Jobs at Adventist University of Africa

Position Summary

The Board of Trustees and University Council of AUA invite applications for the position of Vice-Chancellor, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Spiritual Officer, and academic leader of the University. As the academic and administrative head of AUA, the Vice-Chancellor reports to the University Council and is responsible for overall strategic leadership, operational management, and academic excellence of the institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Visionary Leadership: Drive the strategic direction and development of the University in line with its mission and values, overseeing policy, planning, and institutional growth. Ensure that academic programs and administrative operations are aligned with AUA’s faith-based mission and long-term goals and are responsive to the needs of its sponsoring divisions (East-Central Africa Division, South Africa Indian Ocean Division, West Central Africa Division).
• Provide Spiritual Leadership: Establish and promote the integration of biblical principles and values throughout institutional culture and academic programs, and chair the spiritual life committee of the University.
• Oversee Academic Excellence: Through the chief academic officer, ensure high standards in teaching, research, and student learning in a multicultural context. Guide academic policy and curriculum development, and foster an environment of scholarly excellence and innovation.
• Mobilise Resources: Secure and manage resources for sustainable growth. Spearhead fundraising initiatives, cultivate partnerships, and obtain support from the church, government, and private sectors to advance AUA’s educational mandate. Maintain prudent financial management and resource allocation in accordance with university and church policies.
• Represent the University: Act as the official representative and spokesperson of AUA to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, government authorities, educational bodies, donors, and other stakeholders. Strengthen the University’s profile and relationships through advocacy, networking, and collaboration. Safeguard AUA’s interests by ensuring compliance with relevant educational regulations and alignment with the ethos of the Adventist Church.

Essential Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Academic Credentials: An earned doctoral degree (PhD or other academic doctorate) from a recognised institution, and credentials at the rank of full professor. A minimum of five years of successful experience in senior academic and administrative leadership roles (e.g. Dean, Deputy Vice-Chancellor or equivalent) is required.
• Proven Leadership: A distinguished record of effective, visionary leadership and management in higher education. Demonstrated ability to inspire and mentor teams, promote academic excellence, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and drive strategic initiatives to fruition.
• Alignment with Adventist Values: Deep understanding of the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education and a strong personal commitment to biblical principles and values. The candidate’s life and work should reflect the beliefs and educational ideals of the Adventist Church.
• Integrity and Governance: Unimpeachable integrity, ethics, and accountability in all professional duties. A proven commitment to good governance, transparency, and stewardship in leadership roles. The Vice-Chancellor must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and decision-making.
• The Vice-Chancellor is appointed by and accountable to the University Council. Only candidates who faithfully uphold the ethos and standards of Adventist education will be considered.

Digital Submission: Interested candidates should submit applications electronically via email to khawlhringd@gc.adventist.org (with the subject line “Vice-Chancellor Application – [Your Name]”). Hard copy applications will not be accepted. The application must include the following:

• Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae: A cover letter expressing your interest and a current, detailed CV.
• Vision Statement: A document (maximum 4,000 words) outlining your strategic vision for AUA as a faith-based postgraduate institution.
• Credentials: Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates/credentials.
• Reference Letters: Three confidential reference letters from professionals who can attest to your competence, character, and commitment (e.g., two from senior academic administrators and one from a church leader). Referees should email their letters directly to the address above, with the subject “Confidential Reference – [Candidate’s Name], Vice-Chancellor AUA.”

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Position Summary

AUA invites applications for the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Administration (DVC-A). Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the DVC-A serves as the institution’s Chief Academic Officer, responsible for guiding the implementation of academic strategic plans, educational policies, and academic programs. The successful candidate will ensure the maintenance of high academic standards, promote faculty development, support student success, and foster excellence in teaching and learning in a multicultural context, while upholding the principles of Seventh-day Adventist education within AUA’s faith-based community. This is a full-time senior leadership position, with remuneration and benefits commensurate with qualifications and in accordance with AUA’s HR policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Academic Leadership: Lead the development and execution of the University’s academic strategy, including introducing new programs aligned with institutional goals. Guide long-range academic planning and data-driven decision-making to advance AUA’s mission.
• Academic Program Oversight: Oversee the planning, design, and delivery of all academic programs, ensuring compliance with approved policies and processes (e.g. curriculum, scheduling, instruction, assessment). Coordinate with School Deans, the Registrar, and academic committees to uphold high standards from student admission through graduation.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure the University’s accreditation is maintained by complying with Kenyan higher education regulations and Seventh-day Adventist accrediting bodies. Implement recommendations from regulatory and accrediting agencies within stipulated timelines. Coordinate periodic reviews of curricula and programs to ensure relevance, quality, and adherence to academic standards.
• Curriculum & Instruction: Provide leadership in curriculum development and instructional innovation, chairing or guiding relevant academic committees. Promote excellence in teaching and learning, the integration of biblical principles and values in all disciplines, and support initiatives to improve instructional delivery and student outcomes.
• Research and Scholarship: Foster a strong culture of research and postgraduate scholarship. Support the Research & Grants office in promoting research initiatives and encouraging faculty and student research productivity. Utilise enrollment and academic data to inform strategies and report trends to University bodies.
• Faculty Development: Supervise the recruitment, orientation, performance evaluation, and professional development of faculty and academic staff in harmony with University policies. Encourage faculty growth, mentorship of junior faculty, and adherence to AUA’s academic and spiritual standards.
• Administrative Management: Oversee academic support departments under the DVC-A portfolio – including the Library, Research and Grants, Quality Assurance, and Registry – to ensure effective operations and prudent management of resources. Collaborate in academic budgeting and ensure optimal allocation of academic resources in line with institutional priorities.
• Spiritual Leadership: Serve as a spiritual leader and role model on campus, upholding the mission and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in all academic endeavours. Nurture a Christ-centred environment that supports the spiritual growth of students and staff. (Additional duties may be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor as needed.)

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Earned a doctorate (PhD or other academic doctorate) in any field from a recognised institution. (An additional postgraduate qualification in Education is an added advantage.)
• Leadership Experience: At least five years of progressive experience in senior university academic leadership (e.g. as a Dean, Academic Affairs Vice President/Deputy VC, or equivalent). Proven capacity to lead academic teams and manage multi-faceted academic departments.
• Academic Planning & Curriculum: Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, academic program planning, and accreditation processes. Able to lead academic committees, design new programs, and ensure quality instructional delivery.
• Research & Scholarship: A track record of research leadership – evidenced by scholarly publications, successful supervision of graduate theses/dissertations, and engagement in research grant projects.
• Faculty Development: Strong commitment to faculty development and excellence in teaching. Experience in faculty recruitment, mentoring, performance evaluation, and fostering an environment of collegiality and continuous academic improvement.
• Adventist Education Philosophy: Deep understanding of and commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education, with an unwavering adherence to Adventist Christian principles and values. The candidate must exemplify high ethical standards, integrity, and be a practising member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good standing.
• Additional Skills: Excellent administrative and organisational skills; outstanding interpersonal, cross-cultural and communication abilities. Thorough knowledge of higher education trends and regulatory frameworks (especially in the Kenyan context) is expected.

Interested candidates should submit the following application documents digitally (via email):

• Cover Letter: A formal application letter expressing interest and fit for the role.
• Curriculum Vitae: A detailed CV outlining academic qualifications, work experience, and any research or publications.
• Academic Credentials: Certified copies of relevant academic certificates and transcripts.
• References: Three current recommendation letters (two from university administrators and one from a Seventh-day Adventist Church administrator) attesting to the candidate’s qualifications and character.

Email all application materials as PDF attachments to the Chair of the Search Committee at rodrigueze@gc.adventist.org no later than October 31, 2025. Please include the subject line “DVC-A Application – [Your Name]”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.

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Position Summary

AUA is seeking a Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Financial Administration (DVC-F). This is a full-time executive role reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor. The DVC-F serves as the University’s Chief Financial Officer, providing strategic leadership in managing AUA’s financial resources. The successful candidate will ensure sound financial planning, implement effective internal controls, and uphold compliance with applicable Seventh-day Adventist Church financial policies, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, and applicable national financial regulations. Remuneration for this position will be competitive and in accordance with AUA’s salary scale and HR policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Management: Provide strategic leadership and stewardship of the University’s financial resources, aligning financial plans with AUA’s mission and strategic goals.
• Budgeting & Financial Reporting: Oversee budgeting processes, cash flow management, and financial reporting (monthly, annual audits) to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
• Collaboration with Sponsoring Divisions: Assure regular communication and collaboration with sponsoring divisions (East Central Africa Division, South Africa Indian Ocean Division, West Central Africa Division) and their Unions/Conferences to assure timely and accurate financial transactions, up-to-date financial MOUs, and collection of student accounts receivable.
• Compliance & Internal Controls: Ensure that all financial operations comply with relevant national laws, accounting standards, and SDA Church policies, maintaining robust internal controls and risk management practices.
• Procurement & Asset Management: Supervise procurement, payroll, and asset management functions, safeguarding institutional assets and optimising resource use.
• Advisory & Policy Role: Advise the Vice-Chancellor and governing bodies on financial strategy and policy, contributing to the development and implementation of University-wide strategic plans.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: MBA (Master of Business Administration) or equivalent master’s degree in finance/accounting – required. Professional accounting certification, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Accountant (CA) – preferred. A terminal academic degree (PhD or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Experience: At least seven (7) years of proven experience in senior financial management, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organisations. Demonstrated expertise in university finance operations, budgeting, and procurement policy frameworks.
• Skills & Fit: Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, excellent judgment, and knowledge of financial reporting standards. Effective leadership and collegial team management abilities in a multicultural environment.
• Mission Alignment: A committed Seventh-day Adventist professional dedicated to the mission and values of Seventh-day Adventist education, with integrity, transparency, and strong ethical stewardship of resources.

Qualified and interested candidates should submit the following documents (in PDF format, via email only):

• Cover Letter – outlining your interest and suitability for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – detailed, including academic qualifications and relevant work experience.
• Certified Academic & Professional Certificates – copies of degrees and professional certifications (e.g. CPA).
• Vision Statement – a brief essay (max 2000 words) describing your vision for financial administration at AUA.
• Three Reference Letters – including one from a Seventh-day Adventist Church leader, and two from professional supervisors or administrators.

Digital Submission Only: Email all application materials as PDF attachments to the Chair of the Search Committee at JohnG@gc.adventist.org no later than October 31, 2025. Please include the subject line “DVC-F Application – [Your Name]”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. AUA is a faith-based institution that welcomes qualified applicants who share its vision of excellence and service.