Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) with support from Zambia Multisectoral Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project seeks to recruit suitably qualified and experienced persons to be appointed in the underlisted positions:
- DIRECTOR-NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH REFERENCE LABORATORY
Reports to: Director General
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)
Job Purpose
Effectively coordinating and leading the Zambia National Public Health Institute Public Reference Laboratory. This entails close collaborating and working with a diverse group of organizations among them; the Ministry of Health laboratory staff, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock laboratory staff, as well as in country donor and stakeholder representatives. The Director will also support laboratories in building laboratory network and fostering collaboration and networking between the laboratories and building capacity for laboratories in data management and data sharing.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Timely advise on the key functions to be undertaken by the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) in support of public health functions
- Coordinate the establishment/strengthening of Zambia Public Health Laboratory Network for the country and collaborate with the RCC laboratory Cluster to support linkage with laboratories in other countries supported by the Southern Africa RCC
- Support laboratory capacity building activities for Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) program and ensure that country-level capacity for laboratory staff is built.
- Ensure program implementation adheres to appropriate laboratory technical standards, safety regulations and guidelines are strictly followed and that laboratory programs are technically sound.
- Contribute to the development of National laboratory policies for Public health laboratories
- To be responsible for ensuring that Laboratory reagents and supplies are available in order to ensure timely processing of all samples.
- To ensure that security documents and all information and data collected in the laboratory is kept safe in order to ensure confidentiality
- To participate in preparedness and response activities for infectious disease threats and specifically coordinate the laboratory based surveillance and response activities within the ZNPHI
- To work closely with the Epidemiologists to ensure that conditions reported in weekly surveillance reports are laboratory confirmed
- To work closely with the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) Manager to ensure that disease outbreaks and public health incidents are responded to in real time
- Contribute to capacity building of public health laboratory teams at sub-national level to strengthen national surveillance systems
- To work with the necessary team to analyse ZAMPHIA data in relation to the bio-bank as well as leading in analysing laboratory data for decision making
- Contribute to conducting implementation/operational research, interpretation of research findings and implementation of research recommendations to improve service delivery
- To liaise with Senior staff within ZNPHI, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders and represent the Section at internal and external meetings
- Through the Director, ZNPHI will Foster collaboration with non-state actors supporting public health laboratory services in the country; and through the RCC, laboratory functions regionally encourage and assist laboratories with preparing for accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies.
Qualifications
- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with minimum five O level credits including English and Mathematics
- Bachelor’s Degree in laboratory services, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, microbiology or equivalent
- Master’s Degree in laboratory services, molecular biology, biomedical Sciences, microbiology or equivalent
- PhD in laboratory services, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, microbiology is required
- Knowledge and experience in the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases including specific hands-on laboratory experience.
- Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including against ISO 15189 and/or SLMTA/SLIPTA.
- Familiarity with international biosafety regulations.
Minimum Relevant Experience
- 10 years post qualifying experience in medical laboratory systems and networks
- Experience working in the Health sector in Zambia will be an added advantage
- Proven ability and capacity to establish and manage Laboratory Systems and Networks
- Experience in supporting surveillance, emergency preparedness, and response
- Possess management and coordination skills for laboratory services and disease surveillance
- Proven track record in writing or contributing to technical reports in Laboratory Systems and Networks will be an added advantage
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Demonstrable Skills and Competencies
- In-depth knowledge in veterinary medicine and/or infectious diseases, public health.
- Proven organizational and analytical skills, together with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Capacity to promote and implement collaboration and exchange with partners, toward the implementation of best practices.
- Proven ability to write technical documents in a clear and concise manner
- Ability to work under minimal supervision
- Knowledge of the Zambia health service delivery system
- Able to manage and coordinate diverse multisectoral, multidisciplinary teems
- Ability to engage with various national and international organizations and agencies for public health emergency preparedness and response
- Resource mobilization capabilities
- Risk assessment and identification of public health threats and hazards
- Good analytical skills of various public health situations including relevant data for policy formulation
- Planning and budgeting
- Supervision of multisectoral and multidisciplinary teams
- Able to work under pressure
- Team player
- Capacity building and mentorship
- Computer literate and able to manage electronic data systems
- FINANCE OFFICER
Reports to: Head-Finance
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)
Job Purpose
To undertake accounting activities for Zambia Multisectoral Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project in order to enhance accountability of public funds.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Timely and accurately undertakes payroll inputs in order to facilitate payment of salaries and other allowances
- Undertakes timely and accurately the maintenance of books of accounts in order to facilitate efficient storage and retrieval of information
- Ensures timely preparation of monthly expenditure statements in order to monitor levels of expenditure
- Drafts timely Audit queries responses for Zambia Multisectoral Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project funding in order to facilitate decision making
- Undertakes timely preparation of all financial reports in order to facilitate decision making
- Maintains timely and accurate registers of damages and losses in order to facilitate recoveries of Zambia Multisectoral Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project funds and property
- Records timely and accurately transactions in the cash book in order to enhance accountability
- Captures financial transactions into the accounting package
- Maintains and updates asset registers
- Work closely with WHO Finance in resolving Zambia Multisectoral Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project finance related matters.
