Manager - Strategic Planning

Organization: The Copperbelt University

Location: Kitwe, Copperbelt, Zambia

Number of Positions: 1

Immediate Supervisor: Vice-Chancellor

Salary Scale: MGT 07

Employment Type: Not specified

Posting Date: 11 September 2026

Closing Date: Thursday, 24 September 2026

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Multiple Senior University Positions

Closing Date: 18th September 2026

Date Posted: 4th September 2026

REGISTRAR

The Registrar is a Principal Officer and Chief Administrator of the University and providing strategic leadership in the planning, coordination and management of the University's administrative, governance, human resource, student administration, records, infrastructure and compliance functions. The Registrar reports to the Vice Chancellor.

JOB PURPOSE

Registrar shall be responsible for the overall planning, organisation, coordination and direction of the general administration and human resource functions of the University, in line with the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 as read together with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021, University policies, statutes, regulations and procedures approved by the University Council.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide strategic leadership in the overall administration of the University and advise the Vice-Chancellor, Council and Senate on governance, policy and administrative matters.
2. Coordinate University Council and provide secretarial services, communicate decisions and ensure implementation of resolutions.
3. Lead the formulation, review and implementation of university policies, statutes, regulations, procedures, strategic plans, work plans and administrative systems.
4. Direct human resource management, including recruitment, staff development, performance management, employee relations, welfare, discipline, industrial relations and compliance with labour laws.
5. Oversee certification, academic records and general student administrative services.
6. Serve as custodian of the University seal, official records, policies, legal instruments, assets and other institutional documents.
7. Ensure institutional compliance with the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 read together with the amended Higher Education Act No. 23 of 2021, Employment Act and all other applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
8. Provide leadership in estates, infrastructure, health services, safety, security, transport, records management and general campus operations.
9. Coordinate preparation and monitoring of budgets, administrative reports, annual reports, performance reports and other management information.
10. Ensure timely, effective and efficient dissemination of University information internally and externally, while promoting the University's corporate image.
11. Perform any other lawful duties assigned by the Vice-Chancellor or University Council.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or equivalent, with credit passes including English Language.
• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Education Administration, Law, Business Administration, Social Sciences or a related field from a recognised institution.
• Master's Degree in Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Education Administration, Business Administration, Law or a related field.
• A PhD in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of eight (8) years relevant post-qualification experience, of which at least four (4) years must have been at management level in a university, public institution or large corporate organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in university governance, administration, human resource management, policy development, regulatory compliance, records management and institutional planning.
• Must have proof of membership to a professional organization or association.

KEY COMPETENCIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic leadership, sound judgement and strong institutional management capability.
• Excellent knowledge of higher education governance, corporate governance, policy implementation and regulatory compliance.
• Strong organisational, analytical, planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion and ethical conduct.
• Ability to manage multiple administrative functions and lead organisational change.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• High proficiency in information technology and modern administrative systems.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The Chief Financial Officer is a senior management position responsible for directing and overseeing all aspects of the University's finance and accounting functions. This is in order to ensure transparency, accountability, value for money, financial sustainability and sound stewardship of institutional resources. The Chief Financial Officer reports to the Vice Chancellor.

JOB PURPOSE

To provide strategic leadership in financial management, accounting, budgeting, treasury management, internal controls, financial reporting, audit coordination and policy development. This is to ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, statutory requirements and best practice in public financial management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the preparation, implementation and review of the University's financial strategies, budgets, financial plans, forecasts and departmental work plans.
2. Oversee the preparation of accurate financial statements, management accounts, operational performance reports and statutory reports to facilitate effective decision-making.
3. Superintend financial planning, financial analysis and forecasting processes to support institutional growth, sustainability and value for money.
4. Manage budgeting and budgetary control systems through careful analysis, monitoring and control of approved budgets.
5. Monitor and control cash flow, treasury operations, banking arrangements and utilisation of financial resources to optimise liquidity and safeguard University funds.
6. Develop, strengthen and maintain effective internal control systems in compliance with applicable accounting principles, legal requirements and regulatory frameworks.
7. Coordinate internal and external audits, ensure timely responses to audit queries and oversee implementation of audit recommendations.
8. Lead the development, review and implementation of financial policies and procedures to facilitate the achievement of short, medium and long-term strategic financial objectives.
9. Provide leadership, supervision, performance management and staff development within the Finance and Accounting function.
10. Promote accountability, transparency, ethical conduct, innovation and continuous improvement in all financial operations of the University.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or its equivalent with at least five (5) credits, including English Language.
• Full professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, ZICA/CA Zambia or equivalent.
• Master's degree in accountancy, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
• Membership in good standing with the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).
• Minimum of ten (10) years' relevant post-qualification experience, of which at least five (5) years must have been at senior management level.
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, financial planning, budgeting and budgetary control, treasury management, internal controls, audit coordination and financial policy development.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, applicable accounting standards, public finance management requirements, taxation, corporate governance and risk management.
• Experience in a university, public institution or large complex organisation will be an added advantage.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Excellent strategic leadership, analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent planning, organisation, decision-making and performance management abilities.
• Proficiency in accounting software packages, financial management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

DEAN OF STUDENTS

The Dean of Students serves as the principal advisor to University Management on all matters relating to student welfare, governance, accommodation, counselling, recreation, sports, student development, and student support services. The Dean of Students reports to the Vice-Chancellor.

