As a member of the executive team of the University of Malawi and reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Director of Finance and Investments has a critical role in developing and delivering the University’s financial and investment strategy and objectives. The Director of Finance and Investments will be a qualified professional who is experienced in managing the finances and investments of large complex organisations, and will bring innovation and entrepreneurial approach to the University’s systems. The Director of Finance and Investments provides commercial direction and oversight, driving financial and operating performance, and delivering value for the University and the community it serves. As a member of the University’ Executive Management, ensure that the University’s Strategy as agreed by Council is implemented. This is a demanding, but rewarding position suited to a highly motivated, solution-focused and astute strategic leader

Duties and Functions of Director of Finance and Investments

• Establish a sound fiscal position for the University

• Prepare timely accounts for audit;

• Prepare financial statements, management accounts and other reports;

• Facilitate the management of assets and stores;

• Facilitating access to insurance and pension portfolios;

• Implement, monitor and review stores, financial and investment policies, plans, budgets, strategies, procedures and regulations; Provide leadership, source and execute investment opportunities;

• Present sound investment proposals to the senior management of the University;

• Liaise and oversee that best financial and non- financial practices are implemented;

• Coach, develop and mentor the investment team in their career development;

• Develop and build a strong pipeline of potential investment opportunities;

• Manage portfolio risk;

• Develop efficient investment processes and procedures

• Establish investment ventures;

• Develop investment policies and strategies;

• Mobilize financial resources

Qualifications

• ACCA or CIMA or CA(M) and a Master’s degree in a finance-related field from an institution accredited or recognized under the National Council of Higher Education Act and shall have ten (10) years’ experience in a management position.

• Experience engaging at Board level in organisations of comparable scale and complexity in the private or public sectors in financial planning management and reporting, management accounting, financial accounting, fiscal management, risk management and capital development projects;

• Proven track record of strategic leadership and experience of managing the technical financial disciplines, large investments, people across multiple organisational units and organisational change.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

The Director of Finance and Investments is expected to nurture an inclusive working environment that attracts and retains suitably qualified and diverse staff.

• Excellent understanding of the Malawian Higher Education operational environment;

• Excellent strategic thinking and conceptual skills that facilitate the achievement of strategic, tactical and operational results.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to relate to and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies and partners in differing circumstances and contexts.

• Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions, including a solid grounding in data analysis techniques.

• Ability to assess complex problems and develop innovative solutions that can sustain organisational change.

• Diplomatic, with strong negotiation and advocacy skills.

• Holds himself /herself to high ethical and moral standards.

The Director of Finance and Investments shall be appointed for a term of five years. Subject to satisfactory performance, he/she may be eligible for re-appointment for one further term.