- Any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor
Qualifications & Experience
- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with minimum five O level credits including English and Mathematics
- Bachelor of Accountancy, ACCA or equivalent
- Master’s Degree will be an added advantage
- Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in a similar or related position
Desired experience
- Experience working in or with a Governmental Agency
- Experience working in the health sector is desirable
- Familiarity with ZNPHI’s role in health security in Zambia
- Experience working with and on Donor funded projects is an added advantage
Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Knowledgeable about payroll management
- Must be computer literate and proficient in MS Office
- Capacity in decision-making and problem-solving
- INTERNAL AUDITOR
Reports to: Head-Internal Audit
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)
Job Purpose:
Effectively undertake audit functions in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and this will include tests and controls, as necessary for performance of the audit.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Conduct an assessment of the adequacy of the Project‘s financial management system, including internal controls and evaluate the efficacy of risk management procedures that are currently in place.
- Develop and implement appropriate audit systems for the Project (Grant) to meet the requirements of the Government of Zambia (GRZ) and The World Bank at central level.
- Coordinate audit planning and management of the Grant and undertake timely audit assignments in order to assess the effectiveness of the internal controls.
- Conduct an assessment of the adequacy of financial and administrative delegation and segregation of duties and controls on whether expenditures incurred/ advances provided are duly authorized as per the financial and administrative delegation approved by the ZNPHI.
- Undertake compliance audits to assess the Grant’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Develop action plans and establish expenditure tracking systems to ensure value for money in the system.
- Assess whether Goods, works and services financed have been procured in accordance with relevant provisions of the Zambia Public Procurement Agency (ZPPA) and World Bank GRZ Procedures.
- Assess whether reconciliation of bank statements and accounts is regularly carried out on a monthly basis and necessary corrections on account of Bank’s credits/debits and stale cheques are accounted for concurrently.
- Review Assets management in terms of completeness, existence, recording, safeguard and utilisation for the purpose intended including, physical verification of sample of assets.
- Ascertain the reliability of integrity, controls, security and effectiveness of the operation of computerized system.
- Conduct an assessment of the action on the recommendations made in the previous audit reports.
Qualifications& Experience
- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with minimum five O level credits including English and Mathematics
- Bachelor of Accountancy, Full ACCA or equivalent
- Master’s Degree will be an added advantage
- Minimum of Five (5) years of work experience in a similar or related position
Desired experience
- Experience working in or with a Governmental Agency
- Experience working in the health sector is desirable
- Familiarity with ZNPHI’s role in health security in Zambia
- Experience working with and on Donor funded projects is an added advantage
Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Knowledgeable about payroll management
- Must be computer literate and proficient in MS Office
- Capacity in decision-making and problem-solving
- COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Reports to: Director- Public Health Policy, Diplomacy and Communication
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute
Job Purpose
To develop, coordinate and implement communication activities that enhance ZNPHI’s public image, facilitate information sharing and support health promotion initiatives, thereby contributing to improved public health outcomes in Zambia.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement communication plans and strategies aligned with ZNPHI’s objectives and public health priorities.
- Ensures compliance with copyright laws, ethical guidelines, and publication policies in the preparation and dissemination of written materials. This may also involve obtaining permissions for copyrighted content, addressing conflicts of interest, and ensuring transparency and integrity in the editorial process.
- Prepare, edit, and disseminate communication materials including press releases, newsletters, social media content, reports, and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials targeting diverse audiences.
- Manage and update ZNPHI’s website and social media platforms to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information.
- Coordinate media relations, including organizing press briefings, interviews, and responding to media inquiries.
- Support public health campaigns and events by producing communication materials and providing logistical support.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities and prepare regular reports on communication outputs and outcomes.
- Collaborate with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication.
- Maintain a repository of communication materials, media coverage, and publications for reference and reporting purposes.
- Provide communication support during outbreak investigations and emergency responses as needed.
- Assist in capacity building by providing communication training and guidance to ZNPHI staff and partners.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors.
Qualifications & Experience
- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with Five O Level Credits Including English and Mathematics
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, communication sciences, Mass Communication, Public Relations, or related field.
- Minimum of 6 years’ experience in communications, preferably in public health, development or non-governmental organizations.
Desired experience
- Proven skills in writing, editing, and producing communication materials for multiple platforms.
- Experience managing social media accounts and website content management systems.
- Familiarity with public health terminology and health promotion communication is an advantage.
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Experience working with donor-funded projects and knowledge of ZNPHI’s role in health security is desirable.
- Capacity in decision-making and problem-solving
- SENIOR SCIENTIFIC WRITER
Reports to: Director- Public Health Policy, Diplomacy and Communication
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute
Job Purpose
To lead and coordinate the production of scientific manuscripts, policy briefs, technical reports and other knowledge products that effectively communicate ZNPHI’s research findings, public health data and policy recommendations to diverse audiences including government, partners and the public.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead the writing, editing and quality assurance of scientific manuscripts, policy briefs, technical reports and other communication materials.
