Job Details

Job Description

Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research and Innovation

Open Window University is a newly formed specialist university, with a focus on the Creative Arts including the moving image, photography, game and digital design. Fully accredited with the Higher Education Authority, we are striving to be a forward-thinking voice for creativity within Zambia and across the continent, with a strong emphasis on relevant Afrocentric practice. We value passionate people that are willing to grow with us and are ready to invest in the dynamic future of our institution.

Job Overview

The DVC – R&I shall oversee the work of the University staff and other stakeholders in the review of the existing research portfolio, development of new research programmes and recruitment of academic teams of the highest calibre to support research, knowledge transfer and innovation.

He/she must be, at least, a senior lecturer with an excellent track record of leadership and academic achievements, including international research experience, resource mobilisation, coordinating research and innovation programmes, managing research grant schemes, particularly research outputs to inform teaching and learning, and engagement with stakeholders through public and policy dialogues, reporting on research priorities/achievements and other institutional development projects at university level.

He/she must have a sustained and robust track record of research experience and should have led research projects. Evidence of experiences of being part of research teams, committees, or/and leading research programmes or institutes with visible public policy impact in Zambia, the SADC region and globally, will be a valuable and an added advantage.

He/she shall hold office for 4 years and may be eligible for reappointment for another term.

Key tasks and responsibilities include: Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, provide leadership, strategic direction and overseeing the development and implementation of the University’s strategic goals in the area of research, innovation, grants and partnerships in line with the Higher Education Act No.4 of 2013, as read together with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021.

The incumbent will be responsible for, among others, the following:

A.LEADERSHIP

• Provide strategic direction for the advancement of research, knowledge transfer and innovation to support both quality education and engagement with stakeholders to maximise socio-economic and environmental impact.
• Design the overall research programme to respond to the policies/strategies agreed by the University Council, University Senior Management Team and, where appropriate, the Senate.
• Provide strategic partnerships with Government policy makers, private sector, civil society, national and international partners to sensitise them on the university’s research strategy and to develop research programmes to respond to the priorities of various stakeholders.
• Develop relationships and networks with key internal and external stakeholders for the dissemination of research outputs and to influence and shape the development of national policy relating to research.
• Work with the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, and Senior Management Team to promote a culture of research- informed teaching/learning across the University to enhance student experiences.
• Promote a culture of knowledge generation and sharing through research and publication of research outputs, application of research and innovation to develop the next generation of leaders.

B. RESOURCE MOBILISATION

• Develop a resource mobilisation strategy to attract funding for research and consultancy.
• Lead the University’s innovation and commercialization strategy including the protection of intellectual assets, through building of strategic alliances with Government, industry, local and international research institutes.
• Work closely with internal/external stakeholders to support the development for investment in research and innovation.
• Develop bilateral relationships of mutual benefit to generate funding for research and consultancy, working with partner universities, regional, national and international alliances and networks.
• Work with the Senior Management Team and Deans to ensure that emerging technology platforms are implemented so that opportunities for external funding are fully exploited.

C. COORDINATING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROGRAMMES

• Oversee the planning and delivery of the University’s research, knowledge transfer and innovation programmes.Initiate policies, processes, and structures aimed at developing a research culture, improving quality, and enhancing the dissemination and impact of research outputs.
• Promote interdisciplinary research in the University’s funding programme to ensure that priority activities are considered with targets to track progress.
• Coordinate the workforce planning process to address gaps in staffing, develop initiatives to attract, develop and retain researchers of the highest quality, including higher degrees by research. Coordinate performance reviews to assess skills/aspirations of research staff; and introduce training opportunities based on the development needs of staff.

D. MANAGING AND ADMINISTERING RESEARCH AWARDS SCHEMES

• Work with the University departments and staff to grow external research income and champion a change in research culture.
• Foster excellence in research and knowledge transfer through critical evaluation of proposals for quality, effectiveness and impact.
• Negotiate and manage external research contracts and consultancies.
• Support the University’s medium and long-term research priorities and aspirations.
• Provide support to staff and students engaged in research and consultancy.
• Set standards for research, branding, quality assurance and control.

E. GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

• Ensure the formulation, implementation and review of policies and strategies pertaining to Research, Consultancy and Innovation.
• Provide oversight on all research, innovation and consultancy functions of the University.
• Serve as the Chairperson of the Research, Consultancy and Innovation Board.
• Provide effective leadership in promoting scholarly research in order to enhance the research profile of the University and disseminate research findings in the form of articles, books or other appropriate means.
• Provide leadership in ensuring that the University generates revenue through research, consultancy and innovations, required for effective operations of the research and innovation function of the University.
• Provide leadership in the performance management of heads of research units and leading in building a competent, experienced and motivated workforce in the area of research, consultancy and innovation.
• Establish links and collaborations with other universities, research institutions and any other beneficial organisations both at national and international levels.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction in all matters relating to alumni advancement and international relations.
• Ensure preparation of quarterly and annual operational performance reports on research, consultancy and innovations.

F. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Full Grade 12 school certificate or its equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university;
• Master’s degree from a reputable university
• Earned PhD from a reputable university;
• Minimum 5 years at senior lecturer level;
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with proven ability in guiding and directing senior research staff in dealing with proposal writing, grant application, establishing research priorities and in delivering complex research programmes.
• Excellent track record of working with stakeholders for resource mobilization to support research programmes and partners.
• Significant publication record with experience and with an H-Index of
• Significant experience in supervising and teaching at postgraduate level.Proof of valid membership in a professional body.

G. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to interact with colleagues and other stakeholders on research, knowledge transfer and innovation projects.
• Knowledge of use of technologies and information management software or similar tools for academic research and resource management.
• Training and experience in strategic planning and managing change in tertiary/higher education sector.
• Ability to initiate and mount research training across disciplines in the University and with other partners in the country, region and beyond.

Application Process

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence and should comprise a curriculum vitae (CV), certified/validated copies of all required qualifications and such other material as the applicant may wish to submit. The CV must give full personal particulars including full names, place and date of birth, qualifications, employment and work experience, date of availability, telephone number, e-mail address, names and addresses of three professional referees.The position applied for must be clearly indicated on the applications, which should be addressed to:

[email protected] / Attention: Open Window University Human Resource Manager

Short-listed applicants will be notified by e-mail.

Application Deadline: 14 June 2025