University College Principal

Job description

The Principal serves as the Chief Executive Officer and academic head of the university college. This role provides visionary academic leadership, strategic management, and oversight of all administrative, financial, and academic functions of the institution. The Principal will lead the institution in alignment with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) standards, ensuring excellence in teaching, research, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of the institution’s vision, mission, and academic goals.
Ensure compliance with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), ZQA, and other regulatory frameworks bodies including NMCZ, HPCZ etc.
Promote quality assurance, academic integrity, and innovation in curriculum development and delivery.
Oversee institutional planning, budgeting, financial management, and resource mobilization.
Lead and support faculty recruitment, development, and retention.
Foster a culture of academic research and community engagement.
Establish partnerships with government, industry, donors, and other academic institutions locally and internationally.
Chair the Academic Board and serve as Secretary to the Board of Governance.
Represent the university college at official functions and professional forums.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

In accordance with HEA requirements, applicants must possess either:

A Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) with at least 6 years of teaching experience in higher education, of which 3 years must be in a senior administrative role (e.g. Dean, Head of Department, or equivalent),
OR
A Master’s degree with at least 8 years of teaching experience in higher education, of which 4 years must be in a senior administrative role.

Preferred Competencies and Skills:

Strong knowledge of Zambia’s higher education regulatory framework.
Proven leadership and strategic planning abilities.
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and public relations skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead institutional accreditation and quality assurance processes.
Strong financial and operational management capabilities.
Track record in research, innovation, and academic publishing is an added advantage.
High ethical standards and commitment to integrity, transparency, and academic freedom.

Terms of Appointment:

This is a full-time contract position, initially for a three-year term, renewable based on performance and institutional needs.
An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

A cover letter detailing suitability for the role
A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications validated by ZAQA
Names and contact details of three professional referees (at least two from the higher education sector)
A copy of the National Registration Card (NRC) or valid identification

Applications must be submitted by email to:

Deadline for Applications: 03/06/2025
Applications should be emailed to: hrepic2025@gmail.com
Subject Line: Application for Principal – [Your Name]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.