GIS and Data Science Employment Accelerator Programme Director 

Employment Accelerator Programme Director 

Lusaka, Zambia

Akros is a cutting-edge organization that establishes data-driven systems that improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities. We pride ourselves in our ground-level knowledge of the health systems where we work, and our ability to provide novel, lasting solutions implemented in developing regions.

Background

Akros Research is supporting a three-year programme focused on moving young graduates in Zambia and Tanzania into meaningful work.  The program includes virtual and in person student engagement in GIS, data science, earth observation and digital health as well as employment support.

The Data Science and GIS Employment Accelerator is anticipated to start in November 2026 and the Programme Director role is contingent on Akros Research signing the programme contract.

The Programme Director will provide technical leadership, management, and strategic direction for the Data Science and GIS Employment Accelerator. This role carries responsibility and accountability to the donor for achieving programme training and employment targets in line with negotiated budgets. The ideal candidate will oversee the programme's technical, managerial, and personnel aspects, ensuring efficient resource allocation and high-quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategic Direction:
  • Provide leadership and strategic oversight for the Data Science and GIS Employment Accelerator.
  • Develop and implement plans to achieve programme objectives, with a particular focus on potential employer engagement to increase the portion of students who are able to secure meaningful work.
• Programme Management:
  • Oversee technical and managerial aspects of the programme, ensuring high standards and timely delivery.
  • Make critical management, resource allocation, and personnel decisions to optimize programme performance.
  • Adapt the program as necessary, and within client boundaries, to achieve benchmarks and KPIs
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for programme activities.
  • Liaise with programme partners in Zambia and Tanzania to coordinate activities and ensure smooth program functions.
  • Identify opportunities for student employment and engage organizations to establish hiring pipelines for students.
  • Cultivate and maintain a deep network of international private sector and philanthropic employers to facilitate market placement opportunities for students.
• Quality & Accountability:
  • Oversee the development of impactful and evidence-base strategies for student recruitment, curriculum delivery, mentorship, virtual engagement and employer placement. Support teams to iterate on strategies to strengthen program delivery and deliver results.
  • Maintain accountability for the efficient and effective use of resources.
  • Monitor programme progress, evaluate performance, and implement corrective actions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Advanced degree in Geospatial Sciences, Health Data Analytics, Public Health, Programme Management, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in programme management, with at least 10 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven experience in managing health or development programmes in Africa.
  • Strong working relationships with international organizations that employ GIS and/or data analytics technicians.
  • Previous experience supporting governments and organizations to strengthen the use of robust data sets to improve programme planning is key.
• Skills:
  • Exceptional leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
  • Excellent programme management skills, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-level stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in GIS data application.
• Other duties as assigned

Key Competencies:

• Ability to lead and manage diverse teams in Africa.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong mastery of the application of GIS and health data to improve public health programming.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality results and continuous improvement.

Location and Term

Ideally, this position will be based in Lusaka, Zambia. Remote candidates will be considered. Travel to Tanzania will be required. The position will be for 36 months.

Reporting

This position reports directly to the Akros Regional Director, who will review and approve time records.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

This position is contingent on contract signing.

Applicant Data Notice for Job Applicants - Akros Research (ODPC Registration No. DPC–DP000491) is the data controller responsible for personal data submitted as part of this application process. When you apply for a position with Akros Research, we collect the personal data contained in your CV and any supporting documents you submit by email and/or via our applicant processing portal. We do not request sensitive personal data, including religion, marital status, ethnic origin, sex, trade union membership, or health information. Please do not include such information in your application materials. If sensitive personal data is received, it will not be considered and will be deleted. We process your application data to evaluate your suitability for the role advertised. Application materials are processed and stored on data servers located outside Zambia. There is currently no electronic submission method that avoids cross-border data transfer. If you prefer to submit your application without your data leaving Zambia, you may deliver a physical copy directly to the Akros Research office. By submitting your application electronically, you are acknowledging that your data will be stored on servers outside Zambia.  Akros will retain your personal data for six months from the close of the recruitment process and then securely delete all applications received. If you are offered and accept a position, your data will be retained as part of your employment record in accordance with our HR data retention policy. You have the right to access your personal data, request correction of inaccurate information, request erasure of your data, and object to processing. To exercise any of these rights, contact our Data Protection Officer at careers@akros.com.