Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST)
EXECUTIVE DEAN FOR THE NDATA SCHOOL OF CLIMATE AND EARTH SCIENCES
1. Background
The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) intends to recruit senior and experienced academics with a proven track record of excellence in academic management, teaching, research, innovation, grant attraction and resource mobilisation to fill the positions of Executive Dean of the Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences.
2. Executive Dean of the Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences
The Executive Dean is the principal officer of the School and the Chairperson of the School’s Academic Board.
The Executive Dean works under the general direction of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and is required to lead the translation and implementation of the University’s mandate, aims and objectives at the School Level by performing and assuming the following key roles and responsibilities:
2.1. Leadership and Management
2.1.1. Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the School and build an effective, motivated and high-functioning multidisciplinary team.
2.1.2. Lead the development and implementation of strategies, policies, procedures, and standards for the sustainable growth and efficacy of the School in line with MUST’s strategic objectives.
2.1.3. Lead the development of creative approaches for sustainable generation and efficient utilisation of resources within the School in the wake of reduced government funding.
2.1.4. Be an effective team player at the executive level by working productively with the Chancellery, University Registrar and other Directors and Executive Deans to ensure alignment of purpose for achieving University goals and objectives.
2.1.5. Ensure the availability of effective and efficient mechanisms for staff and student recruitment and onboarding, teaching and learning, academic service provision and continuous improvement.
2.1.6. Ensure compliance with legal requirements and adherence to all MUST policies by staff and students within the School.
2.1.7 Lead the development of annual School work plans to provide a basis for departmental work plans and staff performance agreements aligned with University goals and objectives, Malawi 2063 and MIP-1.
2.1.8 Lead the consultative development and prudent management of the School’s annual budget in line with MUST’s financial operating procedures and regulations.
2.2 Research and valorisation
2.2.1 Ensure that the School has an updated research agenda aligned with MUST’s research agenda and other national policy and development documents.
2.2.2 Ensure that staff and students are active in research and innovation projects within the School, the University and/or with other institutions locally, regionally and internationally.
2.2.4 Lead the School’s marketing and dissemination initiatives for research, innovation breakthroughs and services.
2.2.5Lead School’s staff and student capacity-building initiatives in research and/ or grant attraction.
2.3. Teaching and learning
2.3.1. Teaching and supervision of students.
2.3.2. Lead the regular review and/ or consolidation of existing curricula and the development of new ones informed by the School’s emerging academic research and innovation outcomes.
2.3.3. Lead marketing of the School’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within and outside
2.3.4. Ensure that the School has adequate and modern quality assurance, control and enhancement mechanisms for the delivery of academic programmes, implementation of various school services and activities and student and staff lifecycle management.
2.3.5. Ensure that the School’s academic programmes are continuously accredited.
2.3.6. Ensure that the School uses modern technologies and approaches for teaching and learning.
2.3.7. Lead the adoption and sustainable scaling up of alternative learning modes for programmes offered by the School.
2.4. People Management
2.4.1. Lead the implementation of the Performance Management System within the School.
2.4.2. Ensure that the University’s HR policies, procedures and systems are fully implemented and adhered to within the School
2.4.3. Ensure that staff within the School are capacitated and have access to the necessary support to contribute to achieving the University’s objectives.
2.4.4. Engender a culture of excellence, cooperation, innovation and respect within the School.
2.5. External Engagement
2.5.1. Ensure that the School engages in outreach programmes that benefit the surrounding communities and the nation.
2.5.2. Lead collaboration with strategic partners such as the Government, industry, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders in School’s programming to ensure that the School and the University are relevant and have a competitive advantage.
2.5.3. Lead the establishment of links with local and international universities and institutions to share resources, leverage synergies, and implement staff and student exchange programmes.
Requirements
Aspiring candidates must be at the Senior Lecturer level or higher, possess a relevant PhD qualification from a reputable University and have ten years of teaching and research experience at the tertiary level.
Aspiring candidates for should also demonstrate:
- A clear vision and passion for managing and growing the School.
- Substantial scholarly achievement in the form of reputable, non-predatory publications in refereed journals and conference proceedings.
- Experience in academic quality control and enhancement programmes.
- Ability to coordinate and review the work of others to enhance productivity.
- Experience in curriculum development, implementation and review.
- Team building and leadership success and the ability to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, creativity and excellence.
- A thorough understanding of the University’s core functions, challenges facing universities, and best practices promoting university competitiveness.
- Ability to attract and manage resources through research projects, grants and consultancy services.
- Appropriate levels of IT skills.
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
Candidates with prior experience and a track record of success in similar positions shall have an added advantage.
Remuneration and tenure
The successful candidate shall be engaged on a three-year renewable contract based on job requirements and satisfactory performance. The successful candidate shall also be offered an attractive salary and benefits commensurate with the seniority of the position in line with the University’s Conditions of Service.
Mode of application
Candidates who meet the requirements for the post should submit their applications with an updated curriculum vitae with the email addresses of three traceable referees and conies of their academic and professional qualifications by Friday, 28 February 2025. The curriculum vitae must include experience in teaching, research, outreach/community engagement services, administration/management, resource mobilisation, grant management and scholarly publications. To apply, use the link below: