The Zambia institute of purchasing and supply (ZIPS) was established under the Act No. 15 of 2003 of the laws of Zambia. The main function of the institute is to certify and regulate professional conduct for all procurement and supply practitioners as well as build capacity for the practitioners in the purchasing and supply profession in Zambia. In order to increase accessibility of the profession by interested Zambians, the institute has introduced local training in purchasing and supply management. This is in response to the growing demand by practitioners and school leavers who are unable to access the chartered institute of purchasing and supply (CIPS) training due to cost implications. The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) through the Public Financial Management Reform program (PFMRP) provided funding to the Zambia institute of purchasing and supply (ZIPS) to facilitate the introduction of local training in purchasing and supply management. The program started running in 2015 and has a student population of over 350 at both certificate and Diploma levels. The professional level qualification will be introduced in July, 2018. The institute now seeks to recruit a suitable, highly motivated and goal oriented professional to fill the following vacancy.

Accountant - 1

Responsibilities

This is a senior position reporting to the Executive Director.

To develop and implement financial policies and strategies.

To ensure proper maintenance of financial records.

To provide timely and accurate financial information for management decision making.

To ensure compliance with the applicable financial guidelines, financial management processes, applicable laws and statutes.

Develop and recommend to the Executive Director appropriate Systems, Controls Policy, procedures and strategy for the Finance Department and the Institute as whole.

Develop budget guidelines, coordinate the budgeting process and consolidate the departmental budgets as well as budget control.

Prepare Financial Statements and Annual Reports.

Coordinate internal and external financial audits.

Prepare routine and ad-hoc Management Reports to track Corporate Performance and recommendations for improvement to meet set objectives.

Develop and implement cost containment strategies.

Manage scarce financial resource distribution and utilization according to the Institute priorities and competing needs to support all Institute operations efficiently and effectively.

Appraise Institute investment plans and proposals to ascertain the financial implications and viability, advising Management accordingly.

Supervise staff in the Department involved in maintaining books of accounts to ensure data accuracy and integrity

Maintain accurate and up to-date accounts payable and accounting inventory records.

Maintain accurate and up to-date bank account records.

Plan for and pay suppliers, payroll, taxes and other statutory obligations on time.

Administration of the accounting package and interphases.

Qualifications/Experience

Grade 12 Certificate

Degree in Accounting or ACCA/ CIMA/ CA

Education Manager - 1

Responsibilities

This is a senior position responsible for the institutes’ overall Education program in purchasing and supply management and is accountable to the Executive Director.

Manage the training program and ensure students enroll for the certificate, diploma and

Prepare and manage Examination process.

Recommending examination questions setters, Moderators, invigilators and examiners

Coordinate all the activities relating to the education program and ensure the smooth running of the training program.

Effective collaboration with training partners and other stakeholders

Ensure accreditation of the education program to all relevant bodies

Develop and recommend to the Executive Director appropriate systems, control policies, procedures and strategies for the Education Program.

Develop budget guidelines, coordinate the budgeting process and consolidate the departmental budgets as well as budget controls.

Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports as well as ad hoc reports and recommendations for improvements in order to meet set objectives.

Develop and implement cost containment strategies

Manage resources of the institute efficiently in order to meet the set objectives.

Supervise staff in the department to ensure attainment of the education program objectives.

Promote dialogue through workshop and seminars with all the stakeholder.

Visit training partners and arrange meetings and education talks for students.

Sensitize students, training partners, the public and all stakeholders on the education program.

Provide leadership in reviewing the educational materials from time to time.

Ensure that all education materials are printed on time and are available for students to use.

Ensure smooth communication to and from students and training providers

Any other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director.

Reporting Requirements.

The Education Manager will report to the Executive Director, who has the overall responsibility for the work of the institute.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Procurement and Supply Management, Business Administration or any related field will be an added advantage.

Qualifications in purchasing and supply management will be an added advantage

Certificate in Teaching Methodology or Training of Trainers an advantage.

A proven track record of Teaching, Examination setting, moderation, marking and invigilation.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Personal Attributes

Strong personality and character, a team player with tact and diplomacy as well as integrity to effectively perform the role.

ICT skills and capacity building skills are critical

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should send their applications with supporting documentation to:

The Executive Director,

Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply,

Chainama Road, Olympia,

PO Box 31162,

Lusaka.