Director General

Job description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) is a Statutory Body established by the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Act No. 9 of 2019 and charged broadly with the mandate of Procurement, Storage and Distribution of medicines and medical supplies to all public health facilities in Zambia. The Agency’s responsibility is carried out on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, ensuring that essential medicines and medical supplies are available and accessible to the public. ZAMMSA ensures quality and safety of the distributed medical products through strict quality assurance protocols and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Agency seeks applications from suitably qualified and experienced Zambian nationals to fill the vacant position of Director General.

POSITION – DIRECTOR GENERAL

Job Purpose

To oversee the procurement, storage and distribution of quality and cost-effective medicines and medical supplies to all Public Health Facilities in Zambia in order to ensure ease of access and reduction of the national disease burden at facility level.

Principal Accountabilities

• Oversees periodically the development and implementation of policies, guidelines, strategies and procedures in order to ensure adherence to legal requirements, standards and industry best practices.
• Oversees effectively, the preparation of quarterly reports to the Agency Board Committees and the Board in order to report on progress in programme implementation and receive appropriate guidance.
• Oversees effectively, the preparation of the Agency strategic and operational plans in order to align them to budgets and work plans as well as facilitate attainment of the Agency’s objectives.
• Oversees periodically, the selection, forecasting, and quantification of medicines and medical supplies to facilitate accurate procurements and ensure availability.
• Oversees timely, the procurement of medicines and medical supplies in order to facilitate storage and distribution to all public health facilities.
• Oversees effectively the storage of medicines and medical supplies in order to ensure adherence to standards and safety.
• Oversees timely, the management of the medicines and medical supplies fund in order to ensure availability of funds to procure medical products and enhance financial suitability of the Agency.
• Oversees timely, the distribution of medicines and medical supplies.
• Oversees effectively, the management, training and development of staff in order to enhance staff morale, optimise utilisation towards achieving Agency objectives.
• Oversees effectively, the stakeholder engagement programmes in order to acquire support and buy-in, as well as facilitate local and international agreements, frameworks and memoranda of understanding.
• Oversees effectively, the development and implementation of ICTs, equipment and buildings in order to ensure business continuity, safety and sustain a conducive working environment.
• Oversees effectively, the monitoring and evaluation of the Agency strategic and operational plans in order to monitor progress and provide appropriate interventions.
• Oversees timely, the preparation of Board, Agency and mandatory reports, in order to report on implementation of programmes and facilitate informed decision making.
• Oversees timely, the development and implementation of individual work plans of Directors and Senior Managers in order to ensure synergistic integration as well as monitor, evaluate and enhance performance.
• Oversees effectively, human, financial, material and other resources in order to facilitate the achievement of departmental objectives.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

a) Full Grade 12/Form 5 Certificate with a minimum of 5 ‘O’ level Credits; including English and Mathematics.
b) Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management, Business Management, Accountancy or equivalent qualification.
c) Post-graduate Degree in Business Management, Public Health, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management, Accountancy or a relevant field.
d) Must be a member of a relevant professional body; with a valid practicing certificate.
e) Certificate in Corporate Governance.
f) A PhD will be an added advantage.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the Board Chairperson – ZAMMSA.

Work Experience

• Must have at least ten (10) years of experience; of which five (5) should be at Senior Management level.
• Experience working in the health sector is desirable.

Required Skills

• Ability to write clear strategic and analytical reports.
• Excellent oral, written communication and public relations skills.
• Team building skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Tact and diplomacy skills.
• High proficiency in working with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work with tight deadlines and deliver exceptional results.
• Decision making and problem-solving skills.

Application Mode

a) All applications should be emailed and addressed to:

The Board Chairperson
Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency
P.O. BOX 30207
LUSAKA
Email: gershom.chungu@zammsa.co.zm

b) All interested persons meeting the above qualifications and experience should send their written applications with certified copies of their National Registration Card, academic and professional qualifications, proof of membership of relevant regulatory body (where applicable), latest practicing licence (where applicable), and a detailed curriculum vitae with three references, including their contact numbers, to the address given above.

c) All professional qualifications must be accredited or recognised and validated by the Zambia Qualifications Authority.

Hard copies will not be considered.

? Closing date: Friday 8th May, 2026 at 17:00hrs
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Brigadier General Gershom Chungu (Rtd)
Board Chairperson
ZAMMSA
Lusaka