Healthcare and Nursing Jobs In Zambia 2025-2026

Zambia, located in Southern Africa, has been working over the years to improve its healthcare system. While progress has been made, the sector continues to face issues such as inadequate resources, workforce shortages, and rising healthcare demands. These challenges have opened up opportunities for professionals across different areas of medicine.

Healthcare in Zambia stretches from busy referral hospitals in cities like Lusaka and Ndola to small health posts that serve rural villages. Doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory experts, and public health officers all play vital roles in keeping services running. In addition to government facilities, international organizations and local NGOs remain very active, supporting programs in areas such as maternal care, vaccination, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.

For those pursuing careers in healthcare, Zambia provides room to gain professional experience while making a direct difference in people’s lives. Whether your interest is hospital-based practice, public health programs, or grassroots outreach, the system offers a mix of challenges and rewards.

In this guide, we will look at the range of healthcare and nursing jobs available in Zambia, the main employers, current job openings, qualifications needed, expected salaries, and practical steps on how to apply.

Latest Healthcare and Nursing Career Opportunities in Zambia

Zambia’s health system continues to expand, but the need for qualified workers still outweighs supply. This creates many openings across hospitals, clinics, and community health projects. Whether in the capital Lusaka or in rural districts, here are the kinds of roles most commonly advertised:

1. Registered Nurses (RNs)

Nurses form the backbone of care delivery in Zambia. They assist with patient monitoring, treatment, and recovery, and in rural areas they often serve as the main point of medical support when doctors are scarce.

2. Midwives

The country is investing heavily in reducing maternal and child mortality. As a result, trained midwives are in steady demand to support safe deliveries, antenatal checkups, and postnatal education for mothers.

3. Medical Doctors

General physicians and specialists are required to strengthen services in both urban referral hospitals and smaller district facilities. High need specialties include pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesiology, and surgery.

4. Clinical Officers

These professionals bridge the gap where doctors are limited. They are trained to diagnose, prescribe, and even perform minor surgeries, especially in rural health centers where access to advanced services is low.

5. Laboratory Professionals

Accurate diagnosis is central to managing malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions. Laboratory technologists and technicians are employed by both government hospitals and private diagnostic centers.

6. Pharmacists

With a growing number of pharmacies and hospitals, pharmacists are essential to dispensing medicines, advising patients, and ensuring safe drug use. Their role in preventing counterfeit drugs is particularly valued.

7. Public Health Specialists

Zambia continues to face challenges in sanitation, vaccination coverage, and disease prevention. Public health workers are hired to coordinate community programs and help reduce disease outbreaks.

8. Radiographers

As medical imaging equipment becomes more available, radiographers are needed to perform X-rays, ultrasounds, and other scans to support accurate diagnosis and treatment.

9. Physiotherapists

Chronic diseases and accident related injuries have created space for rehabilitation services. Physiotherapists help patients recover mobility and improve quality of life after surgeries, strokes, or injuries.

10. Health Records and Information Officers

Digital record keeping is expanding in hospitals. These professionals manage patient files, monitor data, and support reporting systems that are vital for hospital administration and public health planning.

Top Hospitals and Organizations Hiring in Zambia

Zambia’s healthcare workforce is spread across teaching hospitals, private clinics, rural mission centers, and international aid programs. If you are exploring career opportunities here, these are some of the key employers to know:

1. University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka: As the country’s largest medical facility, UTH serves as both a referral center and a training ground for young professionals. It regularly takes on nurses, junior doctors, and allied health staff across departments like pediatrics, surgery, and emergency care.

2. Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital: Known for its modern facilities, this hospital in Lusaka often looks for professionals in diagnostic medicine, pharmacy, and general nursing. It’s also one of the referral hospitals supporting patients with complex conditions.

3. Ndola Teaching Hospital: Serving the Copperbelt region, this hospital plays a vital role in specialist and general medical services. It hires midwives, clinical officers, and laboratory technicians to strengthen its workforce.

4. Beit CURE Hospital, Lusaka: This hospital is focused on orthopedic and surgical treatment, especially for children. It provides opportunities for operating theater nurses, physiotherapists, and surgeons who want to work in a specialized setting.

5. Mary Begg Health Services: A private healthcare group that runs hospitals and clinics in mining areas and urban centers. They employ registered nurses, emergency care specialists, and doctors, often with more competitive benefits compared to public facilities.

6. Private Clinics and Medical Centers: Growing demand for private healthcare in cities like Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola has created jobs for doctors, radiographers, laboratory staff, and pharmacists. These facilities are attractive for professionals seeking smaller patient loads or specialized practice.

