Featured – Higher Education Authority

Employment Opportunities: 2 Seasonal Employees – Programme Accreditation Officers

HEA — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:04:36 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is a statutory body established by the Higher Education Act, 2013. The mandate of the Authority is to regulate and monitor standards in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in order to ensure quality services and contribute to the enhancement of human capital and accelerated national development.

The Higher Education Authority invites applications from suitably qualified Zambians for the position of Programme Accreditation Officer (2) in the Programme Accreditation Section, for a six (6)-month seasonal contract.

Job Purpose: To undertake the accreditation and auditing of Learning Programmes in Higher Education Institutions in order to ensure that Learning Programmes meet set standards. The job holder will also undertake research on quality assurance of Learning Programmes in order to inform decision making.

Responsibilities

Undertake periodically, the development and implementation of policies and programmes in order to provide guidance in accreditation of Learning Programmes
Process timely, the documentation for accreditation in order to facilitate accreditation for Learning Programmes
Facilitate periodically, the monitoring and evaluation of Learning Programmes in order to ensure conformity to set standards.
Undertake periodically, the state of higher education report on quality assurance of Learning Programmes.
Prepare periodically, the state of higher education report on accreditation of learning Programmes, list of accredited Learning Programmes and other reports to facilitate decision making and inform the public.
Undertake timely, preparation of individual work plan in order to monitor, evaluate performance.

Minimum Requirements

Grade 12 School Certificate with Five (5) Credits or better, including Mathematics, Science and English.

Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology or a Social Science discipline earned from a recognised Higher Education Institution.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Functional computer literacy.

Excellent organisational skills with willingness to take initiative and be proactive

For Detailed Job Advertisement, kindly click here: https://hea.org.zm/downloads/careers/

Interested candidates meeting the above specifications are encouraged to apply here (https://forms.gle/HyyJzyxkPA3t54My5) on or before Friday, 15^th May, 2026, at 17:00hrs.

ONLY SUBMISSIONS VIA THE LINK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Note: The Higher Education Authority is an equal opportunity employer and does not request for payments for job openings. Any such activities should be considered fraudulent and reported immediately.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

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Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 950 470 444│ hr@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

Internship Opportunity: Risk Management Intern

HEA — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:55:07 +0000

The Higher Education Authority invites applications from suitably qualified Zambians for the position of Risk Management Intern within the Audit and Risk Section.

Job Purpose: To undertake work-based learning in alignment with government policy to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. The intern will assist in implementing the Authority’s risk management framework in order to facilitate achievement of objectives and business continuity. The role ensures that risks, including strategic, operational, financial and compliance, are identified, assessed, monitored and mitigated to safeguard the Authority’s mandate of ensuring quality in higher education.

Responsibilities

Undertakes periodically the preparation of an institutional risk register in order to facilitate risk management
Undertakes periodically the preparation of risk reports in order to facilitate decision making
Prepare quarterly and annual risk reports for senior management and the Board.
Conduct regular risk assessments across departments and projects.
Identify emerging risks in the higher education sector, including regulatory, financial, reputational, and operational risks.
Maintain a risk register and track mitigation measures.
Provide early warning alerts on high impact risks.
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and international best practices.
Support internal audit and external oversight processes.
Train staff on risk awareness and mitigation strategies.
Promote a culture of proactive risk management across the Authority
Liaise with government ministries, universities, colleges, and regulatory bodies on risk related matters.
Provide advice to management and the Board on risk implications of strategic decisions.

Minimum Requirements

Full Form V/Grade 12 certificate
Minimum Vocational/ Professional Qualifications
1. Degree in Risk Management or equivalent
1. Professional certification in risk management, auditing, or governance (e.g., IRM, CIA, CRMA) is an added advantage.

For Detailed Job Advertisement, kindly click here: https://hea.org.zm/downloads/careers/

Interested candidates meeting the above specifications are encouraged to apply here (https://forms.gle/HyyJzyxkPA3t54My5) on or before Friday, 15^th May, 2026, at 17:00hrs.

