VICE CHANCELLOR

The Position and Role

VACANCY NO. VC 1/ 2016 
The Vice Chancellor’s position is the most senior position in the University administration. Overall, the Vice Chancellor provides strategic leadership, management, cultivates networking and strategic alliances with key stakeholders, partners and is responsible to Council for the management of the institution. 
The leadership context is in achieving the University strategic goals, particularly in relation to research, teaching, learning and service. Fundamentally, the Vice Chancellor will develop educational frameworks and policies and take ownership of the University Strategic Plan. 
Key to the role is delivering quality student experience across the University and on an on-going basis.

Primary Responsibilities

The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of the University and has overall responsibility for academic and administrative leadership. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership and direction in policy formulation and institutional planning; 
• Implementing University development plans including human capital development; 
• Promoting a harmonious labour and industrial relations environment within the University; 
• Having oversight of student services, student welfare and academic support for students; 
• Advising Council on a range of key performance areas including the University strategy; 
• Having direct oversight of day-to-day operations of core education activities, resource management, quality assurance and compliance; 
• Liaising with Government, Community and other Stake Holders.

Candidate’s Core Competencies

• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Effective Team Building
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce and students
• Visionary Leadership
• Effective mobilization and management of resources
• Leadership, decision making and problem solving
• Analytical and critical thinking 

Company profile

The University of Botswana was established in 1982 as the first University in Botswana and has to date grown to a complement of 2,417 academic and support staff, 15,671 full-time students and 2,505 part-time students. It is a comprehensive University that includes the Faculties of Business, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Medicine, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science; a School of Graduate Studies; a Centre for Continuing Education; a Centre for Academic Development; a Directorate of Research and Development; and the Okavango Research Institute. 
In addition, the University has an associate college, the Botswana College of Agriculture, and a number of affiliated institutions that include six Colleges of Education and eight Institutes of Health Sciences. 
University of Botswana has as its mission, the strategic intent of “improving economic and social conditions for the nation while advancing itself as a distinctly African university with a regional and international outlook”. 
As a broad-based public institution the University has embedded in its ethos the promise to be “a leading centre of academic excellence in Africa and the world”. It strives to provide excellence in the delivery of learning to ensure that society is provided with talented, creative and confident graduates. Central to its endeavors is to advance knowledge through research and its application. It also seeks to improve economic and social development by high impact engagement with business, the professions, government and civil society. 
A unique opportunity has arisen to undertake a ‘search’ for a dynamic and innovative individual with experience and vision to lead the University of Botswana (UB) as its Vice Chancellor (VC). The Council of the University of Botswana invites applications for the post of Vice Chancellor. Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are citizens of Botswana. 

The University’s Strategic Positioning 

The University of Botswana’s key leverage areas are its people, the quality of its students and staff, technology, and the institution’s financial strength. A major physical infrastructure project has rolled out on the main Gaborone campus to consolidate the University development programme. The University is set to position itself strategically as a regional academic ‘hub’ but will differentiate itself as a global player. 

It is expected that the successful applicant will ensure that the University is at the forefront of developments in higher education nationally and globally. 

Academic Accomplishments:

Must have attained at least the rank of Associate Professor; excellent record of scholarship, teaching and service;

Experience:

Extensive knowledge and experience of University systems;

Minimum six (6) years’ experience at Senior Management level of at least Dean or Director in a University.

Expected commencement date:
1st July 2016 or a mutually agreed date as soon as possible thereafter

Remuneration:

The University offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Terms:

The Vice Chancellor is appointable for an initial term not exceeding five (5) years renewable for a further term not exceeding five (5) years.

Closing date and application instructions

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application and an up to date Curriculum Vitae with names and addresses of three referees (including that of the current employer or immediate supervisor where applicable); the cited referees must send the references directly to the University as prescribed. Candidates should submit evidence of academic qualifications, official copies of transcripts and the Candidates should also submit, together with their applications, a brief and concise statement detailing their achievements and their vision for the University of Botswana. 

Applications should quote the vacancy number, and be addressed to: 

The Director, Legal Services 
University of Botswana 
Private Bag 0022 
Gaborone 
Botswana 

Enquiries must be directed to the Office of the Director, Legal Services by fax to No. (267) 397 4951, or telephone (267) 355 2154/355 4799, or email to onthatile.moeti@mopipi.ub.bw (with the subject; Enquiry VC). 

Applicants should inform their referees to submit their references directly to the University of Botswana at the above address (with the subject; REF: Name of the applicant/VC) before the closing date. 

Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Room 007 - Block 108, University of Botswana Administration building, corner of Notwane and Mobuto road, Gaborone, Botswana. 

CLOSING DATE: 1ST MARCH 2016