Executive Deans (x5) at University of Malawi (UNIMA)

The University of Malawi (UNIMA) was re-established after the 2019 Acts of Parliament which created three Universities from delinked Colleges of the former University with the same name. The University of Malawi retains the cherished history of being the first University in
the country, a champion of intellectual freedom and academic rigour, and boasts the largest
group of alumni in top leadership positions within Malawi and beyond.

Under the leadership of its Council, the University has reconfigured its former faculties to create the following five schools:

1. School of Arts, Communication and Design;
2. School of Education;
3. School of Humanities and Social Sciences;
4. School of Law, Economics and Government; and
5. School of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Applications are therefore invited from suitably qualified, competent, dynamic and visionary
individuals to fill the above five positions of Executive Deans.

The Executive Dean
The Executive Dean shall lead the School by providing strong strategic academic and
administrative oversight. The Executive Dean will create an enabling environment in the School for research excellence, context-relevant teaching and learning, and professional practice in a synergistic manner to deliver and enhance the student and external stakeholder experience.

He/she will promote a culture of professionalism, ethics, and excellence in research, publications, and enterprise activities. The Executive Dean will oversee the achievement of the School’s strategic objectives, and as a member of the University’ Executive Management, ensure that the University’s Strategy as agreed by Council is implemented. This is a demanding, but rewarding, position suited to a highly motivated, solution-focused and astute strategic leader.

As the Chairperson of the Board of the School, the Executive Dean will lead on corporate
initiatives by acting as an ambassador engaging in building a strong external profile in order to build and promote the impact and reputation of University of Malawi, the student experience and the work of the School. The Executive Dean shall be subject to an annual performance appraisal and review undertaken by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Duties and function of Executive Dean

• • Provide strategic academic and administrative leadership in the school;
  • Ensure that the School complies with all regulatory requirements;
  • Demonstrate vision and empower others in order to deliver the agreed strategy of the School;
  • Provide overall co-ordination of all matters relating to the academic welfare of the
    students within the School;
  • Select persons to be admitted as students in the School;
  • Conduct reviews and performance appraisals of Heads of Academic Departments within the School;
  • Prudently manage budgets and resources of the School;
  • Develop and implement the School’s research, publications, and enterprise strategies;
  • Oversee the development and delivery of innovative undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the School;
  • Plan and implement activities for effective engagement with professional bodies, the
    community, industry and the general public;
  • Exercise and discharge such duties in connection with academic and administrative
    matters falling within his/her School;
  • Liaise with various offices for the effective and efficient implementation of relevant
    policies.

Qualifications

• • Minimum of a doctorate degree in a relevant field from an institution accredited or
    recognized under the National Council of Higher Education Act;
  • Five (5) years’ experience in a management position in a higher education institution;
  • A strong publication record and evidence of esteem in a professional context; and
  • Commitment to resource mobilisation.

Skills and Attributes

• • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and the strength of character to be effective within and beyond the School;
  • Ability to foster collaborative working internally and externally;
  • Proven ability to develop and implement strategy;
  • Strong leadership skills and ability to inspire and motivate staff;
  • Demonstrable ability to manage complex change and engage staff through this
    process;
  • Passionate about delivering an excellent student experience, incentivizing strong
    research publication, enterprise, and research impact;
  • Effective School and University ambassador, with national, regional, and global networks;
  • Firm commitment to achieving the University’s vision and implementing its Strategic Plan;
  • Strong negotiation, advocacy, and conflict resolution skills;
  • Holds himself /herself to high ethical and moral standards.

Duration of Employment
The Executive Dean shall be appointed for a term of three years. Subject to satisfactory
performance, he/she may be eligible for re-appointment for one further term.

Remuneration
The above positions come with a highly competitive compensation and benefits package
in accordance with the University’s existing structure of benefits. Applicants are invited to
submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a vision statement and names and contact details of three traceable referees. Shortlisting of candidates will be based on the quality of these three documents which should be submitted to:
Email address: vacancies@unima.ac.mw

Applicants are strongly advised to indicate clearly which school they are applying for.