Principal

Job description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Italian University College (IUC) is a newly established private Institution owned by the Zambian Italian Cultural Centre Trust. Its main mandate is to provide quality higher education programmes to both local and international students.Primary & Secondary Schooling (K-12)

The University invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill in the vacancy of Principal (equivalent to Vice Chancellor)

Position: University College Principal
Job Purpose

The University College Principal will serve as the Chief Executive and Academic Officer who will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing academic and administrative operations, ensuring the effective implementation of the University College’s vision, mission, strategic priorities, influencing internal stakeholders and external partners while promoting academic excellence, financial sustainability, and institutional growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership and Institutional Development
Spearhead the development, implementation and monitoring of the University Strategy and policies.
Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the University College’s vision, mission, short term and long term institutional goals.
Promote institutional growth through academic expansion, innovation, and strategic initiatives.
Drive a high-performance culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across all operational and academics functions.
Ensure alignment of university activities with national higher education priorities and global academic trends.
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Academic Excellence, Leadership and Quality Assurance
Promote and maintain high standards in teaching, learning and research
Ensure academic programs meet regulatory and accreditation standards
Promote curriculum development and programme innovation to meet national and international academic standards
Support academic staff in research, publication, and scholarly activities.
Ensure the effective functioning of academic governance structures, including Senate and faculty boards.
Champion initiatives aimed at improving student success, retention, and academic excellence.
Promote student welfare, engagement for academic success
Financial oversight and Accountability
Manage the University’s financial planning, budgeting process.
Oversee the financial management and sustainability of the University.
Lead initiatives for resource mobilization, fundraising, and income generation.
Ensure efficient allocation and utilization of institutional resources.
Promote strategic investments in academic infrastructure, technology, and learning resources.
Primary & Secondary Schooling (K-12)
Governance and Compliance
Provide overall leadership for the academic, administrative, and operational functions of the University.
Implement policies and directives approved by the University Council / Board.
Direct and monitor reporting on legislative and statutory compliance as defined in the Higher Education Authority legal framework and other statutes
Ensure effective collaboration between academic and administrative units.
Promote transparency, accountability, and good governance practices in institutional management.
Human Resource management and development
Lead in the recruitment, retention and development of academic and administrative staff
Ensure effective performance management and leadership development among senior staff.
Foster a positive institutional work culture
Public Relations and Partnerships
Represent the University in local national, regional, and international academic and professional forums.
Build and Strengthen partnerships with government institutions, industry, professional bodies, and Academic networks.
Promote the University’s reputation through strategic stakeholder engagement and institutional branding.
Promote a student-centred academic environment that supports learning, innovation, and personal development.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum PhD from a recognised and accredited institution
Recognised academic achievements (such as publications and research Leadership)
Minimum of 5 years of academic experience in higher education, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role (deputy vice chancellor, Dean or equivalent).
Strong understanding of higher education governance, policy frameworks, and quality assurance systems.
Skills and Key Competences
Visionary and strategic leadership
High ethical standards and Strong institutional management and governance skills
Financial acumen and Effective  communication and writing skills
High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
REMUNERATION

Attractive and competitive package will be offered commensurate with one’s qualification and experience.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Interested candidates should send their applications together with copies of educational & professional certificates, and curriculum vitae with three traceable references to the undersigned in one (1) PDF to the following email address:
info@iuc.ac.zm

The closing date for receiving applications for this vacancy is 21st April 2026.