DIRECTOR – COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY ICT BUSINESS AND INNOVATION CENTRE

Job description

The Copperbelt University is a Public University established through an Act of Parliament No. 19 of 1987. The University’s core business is Teaching, Research, Innovation, Industrialisation and Community Engagement as a service to the nation. The University is an equal opportunity employer and hereby invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for appointment to fill in the position of Director, CBU – IBIC.

1.   DIRECTOR – COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY ICT BUSINESS AND INNOVATION CENTRE  (CBU – IBIC)                               (1 POSITION)

JOB PURPOSE:

To direct, operate and control an independent subsidiary company of the Copperbelt University with the mandate to generate income through the development of ICT systems/products, provision of ICT continuous professional development and provision of ICT solutions to businesses within Zambia and beyond.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

·       Provides overall leadership, vision and strategic direction necessary to realise the objectives of CBU – IBIC in consultation with the Vice-Chancellor; 

·       Manages IBIC within the parameters established by the University;

·       Initiates and negotiates agreements, contracts and leases for approved strategies, business plans, and IBIC objectives in liaison with the Vice-Chancellor;

·       Contributes to the University revenue through above-average returns;

·       Commercialises the ICT business and training services;

·       Develops future CBU systems as required by the University.

·       Develops guidelines and implements internal standard operating procedures for IBIC within the University’s strategic framework;

·       Manages the overall business of IBIC to create sustainable long-term shareholder value;

·       Implements the CBU industrialisation strategy through the commercialisation of ICT innovations;

·       Develops IBIC strategic framework;

·       Develops annual forecasts of revenue, expenditures, and financial performance by IBIC;

·       Establishes effective control and coordination mechanisms for all operations and activities;

·       Ensures the integrity of the internal controls and management of risks;

·       Manages and supervises IBIC staff to ensure effective  employee and departmental performance as per prescribed standard;

·       Develops an annual business plan and operating budget for the department and monitor the implementation of these to ensure that financial targets are met;

·       Develops and implement processes, procedures and systems, to ensure cyber security and confidentiality of all data as well as provide protection against internal and external threats;

·       Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of all developments and trends related to technology and cyber security and upgrade relevant systems as necessary;

·       Ensures all operations and activities of IBIC are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; policies and practices approved by the University Council;

·       Performs any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Grade 12 School Certificate or its equivalent with 5 ‘O’ level credits or better including Mathematics and English;
Must possess a Bachelors degree in ICT or Computer Science from a recognised institution;
A Masters degree in ICT, Computer Science or Project Management from a recognised institution;
A Business degree will be an added advantage;
Must have membership to a relevant professional body;
At least five (05) years of working experience in a managerial position.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

·       Demonstrates visionary thinking, drives digital transformation and aligns innovation strategies with University goals;

·       Possesses deep expertise in emerging technologies, ICT systems and digital platforms, with the ability to identify, develop and manage business opportunities, research commercialisation and industry partnerships;

·       Ability to manage teams, building internal capacity and promoting an adaptable, innovative and high performance work environment;

·       Demonstrates strong planning, budgeting and resource mobilization skills;

·       Acts with integrity, transparency and accountability; committed to delivering high impact results, maintaining service excellence and upholding University values and digital governance standards;

·       Demonstrates competence in the design, development and implementation of information technology and communications systems;

·       Knowledge and understanding of management information communications systems;

·       Substantial experience in general management and managing budgets;

·       A broad understanding of computer systems, computer applications and operating systems;

·       Analytical and problem solving skills;

·       Excellent interpersonal skills;

·       Negotiation skills.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

·       Immediate Supervisor:   Vice – Chancellor  

·       Salary Scale:MGT 06

Interested applicants meeting the above requirements should submit a signed application letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, Zambia Qualification Authority (ZAQA) validated copies of Academic Certificates, certified Professional Certificates, copy of National Registration Card (NRC), proof of current membership to a professional body and three (03) names of referees; two (02) of whom must be Professionally acquainted with the applicant.

The applications in hard copies should be submitted to the undersigned not later than Monday, 17th November, 2025 or soft copies (as a single pdf file) to jobs@cbu.ac.zm.

The application should be addressed to:

The Registrar

The Copperbelt University

Plot 4692, Jambo Drive, Riverside

P O Box 21692

KITWE

NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Those who applied in the previous advert need not to apply.