Director Strategy

Job description

CHALIMBANA UNIVERSITY — RECRUITMENT NOTICE

Chalimbana University invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced, innovative, and results-oriented candidates to fill the executive position of Director Strategy.

Reports to: The Vice-Chancellor
Role: Heads the Office of the Vice-Chancellor

Role Overview

The Director Strategy heads the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and supports the Vice-Chancellor in strategic planning, executive coordination, corporate communication, partnerships, and performance reporting.

Job Purpose

To plan and manage the strategic and executive functions, corporate communication, internal consultancies, customer service, administrative, and human resource functions of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, in order to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office and support the implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Institutional Development: Lead the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and review of the University’s strategic plans, policies, and institutional development frameworks to ensure alignment with the University’s vision and mission.
• Executive Coordination and Advisory Support: Coordinate the activities of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and provide strategic advice, research, and briefing materials to facilitate informed decision-making and effective execution of executive functions.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Develop and oversee institutional performance management systems, monitor implementation of strategic objectives, and prepare periodic performance reports for the Vice-Chancellor, Council, Government, and other stakeholders.
• Corporate Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate strategic communication initiatives, manage executive correspondence and messaging, and promote effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the University’s reputation and visibility.
• Partnerships, Resource Mobilisation and External Relations: Facilitate the identification, development, and management of strategic partnerships, collaborations, and stakeholder networks that support the University’s academic, research, innovation, and resource mobilisation objectives.
• Policy Research and Strategic Analysis: Conduct environmental scanning, policy analysis, institutional research, and benchmarking to inform strategic decision-making and recommend initiatives that strengthen institutional competitiveness and sustainability.
• Risk Management and Business Continuity: Lead the identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting of strategic risks facing the University, coordinate the implementation of risk mitigation measures, and promote business continuity planning to safeguard institutional objectives and operations.
• Governance and Institutional Compliance: Support the Vice-Chancellor in ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and governance requirements and facilitate the implementation of Council and management decisions across the University.
• Project and Change Management: Coordinate strategic projects and institutional transformation initiatives, ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of key change programmes.
• Management of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor: Provide leadership and management of staff, resources, budgets, and operations within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or its equivalent with at least five (5) credits or better, including English Language.
• A Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and PhD in Strategic Management, Business Administration, Economics, Education, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field from a recognised institution.
• Academic rank of Senior Lecturer or above in line with minimum Higher Education Authority (HEA) qualification criteria.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ relevant post-qualification experience in a similar or related position.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, research and innovation management, institutional partnerships, international relations, executive office management, stakeholder engagement, and corporate communication within a higher education institution, public sector organisation, research institution, or other large and complex organisation.
• Membership of a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.

Key Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Strong strategic planning, coordination, and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including report and speech writing.
• Sound knowledge of higher education governance, public policy, and strategic plan implementation.
• Ability to build and manage partnerships and engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, monitoring and evaluation, and performance reporting skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• High proficiency in computer applications.

Terms of Appointment and Remuneration

The appointment shall be based on the University appointment guidelines, subject to a probationary period of three (3) months and satisfactory performance during the probationary period, as well as the University’s operational requirements. An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered.

Mode of Application

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit:

• An application letter clearly stating the position applied for
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications
• Evidence of Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) evaluation and validation of all qualifications
• Valid Professional Body Membership

Applications should be addressed to the Registrar, Chalimbana University, and sent by email to:

📧 Email: jobs@chau.ac.zm

Subject line: “Application for Director Strategy”

Closing Date: 20th November, 2026

Chalimbana University is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.