7. Ministry of Health, Zambia: Through national recruitment drives, the Ministry deploys healthcare workers such as nurses, clinical officers, and environmental health technicians to district hospitals and rural health centers.

8. NGOs and Development Partners: Organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and local NGOs recruit health staff for community-based projects in HIV care, maternal health, and disease prevention.

9. UN Agencies and Global Programs: UNICEF and WHO also post roles in health campaigns, policy development, and technical support. These roles typically focus on public health and large scale interventions rather than direct clinical practice.

10. Faith Based Hospitals and Mission Health Centers: Institutions such as Mukinge Mission Hospital and St. Francis Hospital are pillars of rural healthcare. They often hire doctors, nurses, and midwives ready to work in remote or underserved communities.

Current Healthcare & Nursing Job Openings in Zambia

Zambia’s health sector is currently recruiting across different levels, ranging from hospitals and private clinics to NGOs and international organizations. Below are some of the opportunities presently available:

Registered Nurse Midwife: Zambia Sugar is hiring three nurse midwives to strengthen its clinic team in Nakambala. Successful candidates will provide direct nursing care, support emergency cases, and assist in maternal health services. Applications close on August 27, 2025.

Nursing Positions: Pentagon Hospital in Lusaka is taking in qualified nurses. Applicants must hold a nursing degree and a valid Zambian practicing license. Prior clinical experience will be considered an added advantage.

Adolescent Programme Officer: UNICEF is searching for a Programme Officer to lead initiatives that support young people’s health, rights, and development. This position is based in Lusaka and requires experience working with adolescent focused projects.

Health Officer (Temporary Contract): Another UNICEF opening is for a Health Officer on a one year contract, with the possibility of extension. The officer will coordinate child health activities and ensure smooth program delivery across different regions.

Nutrition Officer: UNICEF also has a short term role in nutrition, designed for professionals who can respond quickly to crisis situations and support communities with life saving nutrition programs.

Digital Health Specialist: To boost technology driven healthcare, UNICEF is seeking a specialist in digital health systems. The role involves supporting national health platforms and strengthening e-health solutions across the country.

Check out: Visa Sponsorship jobs in Zambia for foreigners

Qualifications Needed to Work in Zambia’s Healthcare Sector

To secure a healthcare or nursing role in Zambia, candidates must meet both academic and professional requirements that vary depending on the position. Below are the common qualifications expected:

1. Basic Academic Background: A minimum of a secondary school certificate with strong passes in science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics is required for most entry-level health training programs.

2. Professional Training: Nurses, midwives, and clinical officers must complete training at an accredited college or university recognized by the General Nursing Council of Zambia or the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ). For doctors, a recognized medical degree and internship completion are mandatory.

3. Licensing and Registration: All healthcare workers must hold a valid practicing license. Nurses and midwives register with the General Nursing Council of Zambia, while doctors, laboratory staff, and other allied health professionals register with the HPCZ. Renewal of licenses is compulsory to continue practice.

4. Specialized Certifications: Applicants seeking advanced roles, such as ICU nurses, pharmacists, or public health specialists, often need extra certifications in their area of expertise. For example, intensive care training, pharmaceutical practice licenses, or public health diplomas strengthen one’s chances.

5. Work Experience: While fresh graduates can apply for some junior positions, many hospitals and NGOs prefer candidates with one to three years of practical experience. For senior roles, at least five years of proven service in the field is usually required.

6. Soft Skills: Healthcare jobs in Zambia also demand strong interpersonal communication, empathy, teamwork, and problem solving abilities, since professionals often work in diverse communities and challenging environments.

Salary Expectations for Healthcare & Nursing Jobs in Zambia

Earnings for healthcare workers in Zambia are not fixed. They change based on the type of job, level of experience, the kind of employer (government, private, or NGO), and the posting location. Urban placements often pay differently from rural ones, and international organizations usually offer packages that are much higher than local facilities.

Registered Nurses (RNs): Nurses in Zambia generally earn around ZMW 2,000 to ZMW 7,500 per month. Those working in bigger private hospitals or in specialized units are usually at the higher end, while entry-level staff in rural government hospitals earn less.

Doctors / Medical Officers: Entry-level doctors employed in government hospitals often start with salaries in the range of ZMW 20,000 to ZMW 26,000 per year (about ZMW 1,700 to ZMW 2,200 per month). Senior doctors or specialists who move into private practice usually earn more, although exact figures vary widely.

Midwives and Clinical Officers: These professionals earn an average of ZMW 2,500 to ZMW 5,000 monthly, with additional allowances sometimes offered for those serving in hard-to-reach rural areas.

