Vacancy Announcement at United States International University - USIU Africa

Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and implement sustainable HR strategies focused on staff engagement, development, and retention.
• Lead and oversee HR processes including recruitment, learning, compensation, performance management, and labor relations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, guiding on HR matters.
• Ensure alignment of HR policies and practices with the University’s goals and evolving needs in the education sector.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Provide mentorship and development opportunities to HR team members.
• Engage with key stakeholders across the University to build strong, productive relationships.
• Serve as a senior leadership team member, translating strategy into actionable HR goals.

Talent Management and Development

• Drive the University’s organizational development strategy to support corporate objectives.
• Foster a “We are one” culture through leadership development, management strategies, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Develop and manage succession planning and workforce analytics to support future talent needs and leadership continuity.
• Guide the design and execution of training and development programs to enhance employee competencies and performance.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with HR-related regulations, including labor laws, occupational health, and safety standards.
• Oversee HR, health, security, and insurance functions, ensuring optimal service delivery and regulatory adherence.
• Manage risk mitigation processes related to HR functions, including audits and health safety.

Employee Relations and Culture

• Create and maintain fair, inclusive, and transparent workplace policies and practices.
• Address employee concerns and maintain a harassment-free environment.
• Promote Equity, diversity and inclusion within the University, providing regular progress reports.

Performance and Organizational Effectiveness

• Oversee performance management systems, ensuring effective tracking and development of KPIs aligned with the University’s goals.
• Lead initiatives related to leadership, team effectiveness, cultural alignment, and change management.

Administrative and Operational Oversight

• Manage the HR department’s annual plan and budget, ensuring resources are effectively allocated.
• Oversee communication, records management, and the operational delivery of HR services.
• Supervise the implementation and monitoring of outsourced services like health, security, and insurance to ensure value delivery.

Candidate Profile

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in human resource management or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management or related field.

Professional Qualifications/Membership to Professional Bodies/Publication

• Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management/Certified Human Resource Professional.
• Licensed Member of IHRM in good standing.

Experience and Knowledge

• Over Twelve (12) years of relevant experience with over four (4) years in management, two (2) of which should be at senior management level in a similar organization.
• Experience from an institution of Higher learning will be an added advantage.

Competencies

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to interpret contexts and set direction.
• Executive disposition and demonstrate high levels of integrity.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Employee Experience and Culture.
• Analytics Translation.
• Ability to Co-create Strategy and results-driven.
• Strategic and innovative with the ability to sell the vision of the University.
• Ability to develop long-term integrated and cross-functional operational plans.

go to method of application »

The Chief of Staff is a senior officer whose major role includes coordination of multiple tasks for the Vice Chancellor, advising on priorities based on competing priorities within the office and functions of the Vice Chancellor, execution of strategic tasks including monitoring and task performance management for effective and efficient implementation, manage and prioritize special projects, coordinate and ensure seamless work between units reporting to the Vice Chancellor through support and communication.

This role requires considerable judgment, tact, creativity, adaptability, and initiative. It also requires the ability to produce high-quality work product within tight and competing deadlines; flexibility and willingness to adjust to changing priorities to meet organizational needs; an unwavering commitment to service; a positive outlook; and a high level of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Strategic Management and Support

• Serves as the primary liaison and aide, ensuring seamless coordination of the vice chancellors’ endeavours.
• Manages the execution and documentation of the Strategic Plan
• Coordinate implementation of University-wide initiatives and monitor progress toward institutional goals.
• Assist in translating the Vice Chancellor’s vision and strategy into actionable goals and objectives.
• Prepares and contributes to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations, and communication of the university strategic issues, as appropriate

Executive Support and Governance

• Serves as principal aide and executive officer to the Vice Chancellor including managing priority and strategic functions of the office; supports the Vice Chancellor in dealing with topics important to faculty, staff, students, and other key stakeholders
• Leads special projects as requested by the Vice Chancellor.
• Manages large scale projects of the university on time and budget, as appropriate.
• Participates in key constituent meetings (as requested by the Vice Chancellor), ensures appropriate and responsive follow-up and accountability and facilitates resolution of matters requiring the Vice Chancellor’s attention

Institutional Effectiveness

• Prepares and contributes to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations, and communication of the university strategic issues, as appropriate
• Assists the Vice Chancellor in setting institutional priorities and ensuring staff remains focused on meeting annual KPIs and strategic plan objectives
• Coordinates and contributes to institutional planning, policy development, Vice Chancellor’s initiatives, and problem resolution
• Anticipate, identify and troubleshoot issues of concern or significance for the Vice Chancellor; exercise discretion to ensure that matters requiring the attention and/or decision making of the Vice Chancellor are thoroughly developed, researched and evaluated

Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate multiple project work streams across various issues and stakeholders, including tracking key activities and milestones, manage deliverables to deadlines, integrate activities across work streams, surface project risks and concerns, and recommend solutions as appropriate.
• Coordinates with the University Management Board and others to coordinate progress and resolution of Vice Chancellor’s assignments
• Ensures that matters requiring the attention of senior leadership, including the Vice Chancellor, are thoroughly developed, researched, evaluated and appropriately resolved
• Supports the Vice Chancellor at internal and external meetings and forums, as designated

Collaboration and Coordination

• Participate in strategic scheduling of events, meetings, and other requests to balance and address key objectives.
• Develop and execute strategies aligned with the long-term vision and objectives of the university
• Works collaboratively with senior leadership team to develop materials, manage and/or coordinate the planning and management of strategic events
• Manages high-priority projects and key strategic initiatives and coordinates necessary actions and communications across internal and external university stakeholders

Candidate Profile

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Education Management, Public Administration, or a related field (PhD an added advantage).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management or strategy coordination role, preferably in higher education or a complex institutional environment.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, governance support, and project management.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across diverse teams

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and relationship management skills.

Desired Attributes

• Combination of academic institution governance and ability to execute, analyse and communicate
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with a bias toward action and take remedial/corrective measures
• High emotional intelligence and professional maturity in managing senior relationships.
• Strategic plan driving, development, execution and performance monitoring
• Ability to read a room and make coherence connection of divergent view points.
• Administration experience, works well with people and understands people
• Strategic financial management and knowledge of the budget development and management

go to method of application »

The University Secretary is a key administrative role reporting to the Vice Chancellor that provides support to the various University governance bodies, ensuring the effective governance and record keeping of the bodies. The position also supports the governing bodies of the University, ensuring effective decision-making, documentation, and communication at the highest levels.

Responsibilities

Board and Council Support

• Organize, attend and document meetings of the University governance organs and their respective committees.
• Prepare and circulate meeting materials, including notices, agendas, minutes, and reports and ensure the members receive meeting materials in a timely manner.

Records and Document Management

• Maintain confidential and secure custody of official documents i.e. Minutes and resolutions
• Ensure up-to-date University documentation
• Assist in the development and implementation of governance frameworks and risk management systems.

Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business related studies, Communications or Social Sciences from an accredited University.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution.
• Certified Public Secretary (CPS-K) and a valid practicing certificate from the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS), Kenya.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya (preferred).

Experience and Knowledge

• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience, at least 3 of which should be at a senior level in a similar capacity preferably in a University
• Demonstrated knowledge of university governance, regulatory compliance, and corporate law.
• Experience in analyzing information and producing high-quality written materials on a broad range of subjects and outcomes under demanding time frames.

Personal Attributes

• Discretion and confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Attention to detail: High level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in all aspects of the role.
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to build strong relationships with board members, university administrators, and other stakeholders.
• Organizational skills: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

Skills

• Proficiency in legal and administrative software tools.
• Minute-taking: Ability to take accurate and concise minutes during board, council and senate meetings.
• Record-keeping: Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including board meeting minutes and resolutions.
• Excellent communication skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft minutes, reports, and other documents.
• Strong administrative skills: Ability to manage complex administrative tasks, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with governance regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and sensitive information effectively.

Competencies

• Strong understanding of Kenyan corporate and educational laws.
• Compliance: Understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing university education.
• Board governance expertise: Understanding of governance principles, practices, and procedures for universities.