Head – Research, Consultancy, Innovation & Advocacy ZCAS

Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS) was enacted through an Act of Parliament (ZCAS Act No. 1 of 1989) for the purpose of training accountants, promoting research and advancement of learning in accountancy, finance, and related studies, providing advisory and consultancy services, and for related matters.

ZCAS seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced person to fill the position of HEAD – RESEARCH, CONSULTANCY, INNOVATION & ADVOCACY

REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JOB PURPOSE:
The position is responsible for coordinating, supervising, and controlling the provision of research, consultancy and advocacy work for the Centre to acceptable standards for local and international firms, NGOs, and Government ministries.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(i) Plans, implements and controls research and consultancy activities under his/ her supervision and ensuring that the research resources of the Centre are used efficiently.
(ii) Develops, implements, and promotes the research strategy for the Centre.
(iii) Develops new projects, contacts and funding sources for the Centre.
(iv) Works with Programme Coordinators to build and strengthen the Centre’s external reputation, and its internal systems and processes.
(v) Markets research and consultancy services to private and public sectors as well as Government departments/ministries.
(vi) Undertakes investigations/ research and surveys for the Centre on behalf of clients in respect of assigned consultancy work to determine problems and obtain information/data.
(vii) Designs generic and tailor-made courses that meet the needs of the clients and submit them to the supervisor for approval.
(viii) Prepares suitable training materials and participates in the training of participants.
(ix) Identifies, participates and prepares solution-based proposals for all solicited and unsolicited bids for consultancy projects and when awarded, execute the awarded contracts with the highest standard of performance.
(x) Works with collaborative partners on aspects of research, surveys, and capacity building activities to develop the Centre’s lecturing staff.
(xi) Coordinates research in collaboration with the Director of Professional Studies on aspects that impact on curriculum and development of the accountancy training in Zambia.
(xii) Applies and secures external funding for research and consultancy related interventions.
(xiii) Initiates and carries out advocacy work for the Centre in the advancement of accountancy training in Zambia.
(xiv) Writes detailed project reports outlining methodologies, work done, findings and recommendations and submits them to clients once approved by the supervisor.
(xv) Costs research, consultancy and training projects and submits cost estimates to the supervisor for approval.
(xvi) Achieves budgeted income to ensure that the department is financially viable, and it also contributes to the recovery of Centre costs.
(xvii) Ensures that subordinates adhere to the Disciplinary Code of Conduct and Staff Code of Conduct and upholds highest standards of professionalism and performance.
(xviii) Performs any other duties lawfully assigned by the Supervisor and Senior Management from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

(i) Grade 12 with a minimum of five (5) “O” levels including English and Mathematics.
(ii) Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or any Social Sciences.
(iii) Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or any Social Sciences, or Professional qualification in ACCA, CIMA, CA Zambia.
(iv) PhD/DBA will be an added advantage.
(v) Ten (10) years’ experience in a similar work environment with at least Five (5) years at Senior Management level.
(vi) Must be a fully paid-up Fellow of a Professional Body.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

(i) Strategic and Business Planning
(ii) Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
(iii) Ability to deliver high quality training, research and policy outputs
(iv) Ability to design and deliver high quality Consultancy assignments and meet client requirements.
(v) Ability to harness innovation and advocacy.
(vi) High level of analytical skills
(vii) Advanced knowledge in ICTs.