Job Details

Job Description

The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) is a statutory body established through Statutory Instrument No. 137 of 1999 of the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997 to spearhead the development and application of space science, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) in Zambia.

The NRSC is looking for a suitably qualified, dynamic and self-motivated Zambian national to fill the position of Executive Director (Chief Executive Officer)

Position: Executive Director

Location: Chibombo, Lusaka Province
Reports to: The National Remote Sensing Centre Management Board

Position description.

The Executive Director will be responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of the National Remote Sensing Centre. He/ She aims to accomplish the core mandate of remote sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and space science development and application.

Key duties include:

1. Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Develop and execute the long-term strategic goals of NRSC in alignment with national priorities and emerging global trends in geospatial technologies.
• Provide visionary leadership to position NRSC as a leader in GIS and Remote Sensing in Zambia and the region.
• Work closely with the NRSC Management Board to establish policies, governance frameworks, and strategic objectives.

2. Operational and Financial Management

• Oversee all operational functions, ensuring the smooth execution of NRSC’s programs and services.
• Manage the financial health of the Centre, including budget planning, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
• Ensure the optimal use of resources to enhance service delivery. program efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Spearhead efforts to secure sustainable funding through partnerships, grants, and revenue-generating activities.

3. Innovation and Technological Advancement

• Lead innovation in the application of GIS and Remote Sensing technologies to address socio-economic challenges such as urban planning, agriculture, disaster management, and environmental sustainability.
• Drive research and development initiatives that position NRSC as a Centre of excellence and thought leader in geospatial science and earth observation technologies.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, international organizations, and the private sector.
• Represent NRSC in national and international forums, conferences, and networks to advocate for the use of geospatial technologies in national development.
• Foster collaborative partnerships and joint ventures to expand NRSC’s reach and impact.

5. Human Resource Management and Organizational Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop a highly skilled multidisciplinary team to achieve the Centre’s objectives.
• Promote a culture of growth, learning, and continuous improvement within the Centre.
• Ensure that NRSC attracts, develops, and retains top talent in the field of GIS and Remote Sensing.

6. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure NRSC operates in full compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and environmental standards.
• Identify, assess, and manage operational, financial, and technological risks to safeguard the institution’s assets and reputation.

7. Grant Management and Compliance

• Oversee the management of awarded project grants, ensuring compliance with donor regulations, reporting schedules, and contract terms.

Required experience and qualification

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Applied Spatial Science (Geomatic Engineering, Geo-informatics, Land surveying. Remote sensing. Cartography, Geography, Geology, Environmental Information Systems), Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or equivalent.
• A PhD is an added advantage
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience operating and managing the applications of space science, remote sensing, and GIS technologies. At least Seven (7) years’ experience in a senior management position Practical knowledge of:
• Trends in Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) development and applications for environment and natural resources monitoring and management
• Emerging RS and GIS technologies and their applications such as Natural Capital Accounting, Epidemiology, Public Spatial science platforms
• Knowledge of trends in space science development and its applications
• Proven track record of research in space science

Personal Attributes:

Strong interpersonal abilities

o Ability to work under pressure
o Make sound decisions concerning applied spatial science and technologies, as they apply to national, regional, and global development goals.
o Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, vendor representatives and clients.

Prepare and present clear and well-organized written and oral reports to the NRSC Management Board

Professional membership:

• Paid up member of a relevant professional body.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact details of three professional references.
• A cover letter describing how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position.
• Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates certified by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).
• Applications should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “CEO Application-NRSC” by 13″ December 2024.
• Physical application will be accepted and should be delivered to The Board Chairperson, National Remote Sensing Centre, 15302 Airport Road, P.O. Box 310303, Lusaka, Zambia

The NRSC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.