Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Administration Reports to the Vice Chancellor
The University is seeking the services of exceptional professionals with impeccable scholarly reputation and a proven track record. The successful candidate is expected to lead the University’s core business by providing academic leadership in knowledge generation through teaching, research activities encompassing technology development, innovation, entrepreneurship and wealth creation. The successful applicant, who should be an outstanding academic and accomplished scholar, will have the responsibility to drive the implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030. The Pro-Vice Chancellor will head the Academic Portfolio (Teaching, Research, Community Service, Innovation and Industrialisation) and administrative wings of the University and is also responsible for the strategic positioning of all academic and graduate research activities which constitute the institution’s core business.
Job Summary
- Employer: Chinhoyi University of Technology
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
- Category: Academia
- Salary: To be shared with s…
- Closing Date: 2026-11-10
Key Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing programmes that drive the institution’s mandate: technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and wealth creation;
- Developing academic and administrative policies that are student-centred and operational processes (procedures) which have intellectual rigour in partnership with Schools and Departments in order to produce polished graduates who meet international standards;
- Developing a sound quality assurance system that promotes the nurturing of undergraduate and graduate students;
- Coordinating and supervising implementation of the national qualifications and academic promotions frameworks by university schools/faculties and institutes as provided for by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development;
- Collaborating with professional bodies (where this is relevant) to ensure qualitative and quantitative growth in undergraduate and graduate education across all schools and the Institute;
- Developing appropriate annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for academic and administrative activities that support the corporate objectives of the University.
- Building and managing high-performance teams and ensuring continuous professional and academic growth of the university’s human capital and,
- Performing any other duties and functions of the university as assigned by the vice chancellor.
Requirements
- A successful track-record in devising and implementing strategic change and strategic growth, as well as driving organizational effectiveness;
- Strong appreciation and understanding of financial management, administrative processes and procedures, quality assurance approaches, modern human resource management practices, promotion of ICT usage and implementation of e-learning, e-teaching and e-administration tools;
- A recognized professorship and doctoral qualification combined with a minimum of 10 years relevant experience in a university environment as well as a sound track-record as an academic;
- An academic leader with a distinguished academic and research background having published significantly in peer-reviewed journals (locally and globally);
- Relevant experience on five pillars of Education 5.0;
- Possession of emotional intelligence, transformational and transactional leadership skills to cater for the requirements of all stakeholders;
- Evidence of successful networking and collaborating successfully with external partners (locally and globally);
- A track-record in successfully leading and managing a large and diverse staff complement;
- The ideal candidate should possess refined leadership soft skills such as good communication, positivity, motivation, trustworthiness, responsibility, commitment, flexibility, creativity, self-control and critical thinking over and above the job-specific hard skills.
- Patriotism and national commitment are prerequisites.
Salary
To be shared with s…
How to Apply
Address: Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Telephone No.: 067-2129454 or 06721-2125293
About the Company
Chinhoyi University of Technology also known as CUT was established by an Act by the Parliament of Zimbabwe on 10 December 2001. It is located in the town of Chinhoyi in Mashonaland West about 120 km from Harare towards Lake Kariba and the Zambian border. It is among the first sights visible when approaching the town from Harare, across a bridge to the Chinhoyi General Hospital. The CUT hotel is located adjacent to the main campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic qualifications are typically required for a Pro Vice Chancellor position at a Zimbabwean university like CUT?
A doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant field is essential, along with a proven record of academic leadership and professorial rank. Candidates usually need at least 10-15 years of progressive university experience including senior management roles. Publications in peer-reviewed journals and experience with research grant management are highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Pro Vice Chancellor at a Zimbabwean university?
The role involves overseeing academic affairs, supervising deans and faculty heads, and ensuring quality assurance across programmes. You will chair senate committees, manage curriculum development, and represent the university at national bodies like ZIMCHE. Regular engagement with government education officials and donor partners is also expected.
How does the work culture and leadership style differ in Zimbabwean public universities compared to private institutions?
Public universities like CUT operate within strict government frameworks with bureaucratic decision-making processes and adherence to Public Service Commission regulations. There is strong emphasis on consensus-building with senate and council, plus navigating unionised staff relations. Respect for hierarchy and protocol is deeply ingrained in academic governance.
What benefits typically come with a senior executive role at a Zimbabwean university?
Benefits usually include a university vehicle or car allowance, subsidised housing or housing allowance, and comprehensive medical aid covering family members. Pension contributions through the Public Service Pension Fund or university scheme apply, along with generous annual leave and study leave provisions. Some packages include school fee support for children and relocation assistance.
What career progression paths exist after serving as Pro Vice Chancellor in Zimbabwe's higher education sector?
The natural progression is to Vice Chancellor or Principal at any Zimbabwean university, or appointment to national bodies like ZIMCHE or the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education. Some move into regional roles with SADC university networks or international education consultancies. Others transition into government as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.
How should one apply for a Pro Vice Chancellor position, and what do selection committees prioritise?
Applications are submitted through the university registry or Public Service Commission portals with detailed CV, certified academic certificates, and names of three referees. Selection committees prioritise transformational leadership experience, financial management skills, and demonstrated ability to attract research funding. Strong performance in public presentations before university council and stakeholder interviews is decisive.
