Introduction<\/p>\n
The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is a leading health-focused non-governmental organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through research, capacity building, and service delivery. CIDRZ partners with governments, donors, and communities to advance health solutions that are evidence-based and sustainable.
\nTo continue its mission, CIDRZ is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization, ensuring strategic growth, operational efficiency, and impact-driven programming.
\nPosition Summary
\nThe CEO reports directly to the CIDRZ Board of Directors and provides regular updates on organizational performance, strategic initiatives, and financial status.
\nThe CEO is responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing overall operations, and ensuring financial sustainability of the organisation and its subsidiaries. The CEO will report to the CIDRZ Board of Directors and work closely with senior management, donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders to fulfill CIDRZ\u2019s mission.
\nThe CEO must possess the credibility and intellectual depth to engage effectively with the Zambian government, national regulatory bodies, academic partners both domestic and abroad, along with the broader research community and civil society organizations. They must have a well-known reputation with funding agencies and partners and be able to articulate CIDRZ\u2019s vision and mission to new and diverse stakeholders. The successful candidate will have experience leading organisations and people through change, with a demonstrated ability to enhance operational capacity in a dynamic organization. This role requires exceptional cross-cultural communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels, including staff, management, and the Board. The incoming CEO will lead the development of the CIDRZ 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and deliver its mandate ensuring the organisation remains stable, resilient, and relevant in the Zambian and global public health landscape.
\nKey Responsibilities
\nA. Strategic Leadership<\/p>\n
Develop and implement CIDRZ\u2019s 2026-2030 strategic plan in consultation with key stakeholders and the CIDRZ Board, ensuring alignment with global and national health priorities.
\nFoster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the organization.
\nMaintain the credibility of CIDRZ as a research, programme implementation and capacity building hub of innovation in Zambia and the global health landscape.<\/p>\n
B. Governance & Board Relations<\/p>\n
Serve as the primary liaison between CIDRZ Management and the Board of Directors.
\nProvide regular updates on organizational performance, challenges, and opportunities to the Board.
\nEnsure compliance with in-country laws and regulations, industry-standard governance policies, legal requirements, and donor regulations and expectations.<\/p>\n
C. Fundraising & Donor Engagement<\/p>\n
Grow, develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, and funding agencies.
\nSecure sustainable funding through grants, partnerships, and diversified revenue streams to ensure financial sustainability in a fast-changing external environment.
\nEnsure transparency and accountability in financial management and donor reporting.<\/p>\n
D. Operational & Financial Management<\/p>\n
Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and risk management to ensure sustainability.
\nStrengthen operational systems and processes for efficiency and impact.
\nEnsure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including financial and regulatory reporting obligations.<\/p>\n
E. Program Development & Impact<\/p>\n
Guide programmatic priorities to align with CIDRZ\u2019s mission and emerging health needs.
\nStrengthen monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to measure impact.
\nPromote research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to inform health policy and practice.<\/p>\n
F. Human Resource & Talent Management<\/p>\n
Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture that supports professional growth.
\nEnsure recruitment, retention, and capacity development of a high-performing team.
\nPromote staff well-being and ethical workplace practices.<\/p>\n
Qualifications & Experience<\/p>\n
Advanced degree in Public Health, Medicine, or a related field with relevant clinical and\/or scientific technical experience (Masters\u2019 level qualification acceptable though a PhD would be preferred).
\nAt least 10 years of senior leadership experience in a health NGO, research institution, or international development organization.
\nSignificant experience in successful stakeholder engagement and negotiation with government, academic, private sector and community partners.
\nProven scientific output with recent (within last 3 years) publications in high impact peer reviewed journals.
\nDeep knowledge and insight into research and development and the global health industry.
\nProven ability to develop and implement strategic plans and drive organizational growth.
\nStrong track record in fundraising, donor engagement, and financial management.
\nExperience in leading diverse teams and managing complex programs in a cross-cultural environment.
\nExcellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.<\/p>\n
Key Competencies<\/p>\n
Leadership & Vision: Ability to inspire and lead a team towards achieving the organization\u2019s goals, within a complex and dynamic organization
\nStrategic Thinking: Capacity to analyze trends and position CIDRZ for long-term success.
\nFinancial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and risk mitigation.
\nPartnership Development: Ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with donors, governments, and key stakeholders.
\nResults-Oriented: Commitment to achieving measurable impact and continuous improvement.
\nEthical Integrity: High standards of professional ethics and accountability.<\/p>\n
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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