POST NUMBER: 0020
DIRECTOR – INSTITUTE OF EXTRA MURAL STUDIES (IEMS)
The National University of Lesotho invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the above position:
Location: National University of Lesotho IEMS – Maseru
Responsible for: Heads of Departments x 6, Senior Assistant Registrar & Coordinator Open Distance Learning
Educational Background and Experience:
PhD in any field coupled with at least five (5) years of administrative experience as Dean, Director or at Senior management level.
A Certificate in Open Distance Learning (ODL) will be an added advantage
OTHER NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE
2.1 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to provide academic leadership, and to support development of research in education.
• Evidence of formulating and implementing innovative educational strategies and programmes to serve the educational needs of students in higher education.
• Evidence of ability to generate income and manage resources.
• Evidence of ability to develop partnerships, with outcomes
• Ability to work with business and industry, government and international donor agencies.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Be a self-starter, innovative, inventive, analytical, creative, and entrepreneurial.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with academics and
constituencies outside the University
• Technically proficient in the use of technology and appropriate software
2.2 Additional Requirements with Added Advantage
Candidates with the following requirements shall have an added advantage:
a) Evidence of leading the development of graduate education and research at an institution of higher learning;
b) Resource mobilisation skills;
c) Capacity to operate as change agent to enhance NUL’s
competitive urge.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The purpose of this position is to provide administrative and academic leadership to drive the NUL policy of Open and Distance Learning in order to increase access to educational services and programmes that will assist in promoting national development, and lifelong learning.
JOB SUMMARY
The incumbent will be expected to attend to the following duties;
- Provide strategic leadership and direction, administrative and financial management of IEMS;
- Provide leadership, innovation and coordination of all activities to the institute (IEMS);
- Oversee implementation of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes;
- Design strategies for enhancing the resources of the institute through academic initiatives, including but not limited to professional development programmes;
- Align IEMS Operational Plan with NUL Strategic Plan and Implement Performance Management System (PMS);
- Ensure continuing professional development of the teaching and research staff through professional development opportunities; and
- Assume additional tasks as assigned by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, and act in senior positions where requested.
- DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIES
The Director IEMS is the principal academic officer of the Institute whose duties and responsibilities include to:
5.1 Provide strategic leadership in administration and financial management of IEMS
a) Aptitude to maintain and promote efficiency and good order of the institute;
b) Ability to articulate the University vision and mission both internally and externally;
c) Evidence of capability to lead and drive fund-raising strategies for the institute and to exploit financial opportunities and acquisitions for the
University;
d) Capability to ensure efficient and accountable utilization of public funds;
e) Evidence of ability to provide academic leadership and ensure delivery of quality teaching and research relevant to the needs of the nation served by the institute;
f) Ability to develop and implement procedures and controls that promote communication and adequate information flow within the institute.
5.2 Provide leadership, innovation and coordination of all Activities to the institute (IEMS)
a) Lead the development/review of undergraduate and graduate programmes to meet national, regional and global human resource development priorities;
b) Ensure that all programmes, curricula, and course information is documented;
c) Develop an academic plan for the institute, including new programmes and services;
d) Oversee the development and implementation of the Academic Strategic Plan in line with the University SP and National Strategic Plan;
e) Conduct quarterly and annual reviews of accomplishments of the Academic Strategic Plan and its revisions;
f) Prepare reports and presentations for statutory bodies timely.
5.3 Oversee implementation of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes
a) Liaise with the Commonwealth of Learning to ensure promotion of open and distance learning and implementation of Open
Educational Resources at NUL.
b) Ensure proper research on ODL programmes for the country
c) Develop/review ODL policy and the necessary tools for
implementation
d) Develop ODL programmes in collaboration with faculties and academic departments
e) Market ODL programmes, locally, nationally and internationally
f) Ensure availability of equipment at the regional centres
g) Ensure customer satisfaction
h) Ensure funding and accountability for the programme fund
i) Initiate innovations in teaching and learning, particularly the improved use of technology and OLD
5.4. Design strategies for enhancing the resources of the institution through academic initiatives, including but not limited to professional development programmes:
a) Forge linkages for partnership with relevant organisations, donor agencies and other higher education institutions nationally, regionally and internationally;
b) Exploit financial opportunities and acquisitions for academic programmes;
c) Develop a proposal format for soliciting resources for the institute (IEMS);
d) Ensure accountability of the funds and develop timely reports;
e) Prepare reports and presentations for statutory bodies timely.
5.5 Align IEMS Operational Plan with NUL Strategic Plan and Implement Performance Management System (PMS)
a) Align the departmental job descriptions with NUL Strategic plan;
b) Participate in review of performance management policy, guidelines and tools;
c) Implement Performance Management System Policy;
d) Ensure development of IEMS operational plan in line with NUL strategic plan
e) Assist heads of departments to develop their sectional operational plans;
f) Restructure IEMS to meet the national, regional and international needs
5.6 Ensure continuing professional development of the teaching and research staff through professional development opportunities:
a) Ensure participation in review of professional development policy for teaching and research staff;
b) Ensure implementation of professional development Teaching AND learning policy for teaching and research staff;
c) Ensure development and implementation of succession plans from departments;
d) Prepare reports and presentations for statutory bodies timely.
5.7 Assume additional tasks as assigned by the Pro-Vice
Chancellor, and act in senior positions where requested
REMUNERATION
The University offers competitive salaries and other benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.
CONTRACT
The appointment shall be for a contract of three (3) years.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM CANDIDATES;
(a) An application letter of not more than one page.
(b) Applicants should quote the vacancy number of the post applied for;
(c) Provide names and contact details including email addresses of three (3) professional referees from Lead Consultants, Project Managers and Employers (current or previous).
(d) curriculum vitae, certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts.
(e) Application letters should bear signatures.
(f) Incomplete applications will not be considered.
(g) Certified copy of Identity document
Closing date for receiving full applications is 10th March 2021
Applications should be addressed to: [email protected]
DISCLAIMER:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Should you not hear from the University within three months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.