Formerly known as “Bridges to Prosperity,” Fika partners with governments and donors to promote safe and reliable access for geographically isolated communities. The Improving Access Activity is a critical component of a large-scale, donor-funded transport infrastructure program designed to overcome physical and non-physical barriers to mobility and market access in rural Zambia.

This Activity will deliver a comprehensive set of interventions including rural transport infrastructure development, enhancement of government capacity in road asset management and rural access planning, and integration of digital tools for needs assessment and infrastructure prioritization. It also emphasizes community engagement frameworks and standards development, implemented in close collaboration with national and subnational government institutions.

Key Responsibilities for Team Leader Jobs in Lusaka

• Strategic and Technical Leadership: Lead the overall strategy, technical direction, and operational management of the Improving Access Activity, ensuring high-quality, integrated delivery aligned with program objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary liaison with client field representatives and manage relationships with government ministries, local authorities, development partners, and community organizations.
• Financial and Contractual Oversight: Monitor budgets, manage contracts and subawards, and ensure compliance with donor regulations and Fika policies.
• Team Leadership and Capacity Building: Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Representation: Represent Fika at technical forums, government meetings, and coordination events to advocate for the Activity’s goals.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Advanced degree in civil engineering, infrastructure planning, international development, public policy, or a closely related discipline; engineering background strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in international development focusing on infrastructure programs, with specific expertise in rural transport or access infrastructure.
• 5 to 7 years of senior leadership experience managing donor-funded projects, demonstrating successful delivery of complex programs.
• Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder programs involving government, donors, and community actors in developing countries.
• Experience with donor compliance, procurement, financial management, and reporting.
• Familiarity with participatory community engagement, gender and social inclusion frameworks, and safeguarding practices.
• Knowledge of technology-enabled infrastructure planning, GIS tools, or rural access assessment is an asset.
• Established networks within Zambia’s government and development sectors are highly advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with full professional proficiency in English; knowledge of Bemba or other local languages is a plus.
• Commitment to Fika’s values, including child safeguarding, integrity, and inclusion.

Application Process and Work Conditions

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting their CV and cover letter detailing relevant expertise via Fika’s careers portal. The selection process includes application review, interviews, reference checks, and final selection in line with Fika’s hiring policies. Please note that this position is contingent upon donor funding and approvals.

The role is based in Lusaka, Zambia, requiring regular travel to program sites along the corridor. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available. This is a full-time, fixed-term contract position dependent on program funding and satisfactory performance.