National Institute of Public Administration
The Governing Council of the National Institute of Public Administration, through the Search Committee, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The National Institute of Public Administration was established in 1963 as the Staff Training College (STC) to prepare Zambians to take over the running of the country’s Civil Service after Independence in 1964. In 1966 the College was re-named “National Institute of Public Administration” (NIPA) and became a fully established training Wing of the Zambian Civil Service. In 1970 the Institute broadened its mandate to cover the entire Public Service (including parastatals). NIPA is a management development institute (MDI) operating under Act No. 15 of 1998 in the Office of the President. NIPA is dedicated to enhancing the skills and competence of public service employees in Zambia.
On 18th July 2023, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) issued a directive to NIPA, instructing the Institute to return to its original mandate of Public Service Training and Certification. The reintroduction by GRZ of mandatory Public Service Training and Certification Programme aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthen public service performance management systems, promote effective leadership, professionalism, meritocracy, performance, and accountability among public servants and public institutions.
Following the re-launch of the Mandatory Public Service Training and Certification on 21st February 2024 by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia, and the Minister in charge of NIPA, the Institute has resumed its mandate of fostering a competent and ethical public service, with the first cohort of trainees having been Cabinet Ministers.
1.0 POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
1.1 Job Purpose:
The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership of the Institute in academic, financial and administrative functions as stipulated in the NIPA Act No. 15 of 1998.
1.2 Reporting:
The Executive Director reports to the Chairperson of Governing Council, who presides over a Council appointed by the Republican President, pursuant to the powers vested into him as Minister in charge of the Institute.
1.3 Key Responsibilities
a) Leadership and Governance
i. Provides leadership for an inclusive staff and collegiate culture that empowers individuals to realise their full potential and to achieve the Institute’s goals in Public Service Training and Certification, Teaching, Learning, Research, Innovation and Collaborations.
ii. Ensures that all Institute’s activities and operations are carried out in compliance with the governance requirements, and any policies, regulations, rules, laws, codes and standards applicable to higher institutions of leaming in Zambia.
iii. Undertakes regular reporting to the Governing Council and Government as required by the Act.
iv. Ensures that Governing Council meetings are held as planned and resolutions are implemented.
v. Ensures the availability and implementation of Institute’s risk management framework.
vi. Promotes productivity through staff motivation and facilitating execution of functions.
vii. Contributes to public service and intellectual life.
Strategy and Management
i. Leads the development and implementation of the Institute’s Strategic Plan.
ii. Identifies and negotiates collaborative agreements on behalf of the Governing Council.
iii. Ensures availability and effective implementation of institutional internal controls
iv. Fosters high-value linkages with all stakeholders, such as Ministries, Provinces and Spending
Agencies (MPSA) and the private sector.
v. Ensures an effective performance management system is in place and implemented.
vi. Builds up strong management and leadership teams to ensure effective institutional performance.
vii. Contributes to the Institute’s aspiration to be a world-class Management Development Institute
(MDI).
d) Training Leadership
i. Strengthens the Institute’s position as a leading Management Development Institute in the region and globally.
ii. Presides at all meetings of the Board of Studies and ensures that the Public Service Training and Certification is run in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
iii. Ensures that Public Service Training and Certification runs smoothly.
iv. Creates and maintains a conducive training environment for staff and trainees.
d) Financial Resource Mobilisation and Management
i. Ensures the development and effective implementation of the financial resource mobilisation and management strategy of the Institute.
ii. Leads the mobilisation of financial resources in order to achieve financial sustainability. iii. Ensures compliance with auditing and statutory requirements.
iv. Enforces timely financial reporting.
v. Ensures prudent utilisation of financial resources.
e) Human Capital Development and Management
i. Ensures the development of the human capital strategy of the Institute for purposes of having
a fit-for-purpose organizational structure, and staff in order to achieve the Institute’s strategic objectives.
ii. Ensures that the Institute recruits and retains sufficient numbers and high calibre of training, administrative and other staff on such competitive terms and conditions of service as determined by the Governing Council.
iii. Establishes an environment that promotes a culture of high performance, staff discipline, and motivation.
iv. Promotes a harmonious employee environment to support a high-performance culture.
f. Infrastructure Development and Management
i. Ensures the development and implementation of the infrastructure development and management strategy.
ii. Generates resources for infrastructure development and management.
iii. Enforces effective utilisation of Institutional infrastructure.
iv. Enforces effective maintenance of Institutional infrastructure.
g) Strategic Communications Skills
i. Superintend over the development and implementation of comprehensive communication strategies.
ii. Engage and motivate staff, fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration.
iii. Represent the Institute confidently in various forums, enhancing its reputation and influence.
iv. Navigate and manage media relations, ensuring positive coverage and handling of public service training and certification.
Qualifications and Competences
i. Must be a Zambian National
ii. Must be at an Academic Rank of PROFESSOR.
iii. Must possess a School Certificate or its equivalent, with at least five (5) ‘O’ Levels
iv. Must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university
v. Must possess a Master’s degree in any field from a reputable University which must be aligned with the Bachelor’s degree.
vi. Must possess an earned PhD from a reputable university which must be aligned with the
Master’s degree.
vii. Must possess a minimum of fifteen (15) years of post-qualifying teaching and research experience at a university or higher learning institution.
vii. Must possess a minimum of six (6) years’ experience in administration at senior management level in a University or similar institution.
ix. Must have an accomplished record of scholarly work and research.
x. Must demonstrate ability to source funds and show proof of revenue generation.
xi. Must possess knowledge and experience of Higher Leaming Institutions systems that must include experience in financial management as well as strategic planning and management.
xii. Must possess demonstrable ability to create networks with internal and external stakeholders.
xiii. Must possess demonstrable track record of community service
xiv. Must have demonstrable functional ICT literacy.
xv. Must be an active member of a professional body.
1.5 TENURE
The Executive Director is appointed for an initial term of five (5) years, renewable for a similar period depending on performance.
1.6 REMUNERATION
The Governing Council offers a competitive remuneration package to the individual appointed to this position.
2.0 HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications are invited to submit their applications, including the following:
(a) a cover letter,
(b) detailed curriculum vitae,
(c) certified academic certificates,
(d) and three professional references.
NOTE: Candidates whose qualifications require interpretation and determination, are advised to contact the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) for assistance before submitting their applications.
Please address your application to the following address or electronically to [email protected]
The Chairperson-Search Committee
C/o Registrar
National Institute of Public Administration
P. O. Box 31990
Dushanbe Road
LUSAKA
The deadline for receiving applications is Friday 9th August 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. NIPA is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds.