Job Details

Job Description

Zambart is an independent Zambian research organization whose headquarters is at the University of Zambia’s Ridgeway Campus in Lusaka. Zambart is globally renowned for its interdisciplinary research on HIV and Tuberculosis and has contributed to HIV and TB policy and practice at national and global levels. Zambart’s research portfolio now includes a broader scope of urgent public health issues. Zambart staff form an interdisciplinary team with a range of expertise including epidemiology, clinical science, social science, laboratory, operations research, health systems and services research, health policy analysis, health economics, health communication and counselling.

Zambart’ s vision is to conduct quality interdisciplinary health research on issues of public health importance in Zambia and contribute to improving health policy and practice leading to better health for all.

Our mission is to contribute to global public health policy and practice through the generation of an evidence base by conducting high-quality health research in Zambia.

Position: Executive Director

Duration: Three (3) years contract

Position Summary

Zambart is seeking an exceptional individual to take up the role of Executive Director (ED) at the Zambart Head Office in Lusaka. Working under the guidance of the Zambart Board of Directors, the ED will define and direct the strategic vision of Zambart, developing its portfolio of research and empowering Zambart employees to build capacity in Global Health Research. The successful applicant will be a leader in their research field with a proven track record of managing research including successful research grant applications and dissemination of research outputs through presentation and publications. The successful applicant will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills including the ability to both inspire and empower Zambart staff and the research teams they will lead.

The successful candidate will be expected to play an active role in research with the expectation that she/he will spend 60% time on research and managing the research directorate. They will be expected to raise funds from successful grant applications. The remaining 40% of time will be to manage executive functions and be responsible for planning and guiding the development and expansion of Zambart projects and activities aligned with the overall vision of Zambart. The ED’s primary concern shall always be to ensure that Zambart’ s activities are in the best interest of the Company while meeting the needs and expectations of the stakeholders.

The successful candidate will report to the Zambart Board of Directors and will be a non-voting member of the Board responsible to the Board and through them to the Zambart Trustees. In cooperation with the Board, Management, and co-workers of Zambart, the Executive Director shall guide the implementation of Zambart principles, and ideals in line with the Strategic Plan. She/he will be expected to act in the best interest of Zambart, championing values of high ethical standards, equity, and integrity.

Expected Roles and Responsibilities will include the following:

•    Providing visionary leadership and strategic direction of the organization to evolve and grow, including future strategic plans

•    Providing strong leadership to guide the development of Zambart as an internationally recognized authority in conducting scientific research of public health importance

•    High level representation of Zambart – with government, stakeholders, donors, academia and others, nationally and internationally, to build strong equitable partnerships and alliances.

•    Management of the organization including governance and financial oversight

•    Generating new opportunities and relationships through networking, communication and advocacy.

·         Developing and empowering staff and fostering a culture of high performance and excellence.

•    Creating, developing, nurturing and retaining strong funding relationships for financial sustainability of Zambart

•    Developing and leading a successful research portfolio, incorporating and developing Zambart’ s researchers in the generation of successful grant proposals, completion of well-conducted studies and effective dissemination of research findings.

·         Identifying, training and mentoring of potential future researchers and research leaders.

·         Overseeing and supporting a diverse body of researchers and research units conducting research

Qualifications:

·         Must have a PhD in a public health related field

·         Minimum of 8 years’ post qualifying experience at senior executive management level with at least 6 years’ experience in academia and/or non-profit research organizations.

·         Proven results-oriented leader, with high-level skills in organizational management, able to manage and create clarity in a complex environment

·         Experience managing effectively in a multi-cultural setting

·         Proven record of independent funding and strategic research leadership, including the ability to drive innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research programs in the health arena and partnership with multiple stakeholders.

·         Experience with scientific international and national research funding agencies

·         Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are a prerequisite

How to apply

For informal discussions please contact Prof Helen Ayles +260 966746796

Applicants meeting the criteria for the above jobs should send their latest CVs, three traceable reference contacts, and a cover letter outlining clearly how they meet the above criteria, to The Head of Human Resources, Zambart Head Office, Ridgeway Campus, P.O Box 50697, Lusaka or by email to [email protected]

Closing Date:

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 13th January 2025.

This is a re-advertised position and individuals who have previously applied need not reapply.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.