Head Of Research & Strategy

Job description

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Limited is a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) charged with the mandate to spearhead the Zambian Government’s commercial investments agenda aimed at strengthening Zambia’s industrial base and job creation. The Corporation’s vision is to be Africa’s best performing Wealth Fund and Investment Partner of choice. Its Mission is to secure, manage and diversify Zambia’s wealth for current and future generations by making strategic investments that drive sustainable economic development. A need has arisen to fill the position of:

HEAD OF RESEARCH & STRATEGY
JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Research and Strategy is responsible for leading the development and implementation of corporate strategy. This role encompasses the coordination of departmental and corporate work plans, ensuring alignment with the overall corporate strategy, and providing expert advice on research and strategic matters. The Head of Research and Strategy also focuses on performance monitoring, information provision, stakeholder liaison, and provision of group technical support.Zambia job market

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The position is a member of the Management Executive Committee.

KEY RESULT AREAS AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
KEY RESULT AREAS PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (MAIN DUTIES)
Strategic Planning and Implementation
Participates in the formulation and review of the IDC Strategic Plan.
Develops the Research and Strategy Department Strategy in compliance with the IDC Corporate Strategy and mandate.
Aligns the Research and Strategy Department Strategy to the Corporate Strategy, vision, mission, and values to optimise Research and Strategy productivity.
Develops, formulates, implements, IDC business strategies and conducts market related research, policies, and procedures according to organisation objectives.
Provides leadership in the development of Corporate Strategy with the Board
Subject the Strategic Plan Review to a mid-term review to assess implementation progress against the plan.
Develop all staff individual performance frameworks and ensuring staff KPIs are aligned with corporate strategy

Departmental Planning Budget
Prepares and owns development of departmental workplan and budget.
Minimise operational costs by ensuring that division expenditure remains within budget approval and savings made from budget.

Advisory
Acts as chief advisor on all Research and Strategy related matters to the Group Chief Executive Officer and Management Executive Team
Provides guidance and input on Research and Strategy related matters in the IDC Group.

Research and Strategy Policies, Procedures and Systems
Formulates, updates, and implements the Research and Strategy Policies, procedures, and systems.
Monitors the implementation of the policies, procedures, and systems.

Corporate Planning
Develop the Corporate Balanced Scorecard, ensuring it reflects the corporation’s strategic priorities and performance targets.
Coordinate the development of annual work plans and budgets for all departments and the corporate level.
Ensure that departmental plans align with the overall corporate strategic objectives and goals.
Ensure the alignment of departmental activities with the Corporate Balanced Scorecard.

Enhanced Entity Risk Management
Evaluate potential threats and establish plans to minimise them
Manage expectations to improve relationships with suppliers, customers, and employees
Develop and recommend viable scenarios for mitigating any potential risks
Develop risk reports for management
Compile Risk Register
Apply mitigating measures on risks on the Risk Register Implemented

Corporate Performance Monitoring Strategic Plan Monitoring:

Review and assess the corporation’s performance against the strategic plan using the corporate Balanced Scorecard and strategic metric framework.
Ensure alignment of operational plans with the strategic objectives and identify areas for improvement.

Departmental Performance Assessment:

Conduct quarterly and annual performance reviews with departmental heads to evaluate progress towards strategic goals.
Prepare comprehensive performance reports for the Management Executive Committee, highlighting key achievements and areas needing attention.
Ensure continuous improvement of departmental work plans to enhance performance monitoring and evaluation.

Report Preparation and Presentation:

Prepare and present detailed reports on performance metrics and trends to the Management Executive Committee.

Stakeholder Liaison Government and Regulatory Liaison

Represent the Corporation at meetings and forums to discuss sector-specific issues affecting competitiveness and policy implementation.
Serve as a liaison between the organization and external partners, including government agencies, industry experts, and international organizations.
Prepare and submit reports, responses, and appearances before parliamentary committees and other government bodies as required.
Analyze and assess the impact of legislative changes on the organization and its operations, providing recommendations for necessary actions.