Laboratory Technicians: Lab workers typically earn between ZMW 3,000 and ZMW 6,000 per month, with central hospitals like the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka or private diagnostic labs paying more than smaller facilities.

Pharmacists: Pay for pharmacists differs depending on the employer. Those in government service are usually on the lower end, while those in private hospitals or retail chains can take home ZMW 6,000 to ZMW 12,000 monthly.

NGO and International Roles: Jobs with NGOs or UN agencies such as UNICEF and WHO are in a completely different bracket. Entry-level NGO positions in Zambia often pay around USD 500–700 per month (roughly ZMW 5,500 – ZMW 7,700). Senior-level or UN positions can reach USD 36,000 – USD 52,000 annually, with benefits such as housing, insurance, and travel allowances included.

Steps to Apply for the Job opportunities in Zambia

Landing a healthcare role in Zambia requires more than just having the right qualifications, it’s about knowing where to look and how to present yourself. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

1. Identify Trusted Employers: Start by focusing on recognized institutions such as government hospitals, private clinics, and reputable NGOs. International agencies like WHO, UNICEF, and MSF also post openings regularly.

2. Prepare Your Credentials: Make sure your CV is updated and highlights your education, professional license, and any specialized training. Supporting documents like transcripts and certificates should also be ready.

3. Register with the Right Authority: Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals must be registered with the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) or the relevant regulatory board. This is a key requirement for most employers.

4. Search Verified Job Boards: Use official sites like the Ministry of Health portal, ZambiaJobs, or NGO career platforms. Cross-check postings with the employer’s official website to confirm they’re genuine.

5. Apply through Official Channels: Submit your application via the employer’s website, official email, or in-person HR office. Avoid third-party offers that don’t come from verified sources to stay safe from scams.

6. Prepare for Interviews: Employers often test both technical and soft skills. Be ready to discuss how you handle patient care, emergencies, and teamwork in addition to your professional knowledge.

7. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, send a polite follow-up email if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable period. This shows commitment without being pushy.

Conclusion

Healthcare in Zambia is an evolving field that continues to create space for professionals at different levels. From large teaching hospitals in Lusaka and Ndola to rural health centers that keep remote communities functioning, the need for skilled staff is clear. Nurses, midwives, doctors, laboratory experts, and public health workers all play a role in strengthening the system.

For anyone seeking a career that combines stability with impact, Zambia offers the chance to grow while serving. The work environment may come with challenges such as limited resources in some areas, but it also provides opportunities to learn, adapt, and make a visible difference in people’s lives.

However, salaries and benefits are not fixed. They differ from one organization to another and are influenced by factors like location, job title, and level of experience. It is always best to verify details directly with official job listings, hospitals, or health organizations before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can foreigners apply for healthcare jobs in Zambia?

Yes. Zambia allows foreign professionals to work in its healthcare system when there are shortages, but they must first register and get approval from the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ).

2. Which employers recruit healthcare workers in Zambia?

Recruitment is done by the Ministry of Health, teaching hospitals such as University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, mission hospitals, private health facilities, and non-governmental organizations like MSF.

3. Do healthcare professionals need a license before working?

Absolutely. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other practitioners are required to hold a valid practicing license from HPCZ before they can work legally.

4. What is the average salary of nurses in Zambia?

Government employed nurses generally earn between ZMW 4,000 and ZMW 6,000 per month. In private facilities and NGO-funded projects, the pay can be higher depending on responsibilities.

5. Is it easy for fresh graduates to get jobs?

Opportunities exist, but competition is high. Many new graduates find positions faster in rural health centers than in major cities, since rural areas often face more acute shortages.

6. Do hospitals in Zambia provide housing for staff?

Some public and mission hospitals provide staff accommodation or allowances, especially in remote postings. Benefits vary in private hospitals and NGO run facilities.

7. What qualifications are required to practice in Zambia?

For nursing and midwifery, a diploma or degree from a recognized institution is the minimum requirement. Doctors need an MBChB degree and may need additional training depending on specialization.

8. How do I apply for healthcare vacancies?

Applications can be submitted through official Ministry of Health recruitment drives, directly to hospitals, or in response to adverts by NGOs and development agencies.

9. Is there a demand for healthcare workers in Zambia?

Yes. With population growth and health reforms, Zambia continues to need more nurses, doctors, midwives, and allied professionals.

10. Can foreigners volunteer in Zambia’s health sector?

Yes. Many NGOs welcome international volunteers, but depending on the role, you may still need HPCZ approval to work with patients.

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