ONLY SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia. Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 950 470 444│ hr@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

IN PICTURES: CBU Graduates Record 2,433 as Professor Chinsembu Graces 34th Ceremony

HEA — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:26:19 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) Director-General, Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu, this morning attended the 34^th Graduation Ceremony for the Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe.

The ceremony was officiated by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Douglas Munsaka Syakalima, MP.

The public Higher Education Institution (HEI) graduated 2,433 students, a record number for Zambia’s 2^nd oldest public university. Of these, six (6) graduated with Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs), 508 with Master’s Degrees, and 1,919 with Bachelor’s Degrees and Diplomas.

Another milestone for the University was its near achievement of gender parity, with 50.6% of the graduates being female and 49.4% male.

Officially established as an independent university in 1987, CBU currently has 26,072 students, 179 accredited learning programmes, and five (5) recognised campuses: Kitwe Riverside campus, Recognition No.: HEA/GRZ-0002; Lusaka campus, Recognition No.: HEA/GRZ-0016; Ndola campus: Michael Chilufya School of Medicine, Recognition No.: HEA/GRZ-020; Mpika: Mpika Satellite, Recognition No.: HEA/GRZ-021; and, Solwezi: Solwezi Satellite, Recognition No.: HEA/GRZ-022.

HEA congratulates the graduates on this significant milestone and encourages them to apply the knowledge, skills and values acquired to national development, in line with the Authority’s mandate of Ensuring Quality in Higher Education.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

All set for the official commencement of the 34^th Graduation Ceremony, with the Honourable Minister, Vice-Chancellor and Professor Chinsembu in position, marking the beginning of a significant milestone for graduating students.
Professor Chinsembu takes his seat among distinguished academic and government leaders on stage, moments before the commencement of the graduation ceremony.
Professor Chinsembu joins the academic procession, a time-honoured tradition symbolising scholarship, institutional continuity and the conferment of knowledge.
Clad in full academic regalia, Professor Chinsembu pauses outside the ceremony venue, joining academic leadership in preparation for the formal proceedings of the graduation ceremony.
The Director-General and the Honourable Minister listen attentively as the Vice-Chancellor provides a pre-ceremony briefing, outlining the programme and key highlights of the 34^th Graduation Ceremony.
Professor Chinsembu formally welcomes the Honourable Minister into the Boardroom, underscoring the close collaboration between Government and regulatory leadership in guiding the higher education sector.
The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Douglas Munsaka Syakalima, MP, arrives at the Copperbelt University and is received by Professor Nyambe, as he is welcomed by members of Management ahead of the graduation ceremony.
Professor Chinsembu and Professor Nyambe are joined by Professor Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research and Innovation, for a moment of collegial engagement, symbolising the shared commitment to advancing research, innovation and quality higher education in Zambia.
Professor Chinsembu shares a light moment with CBU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Imasiku Nyambe, during a courtesy interaction in the Vice-Chancellor’s office ahead of the 34^th Graduation Ceremony, reflecting the strong institutional relationship between HEA and the University.

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 976 936 658│ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

HEA Supports and Lauds Free Education as Zambia’s Best Economic Policy

HEA — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:24:39 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has thrown its full support behind the expansion of free education, describing it as Zambia’s most critical investment in sustainable economic development.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology on Monday, 20^th April, 2026, the Authority made its submission on the Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, emphasising that free education must now be secured in law to protect the country’s future.

Providing historical context, HEA Director-General, Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu, reminded the Committee that Zambia has walked this road before.

“From a period of free education post-independence in 1964, policy shifts in the 1990s led to the introduction of user fees, a move that saw over 600,000 children out of school by 1996, and over 3 million by 2021,” Professor Chinsembu submitted.

The Director-General, however, noted with glee that as of today, due to the policy of free education, that trajectory has changed.

“With over 3 million children now back in school under free education, these gains must be protected through legislation,” Professor Chinsembu submitted, adding, “We need to lock these gains in legislative reform so that we do not relapse back to where we are coming from.”

