IRLI Programme Officer (National Staff Only)

Location: Embedded within SAIPAR, Lusaka

Reporting to: IRLI HQ

Contract Type: Full-time, 12-month renewable

Pilot Year: Jan 2026 – Dec 2026

1. Background

Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) and the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) have entered into a strategic partnership to support justice reform in Zambia. The collaboration includes research, professional development projects, legal technical assistance at institutional level, and a commitment to locally driven monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

As part of this initiative, IRLI will recruit a locally-based Programme Coordinator to be embedded within SAIPAR. This role is designed to support implementation of projects under the IRLI–SAIPAR Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), while also ensuring efficient communication, coordination, and implementation of IRLI’s HQ-run activities in Zambia.

2. Purpose of the Role

The Programme Coordinator will serve as IRLI’s focal point in Zambia, supporting representation and ground-level coordination and implementation of activities under the IRLI–SAIPAR MoU. The role includes logistical planning and support for monitoring visits, study visits, and joint or IRLI-led events organised in Zambia. The Coordinator will also ensure compliance with IRLI HQ processes, donor requirements, and the core principles underpinning the partnership.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Programme and Partnership Coordination

• Support the implementation of activities under the IRLI–SAIPAR Workplan, MoU and IRLI Access to Justice Programme.
• Nourish an effective working relationship between SAIPAR and IRLI, and with justice sector stakeholders and IRLI partners.
• Track progress against outputs, timelines, and deliverables agreed with key stakeholders.
• Ensure the quality of IRLI work in Zambia meets IRLI HQ standards.
• Organise, facilitate, and participate in regular coordination meetings and reporting calls between IRLI HQ and SAIPAR.

B. Administrative and Logistical Support

• Provide administrative support to the IRLI Programme and HQ team, including document preparation, filing, and correspondence.
• Coordinate logistics for workshops, meetings, field visits, and stakeholder consultations.
• Manage travel arrangements and accommodation for visiting staff and consultants travelling to Zambia and support the organisation of visits to Ireland by Zambian delegations.
• Retain records of activities, expenses, and logistical outputs as per IRLI documentation standards.

C. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (M&E)

• Support the development and rollout of M&E tools, including data collection forms, stakeholder feedback surveys, and baseline studies.
• Support with M&E training for IRLI’s key stakeholders.
• Assist with research, data collection, entry, validation, and draft reports to ensure an evidence-based approach to programme development and impact assessment.
• Contribute to outcome harvesting, learning reflections, and case study documentation.

D. Project Management and Reporting

• Utilise IRLI’s computer system/software to maintain up-to-date activity trackers and project dashboards for IRLI’s Zambia programme.
• Assist in drafting internal and external (i.e. donor) reports, including quarterly donor reports, field visit summaries, and success stories.
• Support preparation of financial reconciliations and timesheets for Zambia-based activities.

E. Communications and Representation

• Serve as a liaison for IRLI in Zambia, attending relevant justice sector events and reporting back to HQ.
• Contribute to IRLI’s visibility through note-taking, blog drafting, photo documentation, and media coordination (in consultation with IRLI’s Communications & Engagement Manager).

F. Research and Analysis

• Conduct legal, policy, and practice-based research to inform programme design, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy initiatives.
• Analyse findings from fieldwork, consultations, and secondary sources to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities related to access to justice in Zambia.
• Support the development of discussion papers, briefing notes, and other outputs in collaboration with IRLI HQ.
• Assist in compiling and synthesizing evidence for case studies, outcome harvesting, and reflective learning exercises.

4. Professional Experience Requirements

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in programme coordination, project implementation, justice sector reform, or access to justice initiatives, preferably in a multi-stakeholder or donor-funded environment.
• A Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required.
• Admission to the Zambian Bar is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience managing collaborative partnerships with civil society, government institutions, academic or research organizations, and/or international NGOs.
• Proven ability to coordinate and deliver complex programme activities, including stakeholder consultations, workshops, field visits, and reporting functions.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with experience conducting legal, policy, or social research and developing research tools such as surveys.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (M&E), including qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, validation, entry, and synthesis of findings.
• Experience producing high-quality written outputs such as donor reports, briefing notes, success stories, or knowledge products.
• Competence in administrative and logistical support, financial reconciliations, and documentation management.
• Familiarity with the Zambian justice system, access to justice frameworks, and legal aid organizations.
• Proficiency in digital tools for project tracking, document sharing, data analysis, and remote coordination.
• Professional fluency in English and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to highest professional standards, a full driving license, and a clean criminal record.

5. Reporting and Supervision

• Line Manager: IRLI’s Programme Manager/Deputy Director (HQ).
• Reports to Country Director & Director of Programmes. Works closely with the SAIPAR team to align on local delivery and ensure adequate representation in reporting.
• Participates in weekly IRLI HQ team meetings and regular check-ins, planning/review meetings.

6. Duration and Conditions

• Initial contract duration: 12 months (renewable). Probationary period of 3 months.
• Remuneration and benefits: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, in line with IRLI’s salary scales.
• Frequent national and international travel should be expected.
• Access to SAIPAR working space; a flexible working environment is required with an agreed minimum in-person presence at SAIPAR’s offices on a weekly basis.

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