Deputy Vice Chancellor

Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, Consultancy and Innovation Job in Lusaka – ZCAS University.

ZCAS University is inviting applications from highly qualified, experienced, and visionary academic leaders for the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, Consultancy and Innovation. This senior executive position is based in Lusaka, Zambia, and offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the University's research agenda, strengthen innovation, and expand strategic partnerships.

Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in research, consultancy, and innovation while promoting knowledge creation, commercialization of research, and national and international collaborations. The role is ideal for accomplished academics with extensive university leadership experience and a strong record of research excellence.

About the Role

The Deputy Vice Chancellor will provide strategic direction for research, consultancy, and innovation across the University. The successful candidate will develop policies and initiatives that strengthen research output, attract research funding, foster innovation, and enhance collaboration with industry, government, development partners, and international institutions.

This executive leadership role requires an individual capable of driving institutional growth through academic excellence, research commercialization, and strategic partnerships that contribute to Zambia's socio-economic development and global competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Strategic Leadership

- Provide leadership for the University's research, consultancy, and innovation agenda.

- Develop and implement strategies that promote research excellence.

- Support the commercialization of research and innovation outputs.

- Strengthen the University's contribution to national development and global competitiveness.

Research Development

Responsibilities include:

- Promote high-quality research across all academic schools.

- Support staff in securing research grants and external funding.

- Strengthen multidisciplinary research programmes.

- Encourage publication in reputable peer-reviewed journals.

Consultancy and Partnerships

The successful candidate will:

- Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with industry, government, research institutions, and international organisations.

- Expand consultancy services and collaborative research projects.

- Promote innovation and technology transfer initiatives.

- Build sustainable relationships that support institutional growth.

Academic Leadership

The role also involves:

- Providing leadership and mentorship to Deans, Directors, researchers, and academic staff.

- Supporting policy development and institutional planning.

- Monitoring research performance and institutional impact.

- Representing the University at national and international forums where required.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with at least five (5) O-Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

- Earned PhD or DBA, supported by aligned Master's and Bachelor's Degrees.

- Associate Professorship or higher will be an added advantage.

- Must have attained at least the academic rank of Senior Lecturer.

- Minimum eight (8) years' relevant experience in academia or research.

- At least three (3) years' experience in senior university management at the level of Dean, Faculty Head, Director, or an equivalent leadership position.

- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals.

- Proven experience in research grant acquisition and consultancy management.

- Experience developing strategic partnerships locally and internationally.

- Membership with a relevant professional body.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

- Strategic leadership and institutional management skills.

- Strong academic and research credentials.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

- Experience in research policy development.

- Ability to secure research funding and build partnerships.

- High ethical standards and professional integrity.

- Excellent organisational and decision-making skills.

- Strong leadership, mentoring, and people management capabilities.

Why Join ZCAS University?

ZCAS University is one of Zambia's leading private universities, recognised for delivering quality higher education in business, information technology, finance, engineering, and related disciplines. The University continues to strengthen its research capacity, innovation ecosystem, and academic excellence while contributing to national development through education, consultancy, and research. This position offers an opportunity to influence institutional strategy and shape the future of higher education in Zambia.

Job Summary

- Company: ZCAS University

- Position: Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, Consultancy and Innovation

- Vacancies: 1

- Location: Lusaka, Zambia

- Employment Type: Full-Time

- Minimum Qualification: PhD or DBA with aligned Master's and Bachelor's Degrees

- Minimum Experience: 8 years in academia or research

- Leadership Experience: Minimum 3 years at Dean, Director, or equivalent level

- Application Method: Email

- Closing Date: 31 July 2026

About ZCAS University

ZCAS University is a leading private higher education institution in Zambia committed to academic excellence, research, innovation, and professional development. The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a range of disciplines while promoting industry partnerships, entrepreneurship, and applied research. Through its commitment to quality education and impactful research, ZCAS University continues to contribute to the development of skilled professionals and knowledge-based solutions that support Zambia's economic and social progress.