Team Leader (TL), Nampula, Mozambique

Position: Team Leader (TL)

Location:

Nampula, Mozambique

Job Id: 1140

# of Openings: 1

Team Leader (TL)

DI is seeking a Team Leader (Head of Team) to be proposed to lead a new program funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation Switzerland. The new program will strengthen selected municipalities along the Nacala corridor (Nampula and Niassa provinces) to become drivers of inclusive local economic development. Working across up to five municipalities, the program will use a Local Economic Development (LED) approach that combines governance reform, public-private collaboration, and performance-based grants to improve the business environment, enhance enterprise competitiveness, and increase employment — particularly for youth and women.

Democracy International International seeks a driven, results-oriented Team Leader to propose who brings together deep expertise in local economic development and municipal governance programming. The ideal candidate thrives in complex, fragile environments and knows how to translate strategy into tangible outcomes at the local level. They are a skilled team builder who can inspire while working hand-in-glove with leading local partners.

The Team Leader is responsible for the full cycle of Phase I implementation — from finalising the Project Document and Theory of Change in the first three months, to managing operations, finances, partnerships, and reporting throughout the four-year phase.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead programme design, management, and implementation in compliance with SDC guidelines and the approved results framework
• Establish structured collaboration between municipal authorities, private sector, and civil society to operationalise a joint local economic development vision
• Operationalise performance-based grants and apply Market Systems Development principles to address systemic constraints on inclusive growth
• Build municipal staff capacity through mentoring, co-location, and progressive handover of responsibilities — prioritising sustainability over consultant reliance
• Manage a budget of up to CHF 6,000,000, including semi-annual and annual financial and operational reporting to SDC
• Coordinate with government institutions, other SDC-funded programmes, and international partners including the World Bank and African Development Bank

Education and experience

• Relevant higher education degree or equivalent professional experience
• Confirmed experience managing complex, multi-sectoral projects of comparable size and scope, including financial and human resources management
• Demonstrated experience implementing effective development approaches in a decentralised governance setting in Southern Africa, ideally in northern Mozambique
• Proven track record supporting local government capacity building and gradual handover of implementation responsibilities

Technical expertise

• Strong understanding of Mozambique's socio-political context, including decentralisation policy and private sector development challenges
• Experience with Market Systems Development (MSD) and/or public-private partnership frameworks
• Experience designing and managing performance-based funding mechanisms
• Experience in system and institution building, legal reform, and policy dialogue to improve the business-enabling environment (advantageous)

Leadership and stakeholder engagement

• Proven capacity to coordinate diverse public and private stakeholders at national and local levels
• Strong result-oriented management skills: strategic planning, human resources, and financial oversight
• Experience steering and mentoring teams with a focus on progressive redistribution of tasks and responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills; capacity to anticipate issues and identify forward-looking solutions

Cross-cutting competencies

• Proven track record in gender analysis and addressing gender-specific needs in LED programmes
• Experience mainstreaming gender equality, good governance, anti-corruption, and climate change adaptation
• Established network with local authorities and businesses in Mozambique (advantage if within Nampula and Niassa)
• Experience with results measurement and monitoring and learning (M&E) systems

Language requirements

• English: C1 level (CEFR) — programme reporting language
• Portuguese: B2 level (CEFR) — primary implementation and stakeholder engagement language

Operational requirements

• Professional experience in Southern Africa, preferably in Mozambique
• Experience leading SDC or related programming

Application Process:

Interested applicants MUST submit a CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.

Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

About the Organization:

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.