The Authority further underscored that education is not a luxury, but the foundation upon which all national development is built.

“We cannot sustain any economic gains if the starting point is not education as education is the best economic policy,” Professor Chinsembu stated.

Framing education as both a right and a development tool, HEA aligned its position with global thinking, noting that education remains the most effective pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking national growth.

HEA’s submission reinforces a clear message that free education is not just social policy, but the most important is economic strategy that Zambia has right now. The Committee meeting was chaired by Honourable Mr. Chinga Miyutu, MP., Member of Parliament for Kalabo Central

Professor Chinsembu (C) presenting before the Committee.

(L-R) Mr. Tebuho Muliokela, Esq., Legal Counsel and Board Secretary; Dr. Martin Mushumba, Director – Quality Assurance; Professor Chinsembu; and, Dr. Denny Nsokolo, Manager – Standards, Research & Institutional Audits.

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

HEA Welcomes Stronger Oversight Under Higher Education Amendment Bill

HEA — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:19:43 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has welcomed proposed reforms to strengthen governance and oversight within the sector, describing them as timely and aligned with modern regulatory practice.

This came during the Authority’s appearance before the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology on Monday, 20^th April, 2026, where it presented submissions on the Higher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Leading the delegation, HEA Director-General, Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu, expressed support for the restructuring of statutory boards, noting that the reforms will enhance accountability, improve resource management and strengthen policy oversight.

“The inclusion of additional expertise, particularly from professional bodies, is a critical step towards improving governance standards,” Professor Chinsembu submitted.

The Director-General noted that these reforms will strengthen institutional controls, improve decision-making efficiency and align governance with best practices.

HEA’s position reflects a broader commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of higher education that clearly states that strong systems build strong institutions.

The Committee meeting was chaired by Honourable Mr. Chinga Miyutu, MP., Member of Parliament for Kalabo Central.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

“You Will Witness It” – Parliament Signals Confidence in Education Reform

HEA — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:17:34 +0000

The Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology has expressed strong confidence in the passage of the Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following submissions from the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

Speaking at the close of the session on Monday, 20^thApril, 2026, Honourable Mr. Chinga Miyutu, MP., Member of Parliament for Kalabo Central, commended the Authority’s contribution to the process.

“The Higher Education Authority is important in the higher education sector and so is your submission, I am sure you will witness the passing of this Bill,” Honourable Miyutu said.

The remarks signal growing momentum behind one of Zambia’s most significant education reforms, with Parliament moving steadily towards enshrining free education and systemic improvements into law.

For HEA, the moment marks not just participation, but influence in shaping the future of education in Zambia.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

HEA Calls for Legal Recognition in Education System and Champions Lifelong Learning in Education Reform

HEA — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:15:15 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has called for explicit and clear Legal Recognition in National Education Framework within the Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that the absence of a defined regulatory role could create gaps in oversight.

Making submissions before the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology on Monday, 20^th April, 2026, the Authority HEA has further welcomed the inclusion of lifelong learning pathways in the Bill, noting that education must extend beyond traditional schooling.

Leading the delegation, HEA Director-General, Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu, submitted recommendations that the law formally recognise HEA as the body responsible for accreditation, quality assurance and institutional oversight.

This, HEA argued, was critical to maintaining order and consistency as tertiary education becomes fully integrated into the national system.

The Director-General further noted that the Bill’s support of adult and continuing education, created flexible learning opportunities across all stages of life.

“This is key to building a resilient, adaptable workforce in a changing economy,” Professor Chinsembu said.

The Committee meeting was chaired by Honourable Mr. Chinga Miyutu, MP., Member of Parliament for Kalabo Central.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

HEA Moves to Establish Integrity Committee in Proactive Governance Step

HEA — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:12:52 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has taken a decisive and proactive step towards strengthening corporate governance, following a strategic engagement with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) aimed at establishing an Integrity Committee within the Authority.

