Director General

Job description

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (“ZEMA”) is a statutory body established under the Environmental Management Act (“EMA”) No. 12 of 2011 whose mandate is to do all such things as are necessary to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, protection of the environment, and the prevention and control of pollution. In pursuance of its mandate, ZEMA is now inviting applications from visionary, competent and experienced Zambian citizens to fill the following position:

DIRECTOR GENERAL

The Director General is the Chief Executive Officer of the agency and is responsible, under the direction of the Board, for the day-to-day administration of the Agency.

a. Job Purpose

The Director General is responsible for the successful leadership and Management of ZEMA in furtherance of the mandate specified in the EMA and the strategic direction set by the Board.Post a Job

b. Key Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities of the Director General and CEO without limitations include:

Providing proactive leadership in the accomplishment of the Mandate (as prescribed in the EMA), Vision, Mission and strategic plans of the Agency.

Ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the decisions of the Board.

Upholding and promoting the corporate image of the agency and its core values.

Supervise the timely consideration of environmental assessments and ensuring timely submissions to the Board.

Supervise the permitting, licensing, enforcement and compliance monitoring to facilitate adherence to the provisions of the EMA.

Providing strategic leadership and ensuring the efficient management of financial resources, human capital and support services.

Chair Senior management meetings.

Spearhead the Agency’s Resource mobilization initiatives.

Ensuring the effective implementation of the agency’s performance management Systems in order to enhance individual and organizational performance.

Discharge duties as Ex-officio member of the Board.

Implement Environmental Agreements and

Perform other tasks as assigned by the Board.

c. Minimum Qualifications

Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or its equivalent;

A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Resource Economics or their equivalent;

Possession of a Master’s degree (MBA, MSc, MA, or postgraduate qualification in Environmental Management or Development Studies or Public Policy and Regulation); and

Demonstration of Continuous Professional Development in Environmental or relevant scientific studies is an added advantage.

d. Minimum Relevant Pre-Job Experience

Ten (10) years experience in a reputable organisation at Senior Management level;

Member of a relevant professional body where applicable

Experience in Public Policy and Regulation

e. Required Attributes and Competencies

High Integrity

Visionary and goals driven

Clear understanding of the national development agenda, policies and plans

Thorough knowledge and understanding of all environmental laws and regulations including international conventions

Ability to lead a variety of teams of environmental management specialists

Intellectual ability to write, analyse and interpret scientific technical and environmental management reports;

Ability to effectively communicate with governmental, international private NGO and public sector decision-makers,

Ingenious skills in managing organisational development plans

Exceptional interpersonal and team working skills

Functional skills in financial management and budgeting

Pragmatic, efficient and highly organised personality

Incorruptible and diplomacy

f. Tenure of Employment & Remuneration

Five (5) year contract term, renewable subject to satisfactory performance.

Competitive Executive Remuneration package.

g. Candidate Profile

The candidates must be Zambian of exceptional integrity who are self-starters, goal oriented with demonstrated ability to lead teams through onerous time bound tasks.

Driving and computer proficiency a must.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS

Interested candidates may send their application letters, certified copies of relevant academic certificates and Curriculum Vitae, indicating contact numbers, email addresses and contact details of at least three traceable references to the address below:

THE BOARD CHAIRPERSON
ZAMBIA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AGENCY
CORNER OF SUEZ & CHURCH ROADS
P. O. BOX 35131
LUSAKA

Email: Jobs@zema.org.zm

The envelope or email containing above application documents to be clearly labelled with the job applied for:

“JOB APPLICATION FOR DIRECTOR GENERAL”

THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS IS 20th MARCH 2026

ZEMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND AS SUCH, FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY