Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics, Research and Students Affairs) – (1) Post at Laikipia University

For appointment to this position, a candidate must:

• be a professor or an Associate Professor with an earned PhD from a recognized University;
• have at least eight (8) years of progressive experience in a senior university leadership/management position such as Dean of a School/Deputy Principal/Principal of a Constituent College/Deputy Vice-Chancellor;
• have demonstrable leadership in an academic and/or research institution, havingserved substantively with measurable results in senior administrative posts or leadership of comparable levels in other similar institutions;
• have demonstrable competence in lesdership in an academic/research environment;
• be a recognized scolar as evidenced by refereed journal publications, University levelbooks as well as project grants and awards;
• have demonstrated ability to mobilize and solicit for funds including enhancing the revenue base of the university;
• be familiar with the national education policies and current trends in higher educationand worldwide;
• have excellent and proven organizational, communication and interpersonal skills;
• show good understanding of University functions and procedures coupled with a passion of promoting learning, excellence in teaching, research and innovation with the highest standards of quality, integrity and professionalism;
• demonstrate ability and leadership skills to effectively coordinate the planning, finance and administration functions in a University environment;
• be registered with, and be an active member of professional associations in the profession (Where applicable); and
• fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution, 2010.

Core competences

The following competences and skills will be required:

• visionary and a result oriented leader;
• sensitive to and respect for diversity to uphold a positive national image;
• firm, fair, accountable and transparenct in the conduct of duty as well as demonstrating excellent organizational communication and interpersonal skills;
• ability to potray and uphold positive national and international image and work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity to and respect for diversity;
• ability to initiate, implement, monitor and evaluate academic and research programmes and policies;
• creative and innovative ability to bring about change for the sustainable growth of the university;
• ability to exercise soft skills by detecting and dissipating tensions through negotiating, mediating and arbitrating disputes and conflicts; and
• ability to embrace information and communication technology in the efficient and effective management of a university.

Duties and responsibilities

• The Deputy Vice-Chancelor (Academic, Research and Students’ Affairs) will be in-charge of the Academic Division and will oversee the Research and Academic Programmes. He/She will work under the general direction of the Vice-Chancellor. Specific duties and responsibilities include: 
• overall responsibility of direction, organization and administration of learning and research programmes in the University;
• ensuring the the University Senate is properly advised in the development of learning and research programmes in conformity to ethical standards and legally recognized professional bodies;
• ensuring effective accountability to the Vice-Chancellor for the proper management of the Academic and Research Division;
• be responsible for promoting and coordinating research, scientific publications, innovation, extension and technology transfer to industry and the business community;
• mobilizing and solicit financial support for research from industry and other external organizations;
• establishing and maintaining linkages and collaborations with both local and international universities, research institutions, innovation centres and industry for academic, research and innovation programmes;
• co-ordinating workshops and seminars on outreach programmes and technology transfer;
• formulating and providing policy guidelines on planning, development and management of academic and research programmes;
• preparing curricula/syllabi, and rules and regulations governing the implementation of academic and research programmes;
• formulating guidelines for effective management, implementation and evaluation of academic and research programmes;
• guiding Chairpersons of Academic Departments or Centres, Deans of Schools or Institutes, Directors/Managers of Schools, Institute or Campuses, and Director of Research, Extension and Consultancy on the running of academic and research programmes;
• overseeing the administration of the students’ welfare services;
• seeking consultancy services from industry and other external organizations;
• promoting extension services with the communities;
• co-ordinating seminars, workshops, conferences and symposia; 
• working closely with the Deputy Vice-chancellor (Administration, Finance and Development), on staff development, training and research programmes; and
• performing such other duties as may be assigned or delegated by the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with Statute III (11)