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10 hours ago
The Fifth Element is Hiring
The Fifth Element is recruiting two early-career professionals to join its team as a Programme Assistant and Programme Associate – Earth-Humanity Coalition and Reframing Research & Innovation .
Both opportunities are full-time and remote and offer early-career exposure to organisations and thinkers working on systemic change, regeneration and intergenerational leadership.
About The Fifth Element
The Fifth Element is an initiative of the Club of Rome that works to convene organisations and individuals seeking to reframe human development for wellbeing on a healthy planet.
Its team operates across four continents and works with collaborators in more than 35 countries. The organisation emphasises learning, systems thinking and ubuntu.
Job Summary
- Employer: The Fifth Element / Club of Rome
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Project Management
- Salary: commensurate with experience
- Closing Date: 2026-10-25
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate contributions from project partners and third parties.
- Support project initiation and infrastructure set-up for new initiatives.
- Collect and organise performance data.
- Proofread and edit content, proposals and other written materials.
- Manage the Principal’s calendar and stakeholder meetings.
- Maintain coordination tools, agendas, decisions and action items.
- Support the planning and delivery of convenings and team events.
- Assist with monitoring, evaluation and learning processes.
- Support expense tracking, travel arrangements and equipment.
- Provide administrative and organisational support to the Club of Rome international secretariat.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in project management, supply chain management, engineering, business administration, environmental science, information systems or a similar quantitative or systems-oriented discipline.
- An interest in climate change, sustainable development, youth engagement or locally led adaptation.
- One or two years of experience in programme coordination, project support or administration. Recent graduates with strong implementation-focused extracurricular experience may also be considered.
- Familiarity with AI, project tracking and calendar management tools.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Strong written and spoken English. Other languages are an advantage.
Salary
commensurate with experience
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: clubofrome.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to apply for a Programme Assistant or Programme Associate role with an international organization in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, international development, project management, or a related social science field. A postgraduate qualification or professional certification in project management (such as PRINCE2 or PMP) significantly strengthens your application. Relevant coursework in sustainability, climate policy, or systems thinking is highly valued given the Earth-Humanity Coalition focus.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Programme Assistant or Associate in Zimbabwe?
You will coordinate project activities, prepare reports and documentation, liaise with local stakeholders and government ministries, and support event logistics for workshops and consultations. The role involves substantial data collection, monitoring project indicators, and ensuring compliance with donor reporting requirements. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital collaboration tools is essential for remote coordination with international headquarters.
How does work culture differ in Zimbabwean offices compared to international NGO environments, and what should I expect?
Zimbabwean professional culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy, formal communication protocols, and relationship-building before task execution—expect longer initial meetings focused on establishing trust. International organizations like the Club of Rome balance this with results-oriented deadlines and direct feedback cultures, so adaptability is crucial. Punctuality is valued but flexibility around local challenges such as power outages or transport disruptions is typically understood.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Programme Assistants and Associates working in Zimbabwe's development sector?
With three to five years of experience, progression to Programme Officer or Manager roles is common, particularly if you demonstrate successful grant management and stakeholder engagement. Specializing in climate finance, systems research, or policy advocacy opens pathways to senior technical advisory positions regionally or globally. Many professionals also transition into consulting, doctoral studies, or founding their own social enterprises leveraging established networks.
What benefits are typically included in full-time programme roles with international organizations based in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage (often requiring co-payments), pension contributions to NSSA or private schemes, and annual leave entitlements ranging from twenty to thirty days depending on organizational policy. Some employers provide housing allowances, transport subsidies, or hardship differentials for internationally recruited staff. Always clarify whether benefits are gross or net of statutory deductions during offer negotiations.
How should I prepare my application, and what do Zimbabwean employers and international organizations specifically look for in candidates?
Tailor your CV to highlight quantifiable project outcomes, grant management experience, and any exposure to participatory research or multi-stakeholder facilitation. A compelling cover letter should demonstrate knowledge of the Club of Rome's planetary boundaries framework and specific relevance to African contexts. Prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and examples of navigating resource-constrained environments successfully.
