Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor

Inspire Innovation. Drive Sustainability. Shape the Future.

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is entering a defining chapter. Guided by its vision to be a leading university of science and technology in Africa and its Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP). 

About the Role

The University seeks an exceptional executive to serve as Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor. As the most senior executive in the Office, the incumbent will direct the Vice-Chancellor’s executive office and lead the directors responsible for Corporate Engagement, Partnership and Internationalisation; Internal Audit, Risk and Cyber Security; and Quality Assurance. This is a rare opportunity to shape institutional governance, assurance and global standing at the highest level of a national university.

Key Performance Areas

Provide strategic leadership, direction and performance management to the directors and units in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, ensuring that their plans, budgets and scorecards are aligned to the ISBP. Direct the Vice-Chancellor’s executive office, including the agenda, submissions and high-level engagements; prepare authoritative briefing papers for the Vice-Chancellor, EXCO and Council; and ensure the timely implementation of their resolutions. Provide strategic oversight of the University’s internationalisation and partnerships agenda, in support of the ISBP targets for international student enrolments, and of partnerships with government, industry, development agencies and peer institutions that enhance NUST’s global profile. Provide administrative oversight of Internal Audit, Risk and Cyber Security while safeguarding Internal Audit’s independent reporting line to the Audit and Risk Committee of Council, ensuring robust enterprise risk management and the timely closure of audit findings. Provide executive oversight of institutional quality assurance in line with NCHE and NQA requirements, ensuring accreditation readiness and objective assurance to the Vice-Chancellor, Senate and Council. Represent the Vice-Chancellor as delegated, cultivate an ethical, high-performance culture, and perform any other reasonable duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

A relevant Doctorate (NQF Level 10) from a recognised university, with at least ten (10) years’ experience in university governance, leadership and management, of which five (5) years must have been at senior management or management level. Candidates must demonstrate a proven record of leadership in at least two of the following areas: executive office management; internationalisation and strategic partnerships; quality assurance; or audit, risk and governance. The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of the higher education landscape locally and/or internationally; sound knowledge of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) frameworks, corporate governance and enterprise risk management; a demonstrated ability to advise and engage at Council, executive and government level; exceptional strategic and analytical skills; and strong negotiation and financial management ability. Unquestionable integrity, discretion and political astuteness, together with sound judgement and managerial courage, are essential. Experience in programme accreditation, international rankings and governance support to Council will be an added advantage.

Employment Equity Statement

NUST, an equal opportunity employer, invites applications from suitably qualified individuals, especially women and persons with disabilities, to apply.


Important Notes

• Only applications submitted via the Direct-Hire system will be considered.
• All qualifications must be certified by the Police within the last three (3) months.
• A Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Conduct) not older than six (6) months must accompany all applications.
• All foreign qualifications must be validated by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA). The normal retirement age is 65. Non-Namibian candidates who are deemed suitable for appointment will be offered a contract of five (5) years.
• By applying, candidates confirm they have no prior employment-related disciplinary records or integrity concerns that would reasonably affect their candidacy.
• All applicants consent to background and reference checks, including verification of qualifications, disciplinary and criminal records, social media screening and/ or financial checks, published works and supervised students where applicable.
• Internal staff members must have successfully completed their probationary period to be eligible for consideration for any vacant position.

For further details regarding the vacancies and application requirements, please visit the following:

External Link:  https://nustjobs.mcidirecthire.com/

CLOSING DATE: 06 November 2026


Enquiries:

Ms Majory Mukasa
Manager: Talent Acquisition and Remuneration 

Phone: +264 61 207 2557 
Email: mmukasa@nust.na