Prof. Joseph Katongo Kanyanga
Summary
Visionary academic and executive leader with over 30 years of experience in higher education, research, public sector leadership, and international policy. A globally recognised scholar and published researcher in meteorology, climate change, and environmental sciences, with a proven record of steering institutions towards operational excellence, academic growth, infrastructure development, and international visibility. Demonstrates strategic foresight, resource mobilisation expertise, and a commitment to fostering innovation, research excellence, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. Proven capability to lead institutional transformation towards world-class standards. Experienced in serving on national, regional, continental, and international committees shaping science, policy, and education agendas.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Professor & Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
City University
01.2023 - Current
- Provides strategic academic leadership across faculties, fostering excellence in teaching, learning, research, and innovation.
- Oversees curriculum development, quality assurance, faculty recruitment, and infrastructure enhancement to support academic excellence.
- Leads research policy implementation, resource mobilisation for academic programs, and partnerships with national and international institutions.
- Champions student success, academic integrity, inclusion, and institutional growth aligned with global standards.
- Drives initiatives for campus infrastructure development to support administrative and academic operations.
Acting Director
Zambia Meteorological Department
2016 - 2024
- Spearheaded strategic planning, operational management, infrastructure modernisation, and international representation of Zambia's meteorological services.
- Managed climate research programs, stakeholder partnerships, and performance management systems.
- Led Zambia's engagement with WMO, AMCOMET, and global scientific bodies, enhancing national visibility and policy influence.
- Represented Zambia on key international committees on climate science and policy.
Assistant Director – Forecasting & Research
Zambia Meteorological Department
2014 - 2016
- Directed national forecasting, climate research, and advisory services to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Supervised scientific publications, research projects, and staff capacity development.
Chief Meteorologist, Meteorologist, Meteorological Officer, Meteorological Assistant
Zambia Meteorological Department
01.1983 - 01.2014
- Progressive leadership and technical expertise in meteorology, climate services, research, and public communication.
- Facilitated communication between departments to enhance collaboration and workflow efficiency.
- Assisted in the preparation of reports and presentations, improving clarity and effectiveness of information shared.
Education
PhD - Meteorology
University of Johannesburg
MSc - Meteorology & Environmental Sciences
University of the Witwatersrand
BTech (Hons) - Meteorology
Federal University of Technology
Diploma - Meteorology
Institute for Meteorological Training & Research
Certificate - Meteorology
Zambia Air Services Training Institute
Grade 12 Cambridge School Certificate - undefined
Senanga Secondary School
Skills
- Visionary Leadership & Institutional Transformation
- Academic Governance & Research Policy
- Curriculum Innovation & Quality Assurance
- Resource Mobilization & Financial Stewardship
- Stakeholder Engagement & International Relations
- Research Excellence & Knowledge Dissemination
- Global Science-Policy Engagement
- Diversity, Inclusion & Student Success
- Resilience, Integrity & High-Pressure Leadership
- Technological Proficiency
Additional Information
- Board Member, MASA & ZASTI
- Permanent Representative, WMO
- Chair, National Technical Committees on Curriculum Development
- Member, National Committees on Climate Change, Environmental Management, Higher Education Policy
- Ministerial Delegate, AMCOMET, UNFCCC COPs, World Climate Conferences
- National Green Climate Fund, ZEMA, Early Warning Systems Committees
- Coordinator, UNFCCC National Negotiating Team (SBSTA)
- Regular Participant in continental and global science-policy forumsGovernance & Committee Engagement
- Board Member, MASA & ZASTI
- Permanent Representative, WMO
- Chair, National Technical Committees on Curriculum Development
- Member, National Committees on Climate Change, Environmental Management, Higher Education Policy
- Ministerial Delegate, AMCOMET, UNFCCC COPs, World Climate Conferences
- National Green Climate Fund, ZEMA, Early Warning Systems Committees
- Coordinator, UNFCCC National Negotiating Team (SBSTA)
- Regular Participant in continental and global science-policy forums
International Engagement & Recognition
- - Principal Delegate, WMO, MASA, AMCOMET
- - Contributor to Zambia's National Climate & Higher Education Policies
- - Speaker & Resource Person at International Conferences
- - Extensive participation in UN Climate Conferences, African Ministerial Forums, Global Research Networks
Academic & Research Leadership
- - Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), City University
- - Part-time Lecturer & Research Supervisor, University of Zambia, Zambia Open University, Mulungushi University (2008–Present)
- - Curriculum Development Lead, Bachelor of Climatology (Mulungushi University), Diploma in Meteorology (ZASTI)
- - Vice Chair, International Council for Science (ICSU) – Regional Committee for Africa
- - Lead Author, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Reports
- - Research Associate, Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy
- - Principal Investigator for SASSCAL, UNDP Climate Information & Early Warning Systems
- - Contributor to the Africa Science Plan and national curriculum development
- - Supervised extensive undergraduate and postgraduate research
References
Available upon request
Publications
- Lead Author, IPCC 5th Assessment Report
- Zambia Chapter Author, Southern African Agriculture & Climate Change
- Author, Africa Science Plan (ICSU)
- Over 20 peer-reviewed publications on climate science, transport, environmental policy
- Principal Investigator for SASSCAL, UNDP Climate Projects
- Contributor to African Union Reports & Zambia State of the Environment
- Full publication list available upon request
Timeline
Associate Professor & Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
City University
01.2023 - Current
Chief Meteorologist, Meteorologist, Meteorological Officer, Meteorological Assistant
Zambia Meteorological Department
01.1983 - 01.2014
MSc - Meteorology & Environmental Sciences
University of the Witwatersrand
BTech (Hons) - Meteorology
Federal University of Technology
Diploma - Meteorology
Institute for Meteorological Training & Research
Certificate - Meteorology
Zambia Air Services Training Institute
Grade 12 Cambridge School Certificate - undefined
Senanga Secondary School
Acting Director
Zambia Meteorological Department
2016 - 2024
Assistant Director – Forecasting & Research
Zambia Meteorological Department
2014 - 2016
PhD - Meteorology
University of Johannesburg
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