Chalimbana University
The Council of Chalimbana University (ChaU) intends to appoint a Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation). The Council through the Search Committee therefore invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the three positions.
ABOUT CHALIMBANA UNIVERSITY
Chalimbana University traces its origins to the Jeanes School, which was established in 1939 as a Jeanes Training Centre for community teachers in Mazabuka. The institution was later relocated to the banks of the Chalimbana River and is situated 57 km east of Lusaka in Chongwe District.
In the 1950s, the college became affiliated with the University of Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia and was renamed Chalimbana Teacher Training College, offering training for both primary and secondary school teachers.
In 1970, the college transitioned to an exclusively in-service training institution, focusing on the professional development of primary school teachers and administrators. It was subsequently renamed the National In-Service Teachers’ College (NISTCOL).
In 2011, the Zambian government declared NISTCOL a university, and in 2013, it was officially transformed into Chalimbana University through Statutory Instrument Number 111 of 2013. The same year marked the formal inauguration of the university, leading to the introduction of degree programs alongside the existing diploma courses.
Today, Chalimbana University comprises three directorates namely Directorate of Distance Education, Directorate of Research Postgraduate Studies Consultancy and Innovation and Directorate of Quality Assurance and eight schools, namely;
1. School of Education
2. School of Humanities and Social Sciences
3. School of Music, Sports and Fine Arts
4. School of Early Childhood Studies
5- School of Technology, Science and Mathematics
6. School of Business Studies
7. School of Leadership and Governance
8. School of Vocational and Practical Skills
Chalimbana University offers a well-balanced academic curriculum and qualifications that are highly valued by employers. The university’s academic strength lies in its diverse range of programmes, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Additionally, the institution continues to leverage its broad expertise while fostering innovation and creativity in alignment with the priorities set out in Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan.
3.0 DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (RESEARCH AND INNOVATION)
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the key responsibilities are to provide leadership, strategic direction and overseeing the development and implementation of the University’s strategic goals in the area of research, innovation, grants and partnerships in line with the Higher Education Act No.4 of 2013, as read together with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021.
Key tasks and responsibilities
1. Leadership and Governance
a) Provide strategic leadership for research, innovation, and consultancy.
b) Ensure all activities comply with university governance, regulations, laws, and standards.
c) Develop and implement policies, strategies, and frameworks for research, consultancy, and innovation.
d) Serve as Chairperson of the Research, Consultancy, and Innovation Boards.
e) Promote a culture of research excellence and knowledge generation.
f) Ensure research outputs contribute to national, regional, and global frameworks.
g) Foster collaborations with government, industry, community and academia.
h) Report regularly to the Vice-Chancellor on research, innovation, and consultancy activities.
i) Provide leadership in alumni advancement and international relations.
2. Strategy and Management
a) Develop and implement the University’s Research, Innovation, and Consultancy Strategy.
b) Establish an effective performance management system for research and innovation.
c) Build strong leadership and management teams for research, innovation, and consultancy.
d) Promote research-informed teaching and learning to enhance students’ experience.
e) Coordinate the development of research infrastructure, including Innovation Hubs and Industrial Parks.
3. Research, Innovation, and Consultancy
a) Foster an environment that enhances research productivity and high-impact publications.
b) Oversee research ethics, quality assurance, and reporting standards.
c) Facilitate research collaborations with national, regional, and international institutions.
d) Secure and manage research grants, contracts, and intellectual property.
e) Lead commercialization efforts and patenting of university research outputs in collaboration with industry.
f) Promote interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer.
g) Identify and negotiate consultancy opportunities for revenue generation.
4. Financial Resource Mobilization and Management
a) Develop and implement a resource mobilization strategy for research, innovation, and consultancy.
b) Secure funding through grants, partnerships, and strategic alliances.
c) Ensure prudent financial management in line with university financial regulations.
d) Promote philanthropic giving and industry-sponsored research projects.
5. Human Capital Development and Management
a) Ensure the University has skilled personnel for research, innovation, and consultancy.
b) Foster a high-performance culture, motivation, and staff discipline.
c) Oversee training and development programmes for researchers.
d) Coordinate workforce planning to address staffing gaps and retention strategies.
e) Lead performance management of research units and personnel.
6. Governance and Reporting
a) Oversee compliance with the Higher Education Act and other relevant laws of the country.
b) Ensure the preparation of quarterly and annual performance reports.
c) Provide oversight of all research, innovation, and consultancy functions of the University.
d) Lead stakeholder engagement and advocacy for research initiatives.
e) Establish policies and structures for research integrity, branding, and quality control.
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
a) Grade 12 certificate (with 5 o’levels with credits or better) or its equivalent.
b) Earned Bachelor’s degree in any relevant field from a reputable University.
c) Earned Master’s degree in any relevant field from a reputable University.
d) Earned Ph.D in any relevant field. from a reputable University.
e) Minimum Associate Professor or higher with over 5 years experience at professorial level.
f) Significant publication with minimum H-index of 8, with experience in conducting Ph.D examinations, supervising research programmes including successful PhD and research completion.
g) Minimum of ten (10) years relevant post-qualifying experience in university education or equivalent Institution.h)i)Minimum of six (6) years experience at senior management level at a minimum of Dean of School/Faculty or Director in a university or similar institution.
h) Experience preferably in university environment as Faculty or Chair of: Research, Research Ethics, Knowledge Transfer/Innovation Committees or Director of Research in a research institution.
i) Excellent managerial and organizational skills with proven ability in guiding and directing senior research staff in dealing with proposal writing, grant application, establishing research priorities and in delivering complex research programmes.
j) Excellent track record of working with stakeholders for resource mobilization to support research programmes as Coordinator, Team Leader, Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator in a University or similar organization, with ability to successfully implement research projects.
k) Significant experience in working across academic disciplines and knowledge of developing research clusters and centers of excellence to improve coordination, quality, and to enhance research outputs and impact.
l) Knowledge and experience of performance management systems for monitoring of staff, School/Faculties, and developing action plans for continuous improvements.
m) Significant experience in PhD student recruitment and securing external sponsored research projects, and other research initiatives.
n) Strong command of English Language with effective information management and research communication skills.
o) Functional ICT literacy; and
p) Must have proof of valid relevant membership to a professional body.
Tenure
The appointment of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) shall be for an initial period of four (4) years which could be renewed for a similar period, subject to assessment of performance.
Remuneration
A competitive remuneration package shall be offered to the successful candidate.
Mode of Application
Candidates meeting the stated requirements are required to submit their applications comprising the following:
a) Letter of application;
b) Latest and detailed curriculum vitae with at least three (03) traceable referees.
c) ZAQA validated copies of academic and professional qualifications including a full Grade 12 or equivalent certificate (Certificates and Transcripts).
d) Names and addresses of three (3) referees, two (2) of whom must be professional authorities in relevant fields, and one (1) character referee.
e) Any other relevant information that may assist the Search Committee in determining the suitability of the applicant.
Positions being applied for must be clearly marked and addressed to:
The Secretary
Search Committee
Chalimbana University
Private Bag E1
Lusaka
ZAMBIA
OR send to the following email address: registrar@chau.ac.zm
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATION IS 21st APRIL, 2025.
N.B Chalimbana University is an equal opportunity employer. Women candidates are encouraged to apply. The posts are open to both eligible Zambians and Non-Zambians.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please visit the Chalimbana University website at www.chau.ac.zm