EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE VICE CHANCELLOR

The university is seeking a suitably-qualified and self-driven person to fill the position of Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor/Chief Executive Officer. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor/Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will provide responsible, comprehensive, proactive and confidential executive support, with a particular focus on effective management, data interpretation, timeous accurate communications, and information systems. Responsible for setting the tone for the university’s core values and the pursuit of the Africa University’s Strategic Plan through the cooperative relationships of all faculty, staff, students, partners and stakeholders, the ideal candidate must present a practical, in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from the Vice Chancellor/Chief Executive Officer.

Desired Attributes:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, International relations or Social Sciences-related field.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in executive support, preferably in a higher education environment
• Demonstrable experience in providing direct administrative support to a Chief Executive Officer
• Experience of managing the administrative elements of an Executive office
• Experience in drafting reports and review the same for dissemination
• Experience of utilising the full suite of Microsoft Office applications with demonstrable experience at Board level meetings
• Ability to handle multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Commitment to upholding the core values of academic excellence, God-fearing, integrity, diversity, professionalism and Ubuntu
• Demonstrable team-leadership

SKILLS AND PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Exceptional organisational and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• The ability to work in a very busy environment with a high level of autonomy and team-spirit
• High levels of professional presentation, conduct and above reproach
• Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information
• A good understanding of data generation, processing and protection at all times
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Occasional flexibility to work outside normal office hours, for example to assist with corporate events

Duties and Responsibilities:

• In consultation, manage all aspects of the Vice-Chancellor/Chief Executive Officer’s diary, including the effective organisation of travel, meetings, committees and events involving the Vice Chancellor/Chief Executive Officer
• Manage the Vice-Chancellor/Chief Executive Officer’s internal and external communications in a timely and appropriate manner
• Prepare, collate and distribute information relating to various entities
• Provide and collate information to support decision making relating to strategic developments for the university
• Plan and manage the office of the Vice Chancellor’s in a digitally driven-era
• Manage any temporary administrative staff who may be employed in the Vice Chancellor’s Office from time to time.
• Monitor university and critical national and global events that require the Vice Chancellor’s attendance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates must submit an application letter, certified copies of certificates, transcripts, national identification (ID, or Passport/birth certificate), and a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) including full personal particulars and the names and addresses of three referees. The application pack should be sent as a single PDF file clearly marked "VC Executive Assistant" in the subject line to emails careers@africau.edu and vcpa@africau.edu by no later than 1400 hours on Friday, 6 February 2026. Applicants should clearly indicate the position being applied for in the application letter, which should be addressed to the Assistant Registrar, Personnel and Administration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Africa University is committed to diversity, Ubuntu, Professionalism, Integrity and Excellence. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.