Re-advertised – Executive Director Zambart

Zambart is an independent Zambian research organization whose headquarters is at the University of Zambia’s Ridgeway Campus in Lusaka. Zambart is globally renowned for its interdisciplinary research on HIV and Tuberculosis and has contributed to HIV and TB policy and practice at national and global levels. Zambart’s research portfolio now includes a broader scope of urgent public health issues. Zambart staff form an interdisciplinary team with a range of expertise including epidemiology, clinical science, social science, laboratory, operations research, health systems and services research, health policy analysis, health economics, health communication, and counselling.

Zambart’s vision is to conduct quality interdisciplinary health research on issues of public health importance in Zambia and contribute to improving health policy and practice leading to better health for all. Our mission is to contribute to global public health policy and practice through the generation of an evidence base by conducting high-quality health research in Zambia.

Position: Executive Director

Duration: Three (3) years contract

Position Summary

Zambart is seeking an exceptional individual to take up the role of Executive Director (ED) at the Zambart Head Office in Lusaka. Working under the guidance of the Zambart Board of Directors, the ED will define and direct the strategic vision of Zambart, developing its portfolio of research and empowering Zambart employees to build capacity in Global Health Research. The successful applicant will be a leader in their research field with a proven track record of managing research including successful research grant applications and dissemination of research outputs through presentation and publications. The successful applicant will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills including the ability to both inspire and empower Zambart staff and the research teams they will lead.

The successful candidate will be expected to play an active role in research with the expectation that she/he will spend 60% of their time on research and managing the research directorate. They will be expected to raise funds from successful grant applications. The remaining 40% of their time will be to manage executive functions and be responsible for planning and guiding the development and expansion of Zambart projects and activities aligned with the overall vision of Zambart. The ED’s primary concern shall always be to ensure that Zambart’s activities are in the best interest of the Company while meeting the needs and expectations of the stakeholders.

The successful candidate will report to the Zambart Board of Directors and will be a non-voting member of the Board responsible to the Board and through them to the Zambart Trustees. In cooperation with the Board, Management, and co-workers of Zambart, the Executive Director shall guide the implementation of Zambart principles, and ideals in line with the Strategic Plan. She/he will be expected to act in the best interest of Zambart, championing values of high ethical standards, equity, and integrity.

Expected Roles and Responsibilities

The following are the expected roles and responsibilities for the Executive Director:

• Providing visionary leadership and strategic direction of the organization to evolve and grow, including future strategic plans.
• Providing strong leadership to guide the development of Zambart as an internationally recognized authority in conducting scientific research of public health importance.
• High-level representation of Zambart – with government, stakeholders, donors, academia, and others, nationally and internationally, to build strong equitable partnerships and alliances.
• Management of the organization, including governance and financial oversight.
• Generating new opportunities and relationships through networking, communication, and advocacy.
• Developing and empowering staff and fostering a culture of high performance and excellence.
• Creating, developing, nurturing, and retaining strong funding relationships for financial sustainability of Zambart.
• Developing and leading a successful research portfolio, incorporating and developing Zambart’s researchers in the generation of successful grant proposals, completion of well-conducted studies, and effective dissemination of research findings.
• Identifying, training, and mentoring of potential future researchers and research leaders.
• Overseeing and supporting a diverse body of researchers and research units conducting research.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Must have a PhD in a public health-related field.
• Minimum of 8 years’ post-qualifying experience at senior executive management level with at least 6 years’ experience in academia and/or non-profit research organizations.
• Proven results-oriented leader, with high-level skills in organizational management, able to manage and create clarity in a complex environment.
• Experience managing effectively in a multi-cultural setting.
• Proven record of independent funding and strategic research leadership, including the ability to drive innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research programs in the health arena and partnership with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with scientific international and national research funding agencies.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are a prerequisite.