Vice-Chancellor

RUSANGU UNIVERSITY ZAMBIA

RUSANGU UNIVERSITY

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Rusangu University (RU), an Adventist institution of higher learning, registered and recognized by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is looking for suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the vacant position stated below. RU is an equal-opportunity employer that offers competitive remuneration packages.
The Council of Rusangu University (RU) intends to appoint a Vice-Chancellor. The Council through the Search Committee therefore invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the position.

ABOUT RUSANGU UNIVERSITY

Rusangu University is a co-educational institution of higher learning jointly owned and operated by the Northern Zambia Union Conference and the Southern Zambia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The University is situated on the Rusangu Mission land, approximately 16 kilometres from Monze town off the Lusaka-Livingstone highway, about 200 kilometres south of Lusaka in the Southern Province of Zambia.
Rusangu University traces its origins to the Rusangu Mission, which was the first Seventh-day Adventist mission station in Zambia. The mission’s founding can be traced to the missionary endeavours of an American named William Harry Anderson in the early 1900s. The name “Rusangu” is derived from the Musangu tree (Acacia albida) that grows abundantly in the area.
The University was established in May 2003 and is currently the largest Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher learning in the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division (SID), with a total enrolment of over 4,400 students. Rusangu University was among the first Christian universities to be registered as a private university in Zambia and is currently registered under the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013. The University is accredited by the worldwide Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (AAA) as well as other professional accrediting institutions.
Rusangu University is owned and funded by the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church. The University embraces a Christian philosophy of holistic and balanced education that develops the spiritual, academic, physical and social faculties of the total person. The University’s core values-excellence, unity, Christ- centeredness, integrity, wellness, respect, and customer centricity-guide all its operations. The institution is committed to delivering transformative, holistic tertiary education that integrates academic rigor, Christian values, and practical service to foster graduates committed to community impact and moral integrity.
Today, Rusangu University comprises seven schools, each administered by a Dean, offering a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The University offers a well-balanced academic curriculum

and qualifications that are highly valued by employers.

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VICE-CHANCELLOR

Job Purpose

The Vice-Chancellor, as the Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for strategic leadership in academic, administrative and financial management of the institution in attaining its role in the country’s economic, social and cultural growth and development through teaching, research, public service, consultancy and innovation, as directed by the University Council and in accordance with the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013, as read together with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021.
The Vice-Chancellor is the face of the University; in the absence of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor presides at the ceremonial assemblies of the University and confers all degrees and other academic titles and distinctions of the University.
As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, the Vice-Chancellor is expected to provide leadership that upholds and advances the University’s Christian philosophy of holistic education, integrating spiritual, academic, physical and social development, and ensuring that the University remains faithful to its mission of delivering transformative, holistic tertiary education that integrates academic rigour, Christian values, and practical service.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Spiritual and Missional Leadership

This is the defining characteristic of the role. The Vice-Chancellor is the “Chief Spiritual Officer”, tasked with ensuring the Adventist ethos permeates every aspect of university life.

This involves:

Modeling Faith: Personally affirming and modeling the complete message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

• Fostering Integration: Promoting the integration of biblical principles and values throughout the institution’s culture and academic programs.
• Providing Pastoral Care: Encouraging and modeling the pastoral role for faculty and staff in the spiritual nurture of students.

2. Leadership and Governance

• Provides leadership for an inclusive staff and collegiate culture that empowers individuals to realise their full potential and to achieve the University’s goals in Teaching, Learning, Research, Innovation, and Community Service, consistent with the University’s Christian philosophy and Adventist values.
• Ensures that all University activities and operations are carried out in compliance with the University governance requirements, and any regulations, rules, laws, codes and standards applicable to higher institutions of learning in Zambia, including the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013.
• Facilitates the implementation of outreach programmes that reflect the social responsibility and Christian service mission of the University, including its sustainability.
• Undertakes regular reporting to the University Council and Government as required.
• Ensures that Council meetings are held as planned and resolutions of Council are implemented.
• Ensures the availability and implementation of University Risk Management Framework.
• Promotes productivity through staff motivation and facilitating execution of functions.
• Provides oversight in student services, welfare and academics.
• Contributes to public service and intellectual life.

3. Strategy and Management

• Leads the development and implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan.
• Identifies and negotiates collaborative agreements in consultation with the University Council.
• Ensures availability and effective implementation of institutional internal controls and coordinates the operations of the University.
• Fosters high-value linkages with all stakeholders, especially alumni, Government, local communities, cooperating partners, the private sector, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church administrative structures.
• Ensures an effective performance management system is in place and implemented.
• Builds up strong management and leadership teams to ensure effective institutional performance.
• Contributes to the University’s aspiration to be a world-class Christian institution of higher learning.

4. Academic Leadership

• Provides an effective academic environment for the pursuit of teaching, learning, research and community service for the attainment of liberal, professional, scientific and technical education which is responsive to the needs of society and industry, while remaining faithful to the University’s Christian philosophy of holistic education.
• Strengthens the University’s aspirations to be a leading teaching, research and innovation institution in the country and the region.
• Presides at all meetings of the Senate and ensures that Senate submits reports to the University Council regarding the performance of its functions.
• Ensures that University academic calendars run smoothly.
• Creates and maintains a conducive academic, social and spiritual environment for staff and students.

5. Financial Resource Mobilisation and Management

• Ensures the development and effective implementation of the financial resource mobilisation and management strategy of the University.
• Leads the mobilisation of financial resources in order to achieve financial sustainability.
• Ensures compliance with auditing and statutory requirements. Enforces timely financial reporting.

6. Human Capital Development and Management

• Ensures the development of the human capital strategy of the University for purposes of having a fit- for-purpose organisational structure, and staff in order to achieve the University’s strategic objectives.
• Ensures that the University recruits and retains sufficient numbers and high calibre of academic, administrative and other staff on such competitive terms and conditions of service as determined by the Council.
• Establishes an environment that promotes a culture of high performance, staff discipline, and motivation.
• Promotes a harmonious employee environment to support a high-performance culture.

7. Infrastructure Development and Management

• Ensures the development and implementation of the infrastructure development and management strategy.
• Generates resources for infrastructure development and management.
• Enforces effective utilisation of University infrastructure.
• Enforces effective maintenance of University infrastructure.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• Grade 12 certificate (with 5 O’Levels with credits or better) or its equivalent.
• Earned Bachelor’s Degree in any relevant field from a reputable university.
• Earned Master’s Degree in any relevant field from a reputable university.
• Holder of authenticated earned Ph.D in a relevant field from a reputable university.
• Degrees must be from accredited and recognised Universities.
• Senior academic Professor or Associate Professor.
• Accomplished record of scholarly work, research, teaching and public service.
• Knowledge and experience of university systems.
• Minimum of 15 years relevant post-qualifying experience in university education or equivalent Institution.
• Minimum of ten (10) years experience at senior management level at a minimum of Dean of School/Faculty or Director in a university or similar institution.
• Personal and professional integrity with a distinguished track record of successful senior management experience in higher education and/or relevant professional field.
• A strong record of academic leadership and personal achievement in both teaching and research.
• Experience in financial management, investment, business, budgeting, resource mobilization as well as strategic planning and management.
• Demonstrable ability to create networks within internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable track record of community service.
• Functional ICT literacy.
• Must have proof of valid relevant membership to a professional body.

Key Attributes and Skills

• High level of energy, drive and initiative.
• Emotional stability and ability to balance the requirements of different stakeholders of the University.
• Visionary with ability to inspire others.
• Self-motivated and a team player.
• Must be proficient in digital tools and technology.
• No history of criminal offences.
• Strong business acumen and innovation mindset.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Mature, reliable, self-confident and integrity.
• Transparent, flexible, receptive to change and ability to manage change.

Tenure

The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor shall be for an initial period of five (5) years which could be renewed for a similar period, subject to assessment of performance.

Remuneration

A competitive remuneration package shall be offered to the successful candidate.

Mode of Application

Candidates meeting the stated requirements are required to submit their applications comprising the following:

• Letter of application;
• Latest and detailed curriculum vitae with at least three (03) traceable referees.
• ZAQA validated copies of academic and professional qualifications including a full Grade 12 or equivalent certificate (Certificates and Transcripts).
• Names and addresses of three (3) referees, two (2) of whom must be professional authorities in relevant fields, and one (1) character referee (From the Church).
• Any other relevant information that may assist the Search Committee in determining the suitability of the applicant.
  The position being applied for must be clearly marked and addressed to:
  The Secretary
  Search Committee Rusangu University
  P.O. Box 660391

Monze ZAMBIA
OR send to the following email address: info@ru.edu.zm/jobs@ru.edu.zm
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATION IS 25th September 2026.
N.B. Rusangu University is an equal opportunity employer. Women candidates are encouraged to apply. The post is open to both eligible Zambians and Non-Zambians. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please visit the Rusangu University website at www.ru.edu.zm

How to Apply

Apply by emailing: info@ru.edu.zm