The Portfolio Manager – Africa is a strategic, cross-cutting role responsible for overseeing the coherence, design and performance of an assigned project portfolio in line with Hivos’ strategy.
The role leads program and project design, contributes to idea generation and proposal development, steers portfolio-level planning and reporting, leads project managers, and drives quality, compliance and continuous improvement.
Job Summary
- Employer: Hivos
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-09-24
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure strategic coherence and alignment across the project portfolio.
- Design projects and develop thematically solid propositions in line with Hivos’ strategy.
- Generate ideas for proposal development in line with Hivos’ strategy.
- Provide strategic advice for developing new programs and projects.
- Analyze and provide strategic recommendations on the political, social and economic context of countries in the assigned project portfolio.
- Oversee improvement processes resulting from audits and support the consolidation of good practices.
- Design, implement and evaluate advocacy strategies.
- Initiate, facilitate and manage or co-manage relevant advocacy activities and events.
- Draft project reports and presentations, summarizing progress and insights.
- Develop workstream and project plans aligned with frameworks.
- Support risk, issue and dependency tracking and mitigation.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities.
- Supervise closeout processes for the assigned project portfolio.
- Support the development of funding proposals.
- Analyze project data and prepare insights reports.
- Support process improvement initiatives and horizon scanning.
- Supervise local and regional project managers, allocate work and contribute to appraisals.
- Identify and report non-compliance with organizational policies.
Requirements
- A Master’s degree in business, law, development, public administration or an equivalent discipline.
- At least 10 years of regional and/or international programme management experience .
- A proven track record in strategic thinking within complex operations.
- Extensive experience in team leadership and staff supervision.
- Demonstrable project and financial management skills.
- Experience in resource mobilisation and developing large and small funding proposals.
- Strong project planning, reporting and prioritization skills.
- Experience supporting and coordinating requirements gathering and change management processes.
- Experience developing effective advocacy strategies.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to identify and make use of advocacy opportunities.
- Ability to link results and lessons to wider program outcomes.
- Understanding of the contexts of Southern, Eastern, Western and Central African countries and territories.
- Strong data analysis and insight generation skills.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and expectation management skills.
- Ability to manage resistance and handle issues effectively.
- Familiarity with modern project management tools.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Fluency in English. French is an asset.
How to Apply
About the Company
Hivos is a human rights and social justice organization. It supports organizations and movements that address a broad range of human, civil, and political rights in The Americas, Africa, Europe, and Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA). It is one of very few INGOs with a distinctly humanist ethos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this Portfolio Manager role?
A Master's degree in International Development, Business Administration, or a related field is usually expected. Professional certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are highly valued to demonstrate project management expertise.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Portfolio Manager in this sector?
You will likely oversee multiple projects, ensuring they align with strategic goals and donor requirements. Daily tasks include monitoring budgets, managing stakeholder relationships, and producing detailed progress reports.
What is the local work culture and expectation for international NGOs in Zimbabwe?
There is a strong emphasis on diplomatic communication and building trust with local community leaders and government bodies. Employees are expected to be adaptable and resilient when navigating the country's complex economic environment.
What are the typical benefits provided to employees in these types of roles in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages usually include comprehensive medical aid and a contributory pension scheme. Many organizations also offer generous annual leave and professional development allowances.
What is the realistic career progression for someone starting as a Portfolio Manager?
Successful managers often progress into Regional Director roles or Senior Strategic Advisory positions. Some may transition into independent consultancy for major international donors across the African continent.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications should be submitted through the official portal with a tailored CV and a strong cover letter. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate a proven track record of managing large-scale grants and a deep understanding of the African socio-political landscape.
