PRO-VICE CHANCELLOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND ADMINISTRATION

The Council of the Midlands State University invites applications to fill the Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs and Administration post. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the position is strategic for the attainment of the University’s mission and goals.

The post requires an individual of personal and professional integrity, with a distinguished record of accomplishment in higher education or a related professional field. The successful candidate will initiate, recommend, implement and monitor policies, systems and procedures relating to the University’s Academic thrust. The incumbent will also assist the Vice Chancellor on matters pertaining to the management and administration of the university and will play a leading role in overseeing the development, implementation and review of administrative policies, procedures, structures and standards across all the administrative functions of the University.

Alongside operating a multi-campus system, the university is implementing the Heritage Based Education 5.0 which encompasses Teaching, Research, Community Service, Innovation and Industrialisation in line with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development’s new educational philosophy. Thus, the post calls for a versatile and knowledgeable education administrator with proven sound leadership skills on academic and administrative issues.

Key Performance Areas

Guided by the University’s Strategic Plan, the key performance areas of the Pro-Vice Chancellor responsible for Research and Academic Affairs and Administration will include but not be limited to:

Academic Affairs function

Assisting the Vice-Chancellor on academic matters including the implementation of Education 5.0
Responsible for the development and implementation of academic plans, policies, regulations and ordinances
Experience in supervising postgraduate studies and in developing academic programmes
Development of academic programmes which are responsive to the socioeconomic development needs of Zimbabwe
Ensuring that the academic function of the University embraces the use of Information Communication Technologies for teaching and learning
Promotion of academic linkage programmes and partnerships with other institutions, organisations and communities
Curriculum development and review of teaching and learning programmes in line with the Ministry’s vision of implementing a Heritage-Based Education 5.0
Quality assurance in its wider sense incorporates governance/ management, infrastructure, quality of student experience, and community engagement, while ensuring internal compliance with national and international standards and directions
Overseeing the Student Affairs Division;
Internationalisation of student and staff recruitment, which is an integral part of a modern university
Governance and compliance with regulations and laws

Administrative function

Providing vision and leadership for all the university administrative activities and strategic planning, including oversight of the administration and development of the University budget;
Implementing human resource, procurement and financial control policies and procedures to ensure effective performance and delivery of services;
Overseeing the development of appropriate procedures and ensuring compliance with all statutory and legal requirements in general administration within the university;
Promoting effective and efficient management of the human resource function across the whole range of human resource activities
Develop systems and procedures to attract, develop and retain qualified, experienced staff and ensure good work ethos and adherence to the Midlands State University Code of Conduct.
Provide an oversight role in the implementation of the university plans, sound management of university finances, human resources and management of the university performance contracting function, and ensuring satisfactory customer experience.
Key Competencies and Attributes

The appointee:

must demonstrate a predisposition to embrace the Midlands State University training and teaching philosophy and methodology of the modular and semester system, innovation, entrepreneurship and work-related learning;
should possess quality assurance skills to manage both administrative and academic processes of the University;
must develop and implement quality assurance systems for the university that meets both local and international standards;
must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
should play a pivotal role in implementing a Heritage Based Education 5.0 for the modernisation and industrialisation of the economy;
should coordinate academic and co-curricular programmes and activities among faculties, institutes and schools for a seamless implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan;
should be able to monitor and evaluate the university’s academic processes, and oversee policy implementation for marketing of the university’s academic, teaching and learning programmes; and
should have the ability to chair the university’s committee meetings and perform other roles as may be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor;
must oversee the development of a framework for monitoring quality across all university activities;
must oversee the development and implementation of a framework for good corporate governance;
must demonstrate good communication, administrative, negotiating and human resource management skills and academic leadership through research and publication.

Qualifications and Experience

At least an earned doctorate (PhD/DPhil) or equivalent
Proven track record of at least ten years experience in the higher education sector of which 5 years should be at management level, that is, Dean, Director level or better.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Medical Aid, Leave and Pension Benefits are offered. More details including salary, benefits and other conditions of service will be communicated to the successful candidates.