Head – Research, Consultancy, and Advocacy

Job description

JOB PURPOSE: Reporting to the Executive Director, the position is responsible for coordinating, supervising, and controlling the provision of research, consultancy and advocacy work for the Centre to acceptable standards for local and international firms, NGOs, and Government ministries.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plans, implements and controls research and consultancy activities under his/ her supervision and ensuring that the research resources of the Centre are used efficiently.
Develops, implements, and promotes the research strategy for the Centre.
Develops new projects, contacts and funding sources for the Centre.
Works with Programme Coordinators to build and strengthen the Centre’s external reputation, and its internal systems and processes.
Markets research and consultancy services to private and public sectors as well as Government departments/ministries.
Undertakes investigations/ research and surveys for the Centre on behalf of clients in respect of assigned consultancy work to determine problems and obtain information/data.
Designs generic and tailor-made courses that meet the needs of the clients and submit them to the supervisor for approval.
Prepares suitable training materials and participates in the training of participants.
Identifies, participates and prepares solution-based proposals for all solicited and unsolicited bids for consultancy projects and when awarded, execute the awarded contracts with the highest standard of performance.
Works with collaborative partners on aspects of research, surveys, and capacity building activities to develop the Centre’s lecturing staff.
Coordinates research in collaboration with the Director of Professional Studies on aspects that impact on curriculum and development of the accountancy training in Zambia.
Applies and secures external funding for research and consultancy related interventions.
Initiates and carries out advocacy work for the Centre in the advancement of accountancy training in Zambia.
Writes detailed project reports outlining methodologies, work done, findings and recommendations and submits them to clients once approved by the supervisor.
Costs research, consultancy and training projects and submits cost estimates to the supervisor for approval.
Achieves budgeted income to ensure that the department is financially viable, and it also contributes to the recovery of Centre costs.
Ensures that subordinates adhere to the Disciplinary Code of Conduct and Staff Code of Conduct and upholds highest standards of professionalism and performance.
Performs any other duties lawfully assigned by the Supervisor and Senior Management from time to time. 

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

Grade 12 with a minimum of five (5) “O” levels including English and Mathematics.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or any Social Sciences.
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or any Social Sciences, or Professional qualification in ACCA, CIMA, CA Zambia.
PhD/DBA will be an added advantage.
Ten (10) years’ experience in a similar work environment with at least Five (5) years at Senior Management level.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Strategic and Business Planning
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
Ability to deliver high quality training, research and policy outputs
Ability to design and deliver high quality Consultancy assignments and meet client requirements.
Ability to harness innovation and advocacy.
High level of analytical skills
Advanced knowledge in ICTs.

Signed applications with detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of certificates, detailed results transcripts and contact details (address/telephone/email) of at least two (2) traceable referees should be sent to the address below on or before 31st December 2025. The position should be clearly marked on the envelope.

Please note that only short-listed candidates shall be responded to.

Applications should be sent to:

The Board Secretary

Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies

P.O. Box 35243

Dedan Kimathi Road

LUSAKA

OR email one pdf file to boardsecretary@zcas.edu.zm . Indicate the position in the Subject line.