Subsidiary Coordination:

Host periodic business review meetings with subsidiary executives
Host annual Group conference for the furtherance of Group interests
Coordinate engagement with subsidiary companies to ensure alignment with then Group strategic goals and policies

Enhanced group oversight and support
Provide technical support on research and strategy to subsidiaries
Develop subsidiary strategic plans
Ensure Subsidiary Performance Management Contracts performance measures are aligned with Group Strategy

Information Provision
Conduct comprehensive research through research on various sectors of the economy
Ensure effective data management and information dissemination
Analyze existing and proposed policies to determine their impact on IDC Group business and operations
Undertake business intelligence and market analysis to guide on strategic positions and prevailing issues
Provide technical support and data analysis for strategic projects and initiatives
Undertake relevant business research for decision making project implementation and portfolio monitoring
Collaborate with different departments to ensure research aligns with organizational objectives and strategic goals

Crisis Management
Adopt strategies that try to raise customer value and cut costs during an economic breakdown and financial crisis
Analyse the major cause of the crisis and provide a constructive solution and preventative plan.

Creative Problem Solving
Overcome political, behavioural and systematic barriers to enable creativity change, and business growth
Take unique initiatives which will help provide alternative solutions to the existing problems
Identify gaps in the business and advice on the corrective actions necessary
Enable innovation and creativity to develop new winning strategies

Ethic Development Develop a culture of ethical behaviour in the business to support continued growth, productivity and positive employee and client relationship
Creative Value Ensure the strategies in the business earn profit and promote economic development
Increased efficiency
Assist the organisation fit into the current dynamic economy by identifying and implementing relevant methods for increased business efficiency
Ensure enhanced entity risk management.
Ensure Departmental and Corporate adherence to the IDC Guidelines for Corporate Planning and Business Performance Review to ensure efficiency in business processes
Ensure optimal utilisation of automated business systems

Coaching
Coach department leaders to help them implement the plan and meet their goals.
Provide support in strategizing individual department and review, analyse and manage all existing department strategies to ensure all departments align with the business key strategies.

People Management and Leadership
Mentors, coaches, and provides on job-training to the direct reports and others as may be required from time       to time.
Periodically submits required reports relating to mentorship and training/coaching programmes to the division in charge of Human Capital.
Ensure staff development and retention strategies are developed and implemented.
Ensure provision of technical capacity and support in  internal functions and other staff to achieve premium management service.
Ensure enhanced employee engagement and performance.
Ensure provision and promotion of sound leadership practices i.e., Inspirational Leadership.
Ensure to implement enhanced Performance Management System and Reward Systems.

Health and Safety Take reasonable care for own health and safety as well as that of other employees, clients, and others as may be required from time to time.
Furtherance of Company’s Interests Exercise the powers and duties generally exercised by Head of Research and Strategy in the furtherance of the interests of the company as may be authorised and or delegated by the Supervisor.
Meetings
Attend stakeholder meetings and respond to matters arising
Prepare key departmental presentations, talking points and any other information required

Any other Duties Perform any other job-related duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

Professional Qualification:
Grade 12 School Certificate
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, and/or equivalent Professional Qualification in relevant field from reputable institution.
Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, and/or equivalent Professional Qualification from reputable institution
Investments Advisor Licence – Security Exchange Commission (SEC) is added advantage
Relevant Professional Membership
Minimum Relevant Work Experience:
7 years relevant work experience in Senior Management or similar position.
Skill Specifications:
Leadership skills
Excellent problem solving and presentation skills.
Ability to translate and communicate complex topics in a variety of forums, tailoring communications to effectively fit and influence the targeted audience, strong executive presence, presentation, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with key internal and external leaders, partners, suppliers, and customers.
Report writing and presentation skills.
Data management and record keeping.
Strong communication, negotiation skills and tact.
Good interpersonal skills.
Inspirational leadership skills
Proficient in using computers
Other Attributes
Professionalism
Transparency
Integrity
Distinction
Innovation
Teamwork

WORKING CONDITIONS
Office work environment.
Use of computers and other office equipment.
Concentration and analysis.
Managing tight deadlines.
Normal environmental conditions
Occasional local and international travel.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applications are online.
Go to https://forms.office.com/r/AmGZdAVDVW
Or scan the QR Code:
Deadline for applications shall be 15th February 2026.

IDC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer