Background

University of Lusaka is a reputable private institution committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. The University invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill the position of Vice Chancellor.

Job Purpose

The role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing academic and administrative operations, ensuring the effective implementation of the University’s vision, mission, strategic priorities, influencing internal stakeholders and external partners on behalf of the University while promoting academic excellence, financial sustainability, and institutional growth.

Qualifications and Experience

• An earned PhD from a recognised and accredited institution.
• Must hold the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
• Minimum of 10 years of academic experience in higher education, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Executive Dean, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in strategic leadership, institutional development, and university administration.
• Proven track record in research, publications, and academic leadership.
• Strong understanding of higher education governance, policy frameworks, and quality assurance systems.

Key Competencies

• Visionary and strategic leadership
• Strong institutional management and governance skills
• Financial and resource management expertise
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Ability to build partnerships and lead institutional transformation
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the University’s mission and long term institutional goals.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the University’s strategic plan.
• Promote institutional growth through academic expansion, innovation, and strategic initiatives.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across the University.
• Ensure alignment of University activities with national higher education priorities and global academic trends.
• Provide overall leadership for the academic, administrative, and operational functions of the University.
• Implement policies and directives approved by the University Council / Board.
• Ensure effective collaboration between academic and administrative units.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and good governance practices in institutional management.
• Ensure effective performance management and leadership development among senior staff.
• Provide leadership in maintaining high academic standards in teaching, research, and learning.
• Promote curriculum development and programme innovation to meet national and international academic standards.
• Support academic staff in research, publication, and scholarly activities.
• Ensure the effective functioning of academic governance structures, including Senate and faculty boards.
• Champion initiatives aimed at improving student success, retention, and academic excellence.
• Oversee the financial management and sustainability of the University.
• Lead initiatives for resource mobilization, fundraising, and income generation.
• Ensure efficient allocation and utilization of institutional resources.
• Promote strategic investments in academic infrastructure, technology, and learning resources.
• Ensure compliance with Higher Education Authority (HEA) regulations and other statutory requirements.
• Represent the University in national, regional, and international academic and professional forums.
• Strengthen partnerships with government institutions, industry, professional bodies, and international universities.
• Promote the University’s reputation through strategic stakeholder engagement and institutional branding.
• Promote a student-centred academic environment that supports learning, innovation, and personal development.
• Ensure the availability of effective student support services.
• Foster an inclusive and diverse institutional culture that values academic freedom and integrity.

• Visionary and strategic leadership
• Strong institutional management and governance skills
• Financial and resource management expertise
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Ability to build partnerships and lead institutional transformation
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability

• An earned PhD from a recognised and accredited institution.
• Must hold the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
• Minimum of 10 years of academic experience in higher education, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Executive Dean, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in strategic leadership, institutional development, and university administration.
• Proven track record in research, publications, and academic leadership.
• Strong understanding of higher education governance, policy frameworks, and quality assurance systems.