- Ensures compliance with copyright laws, ethical guidelines and publication policies in the preparation and dissemination of written materials. This may also involve obtaining permissions for copyrighted content, addressing conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency and integrity in the editorial process.
- Translate complex scientific data and research findings into clear, concise and audience-appropriate documents.
- Collaborate closely with researchers, epidemiologists, public health experts, and program managers to gather accurate information and ensure scientific rigor.
- Develop and implement editorial guidelines and standards for scientific writing within ZNPHI.
- Coordinate the review and publication process, ensuring timely dissemination of knowledge products.
- Support the preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals and other scientific platforms.
- Monitor emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in scientific communication and writing.
- Assist in organizing workshops or training sessions on scientific writing and communication for ZNPHI staff and partners.
- Ensure all written materials adhere to institutional branding, style and quality standards.
- Contribute to the development of communication strategies that enhance the visibility and impact of ZNPHI’s scientific outputs.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Head of Department.
Qualifications & Experience
- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with Five O Level Credits Including English and Mathematics
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Demography, Development Studies, Life Sciences, or related field.
- Minimum of 6 years’ experience in scientific writing, editing, or related roles, preferably within public health or biomedical research environments.
- A Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology or related discipline is an added advantage.
Desired experience
- Proven track record of substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading of scientific manuscripts, reports, and technical documents.
- Strong knowledge of editorial principles, style guides (e.g., APA, Chicago Manual of Style), grammar rules and publication standards.
- Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- Experience managing editorial workflows, production schedules, and publication processes.
- Experience in preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and knowledge of the publication process.
- Experience mentoring or supervising junior writers or editorial staff is desirable
Knowledge and Skills
- Proficiency in using editorial tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, editing software).
- Strong understanding of public health, epidemiology, and biomedical terminology.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- LOGISTICIAN – PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE (PHEOC)
Reports to: Director-Emergency Preparedness and Response
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)
Job Purpose
Effectively ensure the efficient and effective deployment of resources, supplies and personnel during public health emergencies. This position is responsible for coordinating logistics to support the institute’s response efforts, enabling a timely and well-coordinated response to emerging health threats.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement logistics plans in collaboration with the Emergency Response Team in order to ensure availability of resources and supplies
- Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment of logistics activities with overall emergency response objectives.
- Effectively coordinate in collaboration with the Procurement Unit, the procurement of medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals required for emergency response.
- Manage supply chain activities, including inventory control, storage, and distribution of essential supplies.
- Assess and ensure the readiness of facilities to support emergency response activities.
- Coordinate the setup and maintenance of temporary facilities, including field hospitals and treatment centers.
- Effectively participate in the planning and management of transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies during emergency responses
- Collaborate with relevant government agencies, NGOs, and international partners to facilitate the smooth flow of logistics information and resources at all times
- Participate in coordination meetings to align logistics activities with broader emergency response strategies.
- Implement security and safety measures for logistics operations in coordination with the Security Officer
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and protocols during emergency response activities.
- Develop and manage budgets for logistics activities, ensuring cost-effective and accountable use of resources.
- onitor expenditures and provide regular budget reports to the Emergency Response Team.
- In collaboration with the Procurement Unit, maintain accurate and up-to-date records of logistics activities, including procurement, inventory, and distribution.
- Prepare regular reports on logistics operations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide training to logistics staff and other relevant personnel on emergency response protocols and procedures.
- Contribute to the development of capacity-building initiatives to enhance logistics capabilities within the institute.
- Conduct regular evaluations of logistics processes and identify areas for improvement.
- Implement lessons learned from previous emergencies to enhance future logistics planning and execution.
Qualifications & Experience
- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with Five O Level Credits Including English and Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, medical logistics or related field
- Masters Degree in Logistics and/or Supply Chain Management is desirable
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in emergency response, public health management or disaster management.
- Experience working with and on Donor funded projects is an added advantage
Desired experience
- Proven experience in logistics management, preferably in the context of public health emergencies.
- Familiarity with public health systems and emergency response protocols.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with ZNPHI’s role in health security in Zambia
- Interpersonal skills, patient, confidentiality, facilitation skills
- Capacity in decision-making and problem-solving
Knowledge and Skills
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Must be computer literate and proficient in MS Office
- Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
- Proficiency in logistics software and tools.
- Commitment to ethical and accountable use of resources.
All interested persons meeting the above qualifications and experience should send their written applications to the undersigned with verified copies of academic and professional qualifications, Full Registration with relevant professional bodies and Latest Practicing Licenses where applicable and detailed Curriculum Vitae with at least three references including their contact numbers.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 6th June, 2025. All applications must be clearly marked on the envelope indicating the position one is applying for. Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. interested candidates should address their application letters to:
Director General
Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)
Stand 1186, Corner Addis Ababa Drive & Chaholi Road,
LUSAKA
