Executive Director

Job description

THE ORGANIZATION

The Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS) was established under Act No. 18 of 2020 to, among other functions, promote Science, Technology and Innovation and its utilisation; and provide independent and evidence-informed scientific advice or opinion to government, the private sector, and the general public, on matters concerning science, technology and innovation.

1. JOB PURPOSE
A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Under the direction of the Governing Council, the Executive Director is responsible for executing the mandate entrusted to the Academy by the Zambia Academy of Sciences Act. No. 18 of 2020, and the Zambia Academy of Sciences Constitution.Advertise in Zambia

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

a) Provide leadership to the Academy’s Secretariat.
b) Coordinate the provision of independent evidence-informed advice to government, the private sector and the general public.
c) Promote science, technology and innovation and enhance its application.
d) Mobilise financial and other resources for the Academy.
e) Establish and maintain relationships with government, industry, and the public
f) Establish and maintain relationships with other scientific organisations.

3. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
a) QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of a Masters Degree in any natural sciences or engineering discipline,

b) EXPERIENCE

i. Minimum of seven (7) years post-qualification experience, in a research/development related institution, of which at least 3 years must have been at a senior management level.
ii. Knowledge of how science academies operate.
iii. Proven experience in resource mobilisation.

c) KEY SKILLS

i. Excellent written and oral communication skills
ii. Good numerical, Analytical and computational skills
iii. Strong leadership and management skills

d) ATTRIBUTES

Self-motivated; Team player with motivational skills; Moral and Professional Integrity; Good public relations skills.

B. PROGRAMMES OFFICER
1. JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction the Executive Director, the Programmes Officer will mainly be responsible for technical development, implementation and coordination of programmes of the Academy.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Project development, including proposal writing and planning
b. Liaison with local partners on projects
c. Liaison with Zambian institutions involved in the development, advancement, and promotion of science in Zambia
d. Provision of support to the Zambia Young Academy of Science (ZYAS), JETS, and other young science events

3. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
a) QUALIFICATION

Minimum of a Masters Degree in natural sciences, technology, or social sciences.

b) EXPERIENCE

i. Minimum of three (3) years post-qualification experience, in a research/development-related institution;
ii. Knowledge of project planning, development and implementation;
Discover more
communication skills
National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research
scientific
sciences
Science
science
Sciences
National Institute For Scientific And Industrial Research
Communication
Job market analysis reports

iii. Networking experience, especially at the local-level;
iv. Knowledge of how science academies operate.

c) KEY SKILLS

a) Excellent technical writing and editing skills
b) Excellent numerical data and analytical skills
c) Scientific reporting and presentation skills

d) ATTRIBUTES

Self-motivated; Team player with motivational skills; Moral and Professional Integrity; Good public relations skills.

APPLICATION FORMAT

Applications labelled “Executive Director”, or “Programmes Officer”, with a detailed CV; copies of academic (Grade 12 and above), relevant professional qualifications, and a green NRC; a one-page written vision for the Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS); and contact details (Emails, Physical addresses and Telephone Numbers) for Three (03) Referees, should be submitted online or physically to:Advertise in Zambia

The Chairperson of the Search Committee,
Zambia Academy of Science,
National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research Headquarters,
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Airport Road,
P.O. Box 50266, LUSAKA
Tel: +260 211 250 535
Emails: zaas@zaas.org.zm; zaasfinance@gmail.com
Website: www.zaas.org.zm

The closing date for receipt of the applications is Friday, 5th December 2025.