Academic Program Coordinator Job Vacancy in Lusaka, Zambia – Higher Education

Job Description

Position:Academic Program Coordinator

Company:University of Zambia

Location:Lusaka, Zambia

Experience:3-5 years

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Higher Education

Department:Academic Affairs

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

The University of Zambia (UNZA) is the premier public university in the country, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Established in 1965, UNZA serves over 30,000 students across multiple campuses, offering a broad spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes. As a leading institution, UNZA plays a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce of Zambia, contributing to national development goals and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

UNZA’s strategic vision emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, digital transformation, and global partnerships. The university continuously expands its curriculum to meet emerging market demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills required for a dynamic economy. With a strong emphasis on research, UNZA attracts funding from international agencies, positioning itself as a hub for knowledge creation in Africa.

Working at UNZA means being part of a vibrant academic community that values diversity, inclusivity, and professional growth. The institution offers competitive remuneration, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and scholarly achievement. As part of our ongoing expansion, we are seeking talented professionals to join our Academic Affairs team and drive the success of our programmes.

Job Overview

The Academic Program Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the Faculty of Education. This role involves close collaboration with faculty members, department heads, and external stakeholders to ensure that curricula are relevant, rigorous, and aligned with national accreditation standards. The coordinator will also manage programme budgets, coordinate scheduling, and support student services to enhance the overall learning experience.

In this position, you will act as a liaison between academic staff and administrative units, facilitating communication and ensuring that programme objectives are met efficiently. You will play a critical role in promoting UNZA’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence, contributing to the university’s mission of delivering high‑quality education and research that drives socio‑economic development in Zambia.

For more information about our institution and current initiatives, please visit our main website: https://zambiajobssearch.com.

Additional resources on regional academic collaborations can be found here: https://www.angolajobsearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and update programme curricula in consultation with faculty and industry experts.
• Coordinate course scheduling, timetabling, and allocation of teaching resources.
• Monitor programme performance metrics, including enrolment trends, graduation rates, and student satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with the Higher Education Authority’s accreditation requirements and internal quality assurance processes.
• Prepare and manage programme budgets, including forecasting and reporting.
• Facilitate faculty development workshops and training sessions on pedagogical best practices.
• Provide academic advising support to students, addressing queries related to programme structure and progression.
• Collaborate with the Admissions Office to develop recruitment strategies that attract high‑calibre candidates.
• Lead the preparation of programme prospectuses, marketing materials, and online content.
• Represent UNZA at national and international academic conferences and forums.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in curriculum development and instructional design.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of higher education accreditation standards in Zambia.
• Competence in using learning management systems and data analytics tools.
• Effective project management and budgeting skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Curriculum Development, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., Project Management Professional) is highly desirable.

Experience

Applicants should have 3 to 5 years of experience in academic programme coordination, curriculum design, or a similar role within a tertiary education institution. Experience in managing accreditation processes and working with diverse stakeholder groups is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with UNZA’s pay scale.
• Health insurance coverage for employee and dependents.
• Pension scheme contributions.
• Professional development allowances and support for further studies.
• Access to university facilities, including libraries, sports complexes, and research labs.
• Paid annual leave and public holidays.

Training

• Orientation programme covering UNZA policies, systems, and culture.
• Ongoing workshops on instructional technology and blended learning.
• Leadership and management training for career progression.
• Opportunities to attend national and international conferences.

Working Environment

The role is based at the main campus in Lusaka, offering a modern, collaborative workspace equipped with state‑of‑the‑art technology. UNZA promotes a culture of respect, continuous learning, and work‑life balance, encouraging staff to contribute ideas that shape the future of education in Zambia.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the University of Zambia Careers portal, attaching a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining how their experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Academic Program Coordinator. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Zambia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.