Head of Systems and Operations

Role overview

People in Need is an international humanitarian and development organization established in 1992. It works across more than 20 countries, supporting vulnerable communities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe through relief, development assistance, human rights advocacy, and social inclusion initiatives.

For the Zambia country programme, the organization is recruiting a Head of Systems and Operations based in Lusaka. The contract is for 1 year with the option to extend, and the start date will be mutually agreed. The role reports directly to the Country Director.

About the Zambia programme

People in Need has operated in Zambia since 2017. The country office is based in Mongu, Western Province, and its work spans multisectoral programming in nutrition, agriculture, livelihoods, education, WASH, and energy.

What the role involves

The Head of Systems and Operations will provide leadership, technical guidance, and oversight across finance, logistics, and human resources. The position ensures that systems, procedures, and internal processes are harmonized, transparent, and aligned with both organizational standards and donor requirements. The role also leads capacity strengthening across support functions.

Key duties

• Make sure systems and operations enable delivery of the country strategy and that all procedures are applied transparently and in line with donor and organizational rules.
• Bring consistency to finance, HR, and logistics processes and procedures across the programme.
• Facilitate strong coordination and communication between support teams and programme teams.
• Monitor the overall economy of the country programme, identify operational, financial, and procedural risks, and help design practical solutions.
• Oversee support department budgets, strengthen planning and coordination, and contribute to support-function planning for new projects.
• Guide the finance team on budgeting, fund disbursement, and accounting workflows so operations run efficiently.
• Support the logistics team in office administration, fleet oversight, procurement, and stock and asset management, including logistics budgeting and planning.
• Supervise HR planning, including staff development plans, onboarding and training plans, leave management, allowances, and performance reviews.
• Lead and develop the local team through ongoing capacity building linked to individual development plans.
• Ensure support policies are regularly revised to fit the context and remain up to date.
• Maintain compliance with local laws and regulations related to visas, taxation, and labour matters.

Requirements

• A university degree in Finance, Economics, Logistics, Public Administration, Law, or another relevant discipline is preferred.
• Substantial prior experience managing systems, finance, logistics, administration, and HR.
• Proven ability to work with senior leadership, including the Country Director and Head of Programmes, to support country strategy and programme delivery.
• Experience in financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and donor compliance.
• Working knowledge of logistics and procurement systems, including asset tracking, fleet planning, and donor-compliant procurement.
• Experience managing HR processes such as recruitment, staff development, appraisals, and salary structure management in line with national law and organizational policy.
• Ability to build and lead teams across logistics, procurement, finance, and HR.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to keep operations effective under pressure, especially in field settings.
• Ability to create a team-oriented environment built on respect, transparency, personal accountability, and clear communication.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel ability and practical experience with accounting and finance software.

Compensation and benefits

The salary will follow People in Need’s salary scale and HR policy, with an expected range of EUR 3,250 to EUR 3,750 gross per month depending on experience.

Additional benefits include a monthly subsistence allowance of EUR 1,396 and accommodation provided by the organization or a housing allowance.

Leave entitlements include 25 days of annual leave and 10 sick days.

Travel support includes reimbursement of travel to the country of residence once every 6 months, visa and vaccination costs, assistance with visa processing, reimbursement of medical check-ups before and after deployment, and travel health insurance with medical care and repatriation coverage.

Well-being support includes 24/7 online medical assistance and free online psychological consultations.

Professional development support includes access to e-learning platforms, the PIN Learning Hub, global induction training, and role-appropriate capacity-building opportunities, including HEAT training where applicable.

Additional information

Applications should be submitted with a CV and a short cover letter through the organization’s application form. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, and the position may close once a suitable candidate is selected.

The organization has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, dishonesty, and financial misconduct, and it expects staff to follow its code of conduct and core policies. Relevant training will be required.

Employment offers are conditional on satisfactory references and background screening, which may include criminal record and terrorism finance checks.

The organization values diversity and gender equality and encourages candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.

Contract length: 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

Base location: Lusaka.

Line manager: Country Director.