Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – CIDRZ NGO

Job description

Description:

Introduction

The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is a leading health-focused non-governmental organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through research, capacity building, and service delivery. CIDRZ partners with governments, donors, and communities to advance health solutions that are evidence-based and sustainable.
To continue its mission, CIDRZ is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization, ensuring strategic growth, operational efficiency, and impact-driven programming.

Position Summary

The CEO reports directly to the CIDRZ Board of Directors and provides regular updates on organizational performance, strategic initiatives, and financial status.
The CEO is responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing overall operations, and ensuring financial sustainability of the organisation and its subsidiaries. The CEO will report to the CIDRZ Board of Directors and work closely with senior management, donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders to fulfill CIDRZ’s mission.
The CEO must possess the credibility and intellectual depth to engage effectively with the Zambian government, national regulatory bodies, academic partners both domestic and abroad, along with the broader research community and civil society organizations. They must have a well-known reputation with funding agencies and partners and be able to articulate CIDRZ’s vision and mission to new and diverse stakeholders. The successful candidate will have experience leading organisations and people through change, with a demonstrated ability to enhance operational capacity in a dynamic organization. This role requires exceptional cross-cultural communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels, including staff, management, and the Board. The incoming CEO will lead the development of the CIDRZ 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and deliver its mandate ensuring the organisation remains stable, resilient, and relevant in the Zambian and global public health landscape.
Key Responsibilities
A. Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement CIDRZ’s 2026-2030 strategic plan in consultation with key stakeholders and the CIDRZ Board, ensuring alignment with global and national health priorities.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the organization.
Maintain the credibility of CIDRZ as a research, programme implementation and capacity building hub of innovation in Zambia and the global health landscape.
B. Governance & Board Relations
Serve as the primary liaison between CIDRZ Management and the Board of Directors.
Provide regular updates on organizational performance, challenges, and opportunities to the Board.
Ensure compliance with in-country laws and regulations, industry-standard governance policies, legal requirements, and donor regulations and expectations.
C. Fundraising & Donor Engagement
Grow, develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, and funding agencies.
Secure sustainable funding through grants, partnerships, and diversified revenue streams to ensure financial sustainability in a fast-changing external environment.
Ensure transparency and accountability in financial management and donor reporting.
D. Operational & Financial Management
Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and risk management to ensure sustainability.
Strengthen operational systems and processes for efficiency and impact.
Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including financial and regulatory reporting obligations.
E. Program Development & Impact
Guide programmatic priorities to align with CIDRZ’s mission and emerging health needs.
Strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to measure impact.
Promote research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to inform health policy and practice.
F. Human Resource & Talent Management
Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture that supports professional growth.
Ensure recruitment, retention, and capacity development of a high-performing team.
Promote staff well-being and ethical workplace practices.
Qualifications & Experience
Advanced degree in Public Health, Medicine, or a related field with relevant clinical and/or scientific technical experience (Masters’ level qualification acceptable though a PhD would be preferred).
At least 10 years of senior leadership experience in a health NGO, research institution, or international development organization.
Significant experience in successful stakeholder engagement and negotiation with government, academic, private sector and community partners.
Proven scientific output with recent (within last 3 years) publications in high impact peer reviewed journals.
Deep knowledge and insight into research and development and the global health industry.
Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans and drive organizational growth.
Strong track record in fundraising, donor engagement, and financial management.
Experience in leading diverse teams and managing complex programs in a cross-cultural environment.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Key Competencies
Leadership & Vision: Ability to inspire and lead a team towards achieving the organization’s goals, within a complex and dynamic organization
Strategic Thinking: Capacity to analyze trends and position CIDRZ for long-term success.
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and risk mitigation.
Partnership Development: Ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with donors, governments, and key stakeholders.
Results-Oriented: Commitment to achieving measurable impact and continuous improvement.
Ethical Integrity: High standards of professional ethics and accountability.
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.