Background

The Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) was established under the Statistics Act, Chapter 127 of the Laws of Zambia, for the coordination of an integrated National Statistical System (NSS) to build a sustainable capacity for the production and use of statistical data and information for planning purposes at all levels of governance. ZamStats has embarked on a transformative agenda which responds to the current trends in the statistical eco-system. In this regard, ZamStats hereby invites applications from suitably qualified candidates who are self-driven and dynamic with an impeccable track record to fill the following vacant positions:

A. Job Purpose

Provide strategic and technical leadership for the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of Economic and Financial statistics across the National Statistical System (NSS). The role ensures fit-for-purpose survey and census programs, integration of administrative and, methodological rigor, gender and inclusivity mainstreaming, and timely dissemination of high-quality Economic/Financial indicators to inform national development planning, evidence-based policymaking, and international reporting (e.g., SDGs, Agenda 2063).

B. The Job Holder will perform the following functions:

• I. Plan, execute and manage effectively the undertaking of Economic Census and Surveys in order to produce Economic Statistics that meet international standards for policy formulation and decision making
• II. Strengthen use of Administrative Data with the relevant Stakeholders
• III. Apply Quality Assurance frameworks and metadata standards (e.g., SDMX/DDI) for consistency. Supervise regularly and timely the inputting and updating of economic and financial statistics database in order to ensure availability of up to date and quality official statistics
• IV. Manage effectively the development and implementation of standards for the production of official economic and financial statistics across NSS in order to ensure consistency
• V. Convert statistics into actionable insights and meet external reporting duties
• VI. Safeguard respondents, staff, and data; uphold ethics
• VII. Build technical capability and manage people and budgets, in order to improve individual and organizational performance and productivity
• VIII. Align producers/users of Economic and Financial statistics to reduce duplication and raise quality

C. Required Academic and Professional Qualifications

• I. Full Grade Twelve (12) / Form V Certificate
• II. Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Demography, Business Administration, or other fields related to Economic Statistics
• III. Master’s Degree in Economics, Statistics and any relevant field will be an added advantage

D. Required Minimum Job Experience

At least ten (10) years relevant experience, of which five (5) years at Management Level

E. Desired Knowledge in

• I. Survey and Census Methodology
• II. Economic and Financial Indicator Frameworks
• III. Project and Field-Operations Management
• IV. Planning and Budgeting
• V. Monitoring and Evaluation
• VI. Sustainable Development Goals Reporting

F. Desired Competencies and Personal Attributes

• I. Analytical skills
• II. Advanced Computer skills
• III. Basic Sampling Skills
• IV. Integrity and confidentiality
• V. Results Oriented
• VI. Stakeholder Engagement and Diplomacy Skills
• VII. Leadership and People Development Skills
• VIII. Problem-Solving Skills
• IX. Communication and Advocacy Skills
• X. Risk and Change Management Skills

NOTE:

• The job holders will be based at the Zambia Statistics Agency Headquarters in Lusaka.
• Applicants who have certificates of verification of local qualifications and/or certificates of verification and evaluation of foreign qualifications issued by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) must submit the said certificates with their applications for the position advertised. Applicants without certificates of verification and/or certificates of verification and evaluation must submit with their applications for the position advertised proof of submission of their application to ZAQA for verification of local qualifications and, where applicable, proof of submission of their application to ZAQA for verification and evaluation of foreign qualifications.
• Candidates who meet the above qualifications and work experience will be considered.
• Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates should apply for one of the above-listed positions only or otherwise be disqualified.

• Plan, execute and manage effectively the undertaking of Economic Census and Surveys in order to produce Economic Statistics that meet international standards for policy formulation and decision making
• Strengthen use of Administrative Data with the relevant Stakeholders
• Apply Quality Assurance frameworks and metadata standards (e.g., SDMX/DDI) for consistency. Supervise regularly and timely the inputting and updating of economic and financial statistics database in order to ensure availability of up to date and quality official statistics
• Manage effectively the development and implementation of standards for the production of official economic and financial statistics across NSS in order to ensure consistency
• Convert statistics into actionable insights and meet external reporting duties
• Safeguard respondents, staff, and data; uphold ethics
• Build technical capability and manage people and budgets, in order to improve individual and organizational performance and productivity
• Align producers/users of Economic and Financial statistics to reduce duplication and raise quality

• Analytical skills
• Advanced Computer skills
• Basic Sampling Skills
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Results Oriented
• Stakeholder Engagement and Diplomacy Skills
• Leadership and People Development Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication and Advocacy Skills
• Risk and Change Management Skills

• Full Grade Twelve (12) / Form V Certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Demography, Business Administration, or other fields related to Economic Statistics
• Master’s Degree in Economics, Statistics and any relevant field will be an added advantage