JOB PURPOSE

The Dean of Students is responsible for providing strategic leadership, management, coordination, and oversight of student affairs and welfare services at the University. The position ensures the provision of comprehensive student support services that promote student success, wellbeing, leadership development, discipline, inclusion, and participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dean of Students will provide strategic leadership and coordinate student affairs and welfare services of the University. Specifically, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

1. Providing leadership and overall management of the Student Affairs Office.
2. Advising the Vice-Chancellor and University Management on student welfare and development matters.
3. Developing and implementing policies, strategies, and programmes relating to student affairs.
4. Coordinating student support services to promote student success and wellbeing.
5. Overseeing counselling, guidance, and psychosocial support services.
6. Promoting positive student conduct and enforcing University rules and regulations.
7. Coordinating student governance structures and engagement with student leadership.
8. Facilitating leadership development and civic engagement programmes for students.
9. Overseeing student accommodation services and ensuring conducive living conditions.
10. Coordinating sports, recreation, cultural, and extracurricular activities.
11. Promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.
12. Managing the Directorate's human, financial, and physical resources.
13. Establishing and maintaining partnerships that enhance student development programmes.
14. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of student affairs programmes and services.
15. Preparing reports and ensuring compliance with University policies and statutory requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must possess:

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or equivalent with five (5) credits or better, including English Language.
• Bachelor's Degree in Guidance and Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Master's Degree in Guidance and Counselling, Psychology, Education, Social Sciences, Student Affairs, Public Administration, Higher Education Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years relevant post-qualification work experience, of which at least three (3) years must have been at senior management level in a higher education institution or comparable organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in student affairs administration, student welfare, counselling, accommodation management, student development, or related services.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership and strategic management capabilities.
• Extensive knowledge of student affairs administration and support services.
• Sound understanding of higher education policies, governance, and regulations.
• Excellent conflict resolution, negotiation, counselling, and mediation skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and complex student issues.
• Financial and resource management skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and confidentiality.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in relevant office applications.

CHIEF LIBRARIAN

The Chief Librarian will provide strategic leadership and management of the University Library and Information Services in support of teaching, learning, research, consultancy, innovation and community service. The Chief Librarian reports to the Vice-Chancellor.

JOB PURPOSE

To provide strategic leadership, policy direction and effective management of the University Library by developing, implementing and continuously improving modern, user-centred and technology-enabled library and information services that support the University's academic mission, research productivity, knowledge creation, institutional visibility and stakeholder engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide strategic direction and visionary leadership for the development and transformation of the University Library in alignment with the University's strategic plan and academic mandate.
2. Develop, implement and review library policies, procedures, strategic plans, work plans and service standards to ensure efficient and responsive library operations.
3. Oversee the acquisition, organisation, preservation, dissemination and effective utilisation of print, electronic and digital information resources.
4. Lead the development and management of digital library services, e-library systems, institutional repositories, library websites and emerging information technologies.
5. Promote research support services, scholarly communication, publication support, information literacy programmes, open access initiatives and access to quality academic resources.
6. Prepare, manage and account for the library budget, ensure prudent use of resources, and mobilise additional support through grants, partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
7. Provide leadership in human resource management by supervising staff, enforcing discipline, facilitating performance appraisal, identifying training needs and fostering a culture of professional excellence.
8. Ensure the effective management of library records, physical infrastructure, ICT systems, electronic information assets and user-friendly learning spaces.
9. Initiate and coordinate outreach, user education and publicity programmes that enhance access to library services for students, staff, researchers and external users.
10. Monitor, evaluate and report on Library performance, service delivery and strategic progress to the Vice-Chancellor and other relevant University structures.
11. Advise University Management on library development, knowledge management, information services strategy, emerging trends in academic librarianship and digital transformation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or its equivalent with a minimum of five (5) credits or better, including English Language.
• Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science, Library and Information Systems, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science, Library and Information Systems, Information Management, Knowledge Management or a related field from a recognised institution.
• A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Library and Information Science, Information Systems, Information Management, Knowledge Management or a related discipline will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of eight (8) years' relevant post-qualification experience in an academic or research library, of which at least four (4) years must be at management level.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, library policy development, digital library systems, e-library services, institutional repositories, research support services and management of academic library resources.
• Evidence of research, scholarly publication, consultancy or professional contribution in library and information science will be an added advantage.
• Membership of the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) or any other recognised relevant professional body is required.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven strategic leadership, management and organisational skills, with the ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary academic librarianship, digital transformation, research support services, information literacy, open access and emerging library technologies.
• Excellent financial management, budgeting, resource mobilisation and accountability skills.
• High level of ICT proficiency and ability to leverage technology to improve service delivery and institutional effectiveness.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical, decision-making and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, innovation, accountability and commitment to service excellence.
• Ability to work under minimum supervision, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, enforce discipline in accordance with institutional procedures and promote effective staff performance.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENTS AND REMUNERATION

The appointments shall be on a three (3)-year performance-based contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and the University's operational requirements. An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit an application letter, detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of academic and professional qualifications, evidence of Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) evaluation and validation of all qualifications, valid professional membership documentation, and names and contact details of at least three (3) traceable referees.

The position applied for should be clearly indicated in the application or the subject of the email.

Applications should be addressed to the Registrar, Chalimbana University.

Applications should be sent by email to: jobs@chau.ac.zm

CLOSING DATE: 18TH SEPTEMBER 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Chalimbana University is an equal opportunity employer.