Multiple Positions – Senior Management – The National Institute of Public Administration
Job Description
The National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) invites suitably qualified persons to fill in the following vacancies;
1. DIRECTOR, INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
JOB OVERVIEW
NIPA is in search of a highly skilled and seasoned Librarian to assume the role of Director of Information and Knowledge Management. The appointee will take the lead in supervising the Public Service Training Library Information System (PSTLIS) and managing the broader information infrastructure that underpins the mandatory public service training and certification initiative.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director will hold a key position in guaranteeing the efficient administration of the PSTLIS.
Key Responsibilities: The Director in Charge of Information and Knowledge Management for Public Service Training and Certification shall:
1. Oversee and manage the Public Service Training Library Information System (PSTLIS) to facilitate the efficient organization and accessibility of information resources for training and certification processes.
2. Take a leading role in designing, developing, and implementing innovative Library solutions that align with the policy objectives of NIPA.
3. Manage the overall reliability, security, and scalability of the library infrastructure to ensure its effective functioning.
4. Collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to identify and address specific Library needs within the context of public service training and certification.
5. Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices in Library and Information Science operations to continuously enhance information and knowledge management systems.
6. Provide strong leadership and guidance to the library team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
7. Ensure strict adherence to data security and privacy compliance standards across all Library operations.
8. Prepare and present comprehensive reports to the management, detailing the progress and outcomes of Library initiatives.
9. Develop and implement effective Library policies and systems that support the broader institution’s strategies.
10. Develop and implement business continuity protocols within the library to minimise disruptions in the event of emergencies or data loss, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of information and knowledge resources.
Qualifications and Skills Requirements:
1. Grade Twelve (12) University Entrant
2. BALIS/BA/BSc in Library and Information Studies/Knowledge Management
3. MLIS/MA/MSc in Library and Information Studies/Knowledge Management or a closely related field. The MSc should be related to the Bachelor’s degree.
4. A PhD in Library and Information Studies/Knowledge Management or relevant field will be an added advantage.
5. Proven hands-on experience in Library Information systems design, development, and implementation.
6. An impressive track record of scholarly works and publications in the field of Library and Information Studies/Knowledge Management
7. Strong project management and leadership skills.
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
9. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
10. Strong analytical skills.
11. Dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
12. A minimum of 10 years of experience working in a Library and Information/Knowledge Management environment or teaching in a higher learning institution.
13. Fellow/Full Member of the LIAZ
2. DIRECTOR, RESEARCH, CONSULTANCY AND DEVELOPMENT
JOB OVERVIEW
The Director of Research and Innovation is responsible for leading and overseeing the strategic direction, development, and management of the Institute’s research and innovation initiatives. The role entails fostering a culture of research excellence, driving innovative projects, and ensuring the effective dissemination and application of research findings. The Director will play a pivotal role in positioning the Institute as a leader in research and innovation, both nationally and internationally.
Key Responsibilities: The Director shall:
a) Provide consultancy services to both public and private institutions;
b) Conduct research in order to support the financial sustainability of the Institution and inform decision making;
c) Develop and review Monitoring and Evaluation Manuals and guidelines;
d) Monitor and evaluate the delivery of training, development and other institutional programmes in order to determine deviations and recommend appropriate interventions;
e) Develop and maintain a Monitoring and Evaluation system in order to support evidence-based information pertaining to transfer of knowledge;
f) Evaluate the impact of training and development in order to ascertain whether learning has taken place;
g) Conduct training needs assessment to establish the training requirements for the Zambian civil service;
h) Promote innovation and initiative in order to contribute to the body of knowledge and improve service delivery;
i) Coordinate the development of internal Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Service Charters;
j) Coordinate the development, review and implementation of Strategic and other plans; and
k) Collaborate with stakeholders on the conduct of research in order to generate information for informed decision making.
l) Active membership to a relevant professional body.
Qualifications and Skills Requirements:
a) School Certificate; university Entrant
b) A Bachelor’s degree in any field from a reputable university.
c) A Master’s degree in any field from a reputable university
d) An earned PhD that is closely aligned with both the Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
e) Proven hands-on experience in research design, development, and implementation.
f) An impressive track record of scholarly works and publications in the field of research and innovation.
g) Strong project management and leadership skills.
h) Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
i) Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
j) Strong analytical skills.
k) Dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
l) A minimum of 10 years of experience working in a research and innovation environment or teaching in a higher learning institution.
3. DIRECTOR, INTERNAL AUDIT
JOB OVERVIEW
To direct and manage a comprehensive audit programme at the Institute providing internal audit assurance and consulting services to Management and the Governing Council, and ensure the internal control systems adhere to acceptable principles and professional standards including those relating to risk management and corporate governance, financial regulations, NIPA Act, and with established policies and procedures in order to safeguard the assets and resources of the institute.
Key Responsibilities: The Director shall:
a) Direct and guide in the preparation of the Annual Work Plan based on the Audit Universe Risk Assessment, prior years’ significant findings, and the Strategic and Implementation Plans.
b) Implement internal audit strategies and programs aimed at providing an independent and objective opinion to management and the Governing Council on risk management, internal controls and governance.
c) Prepare individual annual work plans based on the approved Departmental Annual Work and ensure work is done accordingly.
d) Review reports in a timely manner for submission to management and the Governing Council and ensure timely implementation of recommendations made
e) Direct follow up action on implementation of outstanding matters and report to the Governing Council.
f) Coordinate the submission of reports to the Executive Committee/ Management and the Audit and Systems Committee.
g) Manage the internal audit function from planning, execution, review work done by subordinates, reporting, follow up and implementation of recommendations.
h) Review and ensure that audit work and programmes conform to professional practices and standards. Provide guidance, capacity building and on the job training to staff
i) Carry out and conduct annual staff appraisals
j) Attend and contribute effectively to the Executive, Management and Committees of Council meetings
k) Ensure that the internal audit function has adequate resources to enable it carry out its mandate
Qualifications and Skills Requirements:
a) Degree in Accountancy, ZICA, CA, ACCA, CIMA, and Certification by the Institute of Internal Auditors. An MBA is an added advantage.
b) Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in accountancy and auditing, with at least 5 years at a senior management level.
c) Must quickly and objectively comprehend tasks, work independently with audit team members, and possess extensive skills in negotiating and resolving complex issues, developing, and reviewing auditing criteria.
d) Must understand the Institute’s control environment, strategies, and challenges. GAP analysis and improvement suggestions should be appropriate, realistic, cost-effective, and aligned with operations.
e) Proficient in mathematics and application of formulas, able to recalibrate figures, develop and use tables, ratios, graphs, and computer spreadsheets. Must be able to create models, make computations, and prepare reports within deadlines.
f) Responsible for monitoring the proper usage and physical existence of the Institute’s assets to safeguard and report any misuse or loss.
g) Expected to monitor revenue generation, ensure proper accounting and utilization per approved budgets, and report anomalies.
h) Responsible for supervising subordinates, setting performance targets, conducting appraisals, and maintaining departmental discipline.
i) Must attend various meetings on audit and management issues, making presentations to the Governing Council and other stakeholders.
j) Required to present data in sufficient detail based on facts, avoiding technical jargon, using tables, ratios, and graphs effectively.
k) Must have good interpersonal and interactive skills for dealing with individuals within and outside the organization.
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
registrar@nipa.ac.zm
REGISTRAR
National Institute of Public Administration
P. O. Box 31990 Dushanbe Road LUSAKA
The deadline for receiving applications is Friday 16th 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.
