The National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) was established by Statutory Instrument No. 73 of 1998 pursuant to the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997 of the Laws of Zambia to spearhead Research and Development (R&D) activities in order to promote and accelerate sustainable socio-economic growth of the country. More information about NISIR can be found at its website http://www.nisir.org.zm

The NISIR Board is currently seeking to appoint an outstanding individual to the position of Executive Director of the Institute. The candidate who should drive and enhance the mission of the institute should be mature, qualified, experienced and self-driven and an innovative individual.

The successful candidate shall be appointed on contract for an initial period of five (05) years and will be required to agree to specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with the Board of NISIR through the Board Chairperson. On-the-job assessment of the Executive Director shall be based on performance and the contract may be renewed for a further period of five (05) years.

Qualifications or requirements 

• A holder of a full Grade 12 certificate with credits or its equivalent.
• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in a scientific/engineering/technological field.
• Must possess a master’s degree in a scientific/engineering/technological field. A Master of Business Administration will be an added advantage.
• A PhD in a science or applied science or technological field from a recognized university.

Experience needed

• Minimum of 10 years experience in Research and Development work at a senior level.
• Proven strong leadership and strategic and analytical thinking with good writing, administrative, information dissemination, entrepreneurial and computer skills.
• Mature, self-motivated, innovative, highly effective communicator and team builder with a business acumen.
• Proven track record of published refereed scientific and/or technical work.
• Demonstrable effective interpersonal skills particularly when dealing with Government officials, industry personnel, International Cooperating Partners and related R&D Institutions.
• Demonstrable Management and Administrative skills with a proven record in Resource Mobilisation.

The successful applicant will be expected to be a dynamic person who will provide sound management and leadership to an Institute whose core functions are basic and applied scientific and industrial research. He/she will have to meet the public and industry’s requirements for scientific solutions while adding value to the Institute and the country as a whole.

• Provide leadership in scientific and industrial research and development.
• Provide leadership in making NISIR fit-for-purpose.
• Provide leadership in the application of science and technology in Zambia.
• Play a key role in the strategic planning and key decision-making process.
• Implement policies and corporate objectives as formulated by the Board.
• Develop linkages with industry, institutions and other stakeholders for demand driven research and development activities and technology transfer.
• Plan and manage the hiving off and commercialization of products and processes beyond the laboratories.
• Develop, implement and monitor income-generating activities to facilitate demand driven research and development activities in conformity with needs of industry, institutions and other stakeholders.
• Advise the Board and Government on R&D opportunities and performance of NISIR in its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
• Prepare Annual Reports, budgets and manage accounts.
• Market the Institute locally, regionally and internationally to be recognized for scientific and technological outputs.
• Liaise with the Ministry responsible for Science and Technology and other relevant Institutions on matters related to Science and Technology development.
• Market the institute locally, regionally and internationally.
• Serve as Secretary to the Board.

• Leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Writing skills
• Administrative skills
• Information dissemination
• Entrepreneurial skills
• Computer skills
• Communication skills
• Team building
• Business acumen
• Interpersonal skills
• Management skills
• Resource Mobilisation

• Full Grade 12 certificate with credits or its equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific/engineering/technological field.
• Master’s degree in a scientific/engineering/technological field.
• PhD in a science or applied science or technological field from a recognized university.