Town Clerk
Institutional Management
The Office of the Town Clerk serves as the institution’s Chief Executive Officer CEO and assumes the oversight responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the Local Authority and spearheading the delivery of developmental programs within the district.
Internal Audit Section
The Internal Audit Section serves as a pivotal mechanism for maintaining operational integrity within the Local Authority. This section is responsible for developing and implementing checks, and controls, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing management procedures both at policy level and operations. Regular audits are carried out to ensure compliance with existing legislation and enhance operational efficiency. The findings from these audits are compiled into comprehensive reports, which are then presented to the executive head of the Local Authority and the Audit Committee for review and recommended action.
Procurement Section
The Procurement Section, as a critical component of the institution, is responsible for overseeing and managing all procurement processes. This section ensures that all purchases of goods and services are conducted per established policies, legislation, and procedures promoting transparency, fairness, and cost-effectiveness. Regular compliance controls are performed to verify adherence to procurement guidelines and to identify areas for improvement. The Procurement Section plays a vital role in supporting the institution’s operations and strategic objectives and in the delivery of the CDF project procurement and delivery.
The Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020
Public Procurement Regulations 2022
The Public Relations Unit
This section is crucial in managing and disseminating information to the citizens. The unit is responsible for the strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships with the public as the face and the mouthpiece of the Local Authority.
Additionally, it handles various public functions and events for the LA including anticipating, analyzing, and interpreting public opinion, perceptions, and attitudes toward the council. It drafts strategies that use free or paid media, print or electronic to counteract information gaps and conduct sensitizations on council and developmental projects and operations.
Responsible for drafting and distributing press releases, planning and executing special public outreach and media relations events, and developing a crisis public relations strategy. It also handles the council’s social media presence and responds to public reviews on social media websites.
In essence, the Public Relations Unit is instrumental in maintaining a positive reputation of the council and fostering a strategic relationship with the public, prospective partners, investors, employees, and other stakeholders.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Section
The role of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Section is to ensure that the institution utilises technology effectively and efficiently. This includes providing technical support, managing infrastructure, developing and implementing ICT solutions, and fostering ICT literacy among staff.
Roles Overview
Technical Support and Infrastructure Management
Troubleshooting and Maintenance:
The ICT section provides technical support to users, addressing issues with hardware, software, and network connectivity.
Infrastructure Management:
They are responsible for maintaining and upgrading the department’s ICT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and devices.
Software Support:
They manage and maintain software applications used by the department, ensuring compatibility and functionality.
ICT Solution Development and Implementation
Needs Assessment:
They assess the department’s ICT needs and recommend solutions that align with organizational goals.
Solution Development:
They develop or implement ICT solutions to address specific departmental needs, such as automating processes or improving communication.
Training and Support:
They provide training to staff on how to use new ICT solutions effectively and offer ongoing support.
ICT Awareness and Capacity Building
Awareness Programs:
The ICT section conducts awareness programs to educate staff on the benefits of using ICT and to promote its responsible use.
Skill Development:
They may offer training programs to improve the ICT skills and competencies of staff.
Policy Development:
They contribute to the development of ICT policies and guidelines that ensure the safe and effective use of technology within the department.
Overall, the ICT Section acts as a facilitator, enabling the institution to leverage technology to improve efficiency, enhance communication, and achieve its goals. They bridge the gap between the institution’s needs and the available technology, ensuring that ICT is used effectively as a strategic tool for success.
©2023. SMART Zambia Institute. All Rights Reserved.