Deputy Vice-Chancellor

  • Full Time
  • Mzuzu, Malawi
  • Applications have closed

Mzuzu University

MZUZU UNIVERSITY
JOB VACANCY ADVERTISEMENT
POSITION OF DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR

About Mzuzu University
MZuzu University (MZUNI) is a public University established by the Laws of Malawi Cap 30:09 (Mzuzu University Act No. 12 of 1997). Currently, the University has SIX faculties of Education; Environmental Sciences; Health Sciences; Tourism, Hospitality and Management; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Humanities and Social Sciences. It is a dual mode University offering its courses through face-to-face and open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) teaching and learning modes. It also offers some of its programmes on block, week-end and vacation release. The University has a current enrolment of 8631 students. The number is expected to increase to over 11,000 at the beginning of 2025/26 Academic Year. The target is to increase the student enrolment to 19,000 by 2030.

MZUNI has its main campus located in Mzuzu City at Luwinga which also houses its ODeL Main Hub. It has a Tourism and Hospitality Skills Application Centre located at Dunduzu Campus within the City. MZUNI has a physical presence in all the four regions of Malawi through its purpose-built and well equipped ODeL Satellite Learning Centres in Karonga, Lilongwe, Balaka and Mulanje. The University is working towards establishing its future main campus at Choma within Muzu. There are also a number of infrastructure development projects being implemented and being developed for the growth of the University.

Given its multi-campus/centre nature and its expansion drive, the University offers unique challenges to its Deputy Vice-Chancellor who is required to assist the Vice-Chancellor to drive the institution’s vision growth agenda to achieve strategic goals, in line with the 2021-30 MZUNI Strategic Plan.

Job Title: Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Grade: MU 2
Responsible to : Vice-Chancellor
Responsible for: Deans of Faculty
Director of Research
Director of Information and Communication Technology

PURPOSE, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job Purpose: To provide strategic leadership in the management and administration of academic services in the University.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

  1. Developing and fostering implementation of academic programmes, plans, policies and strategies of the University;
  2. Fostering the development and regular review of academic programmes;
  3. Setting and monitoring the implementation of academic standards:
  4. Communicating institutional strategy and priorities to internal and external stakeholders;
  5. Ensuring that faculties, centres, institutes and departmental plans are aligned with the delivery of institutional goals;
  6. Providing academic leadership that promotes a culture of excellence and enterprise;
  7. Advancing academic recruitment, development and promotion processes that fosters academic excellence;
  8. Mobilizing resources and properly managing their effective, efficient and economic utilization;
  9. Establishing and managing partnerships with government, the public and private sectors, development partners and international community related to academic affairs;
  10. Developing industrial linkages to ensure relevance of University programmes to the industry;
  11. Representing the University on internal and external bodies on academic affairs;
  12. Fostering intellectual interaction across the University and promoting a culture of academic excellence;
  13. Chairing relevant committees of the University; and
  14. Appraising and mentoring staff.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE FACTORS

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

  1. An earned Doctorate Degree or its equivalent, plus a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of study, obtained from institutions accredited or recognised by the National Council for Higher Education;
  2. Attained the rank of associate professor or full professor in a reputable university in one of the disciplines offered by any of the faculties;
  3. A credible track record in research, teaching and management in respectable highereducation institutions; and
  4. At least ten (10) years’ experience in a senior management position in a higher educationinstitution.

Required Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Attributes)

The post requires a person who has:

  • Significant and successful track record of strategic leadership and management at a senior level within a large and complex organization and the ability and credibility to lead within University’s context;
  • Significant knowledge and skills in the areas of  education, research and professional practice toenable strategic change;
  • Experience and evidence of strategy development and effective implementation;
  • Demonstrable ability to lead, develop, motivate staff and teams to maximize performance;
  • Demonstrable ability to lead the change and engaging staff through the process for success;
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and ability to foster collaborative working internally and externally:
  • Attributes Strong commitment to a student experience of the highest standard;
  • Drive, intellect and persona to be a credible advocate for the University;
  • Ability, credibility and outward-facing perspective to act as an effective ambassador for the University with regional, national and international businesses, universities and other organizations;
  • Firm commitment to achieving the University’s vision and implementing its Strategic Plan;
  • Adaptable and able to manage conflicting requirements whilst focusing on key priorities

Terms and Conditions of Service

MZUNI provides an attractive salary and benefits in accordance with its emolument structure. The appointment is for a period of four (4) years.

Retirement Age

The normal retirement age for academic staff MZUNI is sixty-five (65) years. Applicants should not be more than sixty-one (61) years of age at the time of appointment to be able to serve a four (4)-year term.

Instructions and Mode of Application

Applicants are required to adhere to the following instructions:

  1. Applications must be submitted strictly through e-mail addressed to: councilchairperson@mzuni.ac.mw and must be copied to ur@mzuni.ac.mw;
  2. All documents must be in PDF Format;
  3. The subject line for the e-mail must read: “Application for the Post of Deputy Vice-Chancellor”;
  4. The application package must include the following documents:
    1. A job application letter addressed to the Chairperson of Council using the postal address provided below, with a motivation for the position;
    2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) with names and contact details of three traceable referees;
    3. Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications; and
    4. Copies of appointment letters to the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor.

Closing Date

Application should be e-mailed before mid-night of Monday, 28th July 2025. Note that only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged

The University is an equal opportunity employer and therefore encourages applications from qualified men, women and persons living with disabilities.

For further details regarding the vacancy and MZUNI, please visit the website: www.mzuni.ac.mw, or
contact:

University Registrar and Secretary to the Council
Mzuzu University
Private Bag 201
Luwinga
MZUZU 2
MALAWI

Dated 8th July 2025