Who Leads ZEF

The Chairman provides the vision and strategic leadership of ZEF, carrying forward the mission of its founders. The position represents the highest level of institutional stewardship and helps protect the Foundation’s mission, values, long-term direction and public credibility.

Key responsibilities

• Set and communicate the long-term vision and strategic direction of ZEF.
• Provide high-level leadership on institutional development and national positioning.
• Chair or lead Board-level strategic discussions in accordance with ZEF’s governing documents.
• Support major institutional, donor and strategic partnership relationships.
• Promote integrity, accountability, quality and sustainable impact.
• Review major organisational priorities and ensure alignment with the Foundation’s mission.
• Represent ZEF at high-level forums, where appropriate.
• Support succession, leadership development and long-term institutional strengthening.

The Board of Directors is the collective governing body responsible for governance, oversight and strategic accountability. Board responsibilities are exercised collectively and in accordance with ZEF’s registration documents, bylaws, applicable law and approved policies.

Key responsibilities

• Approve or oversee major institutional strategy and organisational direction.
• Provide governance and fiduciary oversight.
• Review organisational performance, risks and major institutional matters.
• Support transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of resources.
• Review major policies, plans and institutional controls.
• Provide strategic guidance to the CEO and senior management.
• Review major partnerships or commitments where Board approval is required.
• Protect the mission and long-term interests of ZEF.

The CEO is the principal executive manager responsible for translating Board-approved strategy into implementation. The CEO coordinates the functional heads, manages organisational performance and ensures that programmes and operations are delivered professionally.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day executive management of ZEF.
• Translate approved strategy into annual plans, programmes and operational priorities.
• Supervise and coordinate all Heads of Functional Areas.
• Review performance, budgets, implementation progress and organisational risks.
• Ensure effective communication between headquarters and provincial structures.
• Present management reports and recommendations to the Board.
• Build institutional relationships and support strategic partnerships.
• Ensure approved policies, standards and procedures are implemented.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, learning, accountability and measurable results.

Programme design, implementation, monitoring and impact across all ZEF core areas

The functional heads form the professional management layer beneath the CEO. Each Head is accountable for a defined organisational function and maintains clear plans, records, performance indicators and reporting arrangements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop programme concepts, plans and implementation frameworks.
• Coordinate programme teams and implementation partners.
• Monitor outputs, outcomes, quality and beneficiary reach.
• Maintain programme documentation and progress reports.
• Support needs assessments and evidence-based programme improvement.
• Coordinate ZEF’s core areas.

Government, NGOs, donors, educational institutions, businesses and strategic partners

The functional heads form the professional management layer beneath the CEO. Each Head is accountable for a defined organisational function and maintains clear plans, records, performance indicators and reporting arrangements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain institutional partnerships.
• Coordinate donor and partner engagement.
• Prepare partnership concepts, proposals and institutional presentations.
• Support MoUs, collaboration frameworks and partner due diligence.
• Maintain a structured partnership pipeline and relationship records.
• Coordinate with Programmes and the CEO on partnership delivery.

Budgeting, financial management, reporting, audit and financial controls

The functional heads form the professional management layer beneath the CEO. Each Head is accountable for a defined organisational function and maintains clear plans, records, performance indicators and reporting arrangements.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and monitor organisational and programme budgets.
• Maintain financial records and reporting systems.
• Support internal controls and responsible resource use.
• Coordinate audits and financial compliance.
• Provide management financial reports to the CEO and Board as required.
• Monitor programme expenditure against approved budgets.

Administration, HR, procurement, logistics, operational systems and facilities

The functional heads form the professional management layer beneath the CEO. Each Head is accountable for a defined organisational function and maintains clear plans, records, performance indicators and reporting arrangements.

Key responsibilities

• Manage administrative systems and operational procedures.
• Support recruitment, HR administration and staff systems.
• Coordinate procurement and logistics in accordance with policy.
• Maintain facilities and operational resources.
• Support operational risk management and business continuity.
• Ensure operational standards are consistently applied.

Internal coordination, reporting, communication, meetings and cross-functional follow-up

The functional heads form the professional management layer beneath the CEO. Each Head is accountable for a defined organisational function and maintains clear plans, records, performance indicators and reporting arrangements.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate organisational calendars, meetings and action points.
• Track decisions and follow-up responsibilities.
• Support communication between departments and provinces.
• Consolidate routine management information and reports.
• Facilitate cross-department collaboration.
• Support timely escalation of implementation issues to the CEO.

Legal affairs, contracts, regulatory compliance, policies and organisational risk

The functional heads form the professional management layer beneath the CEO. Each Head is accountable for a defined organisational function and maintains clear plans, records, performance indicators and reporting arrangements.

Key responsibilities

• Provide or coordinate legal review of contracts and agreements.
• Maintain a compliance calendar and regulatory records.
• Support policy development and governance documentation.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks and advise management.
• Coordinate external legal counsel where required.
• Promote compliance with applicable laws and ZEF’s governing documents.

Provincial Coordinators

Provincial Coordinators are the provincial implementation and coordination link between ZEF’s national management and local institutions, communities and partners. They operate within approved policies, budgets, delegated authority and programme plans.