Director – Planning and Design

The Road Development Agency (RDA) is a statutory body responsible for planning, managing and coordinating Zambia's road network, including the care, maintenance and construction of public roads. RDA is seeking to fill the position of Director – Planning and Design within its Planning & Design Directorate.

About the role

• 1 position available
• Reporting to the Director and Chief Executive Officer
• The Director – Planning and Design will provide strategic leadership and technical direction in planning, feasibility studies, environmental and social safeguards, design and economic appraisal of the national road network, in order to ensure a sustainable, safe and cost-effective road infrastructure development programme
• The role also involves promoting government's objective of using private sector expertise and finance in public infrastructure development, and building strategic relationships with stakeholders

Key responsibilities

• Overseeing project implementation under the Annual Work Plan for the planning and design of road and bridge construction, rehabilitation and maintenance
• Interpreting and implementing contract terms for project supervision, feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs
• Advising the Director and Chief Executive Officer on contractual matters relating to works and services
• Attending progress meetings on selected projects
• Liaising with cooperating partners on project preparation and appraisal
• Ensuring timely and efficient designs and design reviews for projects under implementation
• Ensuring timely implementation of road environmental management plans, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
• Ensuring the effective operation of the Highway Management System (HMS)
• Overseeing the timely survey of roads and bridges
• Coordinating in-house designs for emergency works
• Coordinating road capacity and traffic studies, including materials testing and research
• Overseeing development of project documentation, including feasibility studies and tender documents, and implementation of the procurement plan
• Preparing board papers, cabinet memos and technical reports for management and government
• Maintaining and regularly updating project records on the appropriate computer database
• Preparing timely progress reports on studies carried out under the Annual Work Plan
• Responding to parliamentary queries in a timely manner
• Performing any other lawful duties assigned by the Director and Chief Executive Officer

Qualifications and experience

• Grade 12 School Certificate
• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Highway, Structural, or other related engineering field from a recognised university
• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field from a recognised university
• Membership of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) and the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), with a current practising certificate
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant work experience at senior management level in the road sector

Skills and attributes

• Strong managerial and team-building skills, with good interpersonal and communication abilities across all levels of staff and external stakeholders
• Innovative, with strong planning skills and a focus on results
• Prudent, practical and effective as a change agent, able to build consensus while leading an efficient directorate
• Committed to the agency's vision, mission and values, with a strong desire to benefit RDA's stakeholders
• High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
• Creative and open to new approaches, able to inspire others to do the same
• Thrives in a demanding and rewarding work environment
• Highly literate in information and communication technology (ICT) and road management systems

How to apply

• Only Zambian citizens meeting the above requirements should apply
• Applications, together with a detailed curriculum vitae, should be submitted through the Apply button on this page
• Closing date for submissions: Friday, 13th November, 2026, at 17:00hrs
• Any form of lobbying will lead to automatic disqualification
• Only short-listed applicants will be contacted