ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF VICE-CHANCELLOR
The University of Malawi (UNIMA) was re-established after the 2019 Acts of Parliament which created three Universities from delinked Colleges of the former University with the same name. The University of Malawi retains the cherished history of being the first University in the country, a champion of intellectual freedom and academic rigour, and boasts of the largest group of alumni in top leadership positions within Malawi and beyond.
Applications are invited for the exciting and demanding position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi to lead the University in academic and research excellence, pursuit of knowledge and truth, and the development of transferrable skills required to address local, national and global development needs. The successful applicant will have demonstrable leadership and management experience in a senior management role in an academic institution. Professorial-level candidates who possess a doctorate from an accredited or recognized university by the National Council for Higher Education are encouraged to apply for this pivotal position whose further particulars and a job description can be secured from the undersigned.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the University of Malawi, the Vice-Chancellor will be accountable to the Council of the University and will be expected to implement the roadmap that Council has prepared following the delinking decision.
Vice-Chancellor’s Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Management
- Provide academic, management, and administrative leadership for the whole University;
- Lead the development of policies, strategies, and plans for an internationally excellent university;
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Manage the University’s resources ensuring adherence to the 3E principles (Economic, Efficient and Effective);
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Comply with statutory requirements-keep abreast of legal, policy, and quality regulatory frameworks of the National Council of Higher Education and other relevant professional bodies;
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Chair Senate, and other committees for effective management of the University;
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Regularly update the Chancellor on pertinent matters relevant to the University.
Team Leadership
- Supervise senior University leadership teams;
- Promote a participatory and collegial decision-making approach within the University;
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Champion an accountability culture by implementing appropriate performance management systems;
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Develop a code of ethics for the University community and create an inclusive and collegiate culture.
Resources Mobilisation and Entrepreneurship
- Secure finances from diverse sources for the University’s mission, aims and objectives;
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Lead the implementation of the University’s strategic growth plans and develop concomitant business and marketing strategies.
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Put in place strong financial accountability and procurement systems in consonance with existing laws and regulations.
Networking
- Represent the University externally and within Malawi.
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Establish partnership with the Government, the private sector, civil society, development partners and the international community to ensure the University’s programmes are aligned with the needs of Malawi, the Region and beyond.
Desirable Qualities:
- Leadership: At least 10 years’ experience of senior management and leadership of academic institutions;
- Decision-making: A good balance between consultative and decisiveness;
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Entrepreneurial: Experience of developing Business Models, achieving a good balance between risks and success.
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Lead Change: Capable of leading and overseeing the development of structures, systems, processes and procedures of the University;
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Impactful: Astuteness, able to get buy-in from the University community and other stakeholders; balances stakeholders’ priorities with a focus on delivering results;
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Adaptability: Able to balance the short-term and long-term perspectives; identifies early signals and adapts proactively;
- Reliability: Consistently delivering and following through on agreed commitments;
- Effective Communication: Clearly communicates; balances soft skills and decisiveness; effective ambassador of the University.
As Chief Executive of the University, the Vice-Chancellor shall be accountable to Council and therefore shall be expected to implement the roadmap that Council has prepared following the delinking decision.
The position of Vice-Chancellor of the University is open to any qualified Malawian or international candidate. It is offered on a contractual basis for 5 years in the first instance and may be renewed based on performance and success in a competitive interview process. The University is an equal opportunity employer and therefore encourages applications from qualified men, women and persons living with disabilities.
Remuneration: The position comes with a highly competitive compensation and benefits package in accordance with the University’s existing structure of benefits.
Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a vision statement and names and contact details of three traceable referees. Shortlisting of candidates by Council will be based on the quality of these documents which should be submitted to:
The Chairman of Council
University of Malawi
p.O Box 280
Zomba.
Email address: chairofcouncil@cc.ac.mw
Applications should be received by 30th October 2021.