The meeting, held on Friday, 17^th April, 2026, in the HEA Boardroom in Lusaka, brought together senior officials from both institutions to initiate the process of embedding integrity systems within HEA’s operations.

The ACC delegation was led by Mrs. Glenda S. Mungalaba, Director – Corruption Prevention, accompanied by Mr. Kelvin Siwale, Assistant Director – Corruption Prevention, and Mrs. Pamela Simwatachela, Senior Corruption Prevention Officer. HEA was led by Dr. Martin Mushumba, Director – Quality Assurance.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Mushumba emphasised that the move to establish an Integrity Committee is not cosmetic, but foundational to the Authority’s mandate.

“We have always felt we needed the Integrity Committee, not for formality, but for the role it plays in providing corporate oversight in terms of integrity,” Dr. Mushumba said.

He added that as a regulator interacting with institutions and the public, HEA must continuously strengthen internal systems to guard against risks such as abuse of authority, conflict of interest and undue influence.

The establishment of the Integrity Committee will enhance accountability, reinforce transparency and support the Authority’s mission of delivering quality higher education through systems that are above board.

This development positions HEA as a forward-looking institution, choosing to strengthen its internal controls before challenges arise, a hallmark of strong governance.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

HEA Backs Integrity Committees Across Universities, Urges Sector-Wide Adoption

HEA — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:09:42 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has called on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Zambia to establish Integrity Committees, following its own move to set up one in partnership with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The call comes after an engagement meeting held on Friday, 17^th April, 2026, in the HEA Boardroom, as part of efforts to institutionalise corruption prevention mechanisms within the higher education subsector.

HEIs such as the University of Zambia (UNZA), National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Palabana University, Evelyn Hone College and Mulungushi University have already taken steps in this direction, demonstrating leadership in embedding integrity within their operations.

Speaking during the meeting, ACC Director – Corruption Prevention, Mrs. Glenda Mungalaba, highlighted the importance of extending this momentum across the sector.

“Integrity Committees allow institutions to mainstream corruption prevention within their routine business,” Mrs. Mungalaba said.

The ACC Director – Corruption Prevention further emphasised that corruption prevention is not the responsibility of one institution, but a collective national effort.

Echoing this position, HEA noted that as the regulator, it is uniquely positioned to champion integrity across the institutions it oversees.

Speaking on behalf of the Authority, HEA Director – Quality Assurance, Dr. Martin Mushumba, indicated that strengthening integrity systems at institutional level would enhance public trust, improve governance standards and protect the credibility of qualifications.

With over 280 Integrity Committees already established across public institutions nationally, the push now extends to ensuring HEIs are fully integrated into this national framework as the message is clear that integrity is no longer optional, it is institutional.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

HEA Confronts Corruption Risks Head-On in Higher Education Regulation

HEA — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:00:13 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has acknowledged the inherent corruption risks within the regulation of higher education, as it moves to strengthen internal safeguards through the establishment of an Integrity Committee.

This follows a strategic meeting with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) held on Friday, 17^th April, 2026, in the HEA Boardroom in Lusaka.

HEA Director – Quality Assurance, Dr. Martin Mushumba, openly noted that the Authority’s work, which includes registering institutions, accrediting programmes and auditing compliance, places it in direct interaction with individuals and entities with vested interests.

“We interact with the public, and at every given time, there are pressures that can compromise fairness if not properly managed,” Dr. Mushumba said.

The Director – Quality Assurance highlighted risks such as bribery and facilitation pressures, conflict of interest, manipulation of inspection reports and influence in institutional registration processes.

The ACC, through its Director – Corruption Prevention, Mrs. Glenda Mungalaba, reinforced this position, noting that regulatory institutions are particularly vulnerable due to their gatekeeping role.

“By virtue of your institution, there is potential for various offences,” She said, adding, “The need for an Integrity Committee can never be overemphasised.”

HEA’s move signals a shift from reactive to preventive governance, recognising risks early and building systems to manage them.

In doing so, the Authority is setting a clear standard that quality assurance must be matched by integrity assurance.

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/

#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.