About Adventist University of Africa
Adventist University of Africa (AUA) is a chartered Seventh-day Adventist postgraduate institution based in Nairobi, Kenya. Established by the General Conference of the SDA Church, it is one of four institutions sponsored by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, with a unique role of developing leaders and academics for the continent of Africa. AUA offers postgraduate programs in Theology, Religion, Business, Public Health, Applied Computer Science, and other fields. The University seeks to deliver outstanding postgraduate education from a biblical foundation to prepare competent leaders to serve the Church and society in a Christ-like manner.
Position Overview
AUA invites applications for the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Administration (DVC-A). Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the DVC-A serves as the institution’s Chief Academic Officer, responsible for guiding the implementation of academic strategic plans, educational policies, and academic programs. The successful candidate will ensure the maintenance of high academic standards, promote faculty development, support student success, and foster excellence in teaching and learning in a multicultural context, while upholding the principles of Seventh-day Adventist education within AUA’s faith-based community. This is a full-time senior leadership position, with remuneration and benefits commensurate with qualifications and in accordance with AUA’s HR policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Academic Leadership: Lead the development and execution of the University’s academic strategy, including introducing new programs aligned with institutional goals. Guide long-range academic planning and data-driven decision-making to advance AUA’s mission.
- Academic Program Oversight: Oversee the planning, design, and delivery of all academic programs, ensuring compliance with approved policies and processes (e.g. curriculum, scheduling, instruction, assessment). Coordinate with School Deans, the Registrar, and academic committees to uphold high standards from student admission through graduation.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure the University’s accreditation is maintained by complying with Kenyan higher education regulations and Seventh-day Adventist accrediting bodies. Implement recommendations from regulatory and accrediting agencies within stipulated timelines. Coordinate periodic reviews of curricula and programs to ensure relevance, quality, and adherence to academic standards.
- Curriculum & Instruction: Provide leadership in curriculum development and instructional innovation, chairing or guiding relevant academic committees. Promote excellence in teaching and learning, the integration of biblical principles and values in all disciplines, and support initiatives to improve instructional delivery and student outcomes.
- Research and Scholarship: Foster a strong culture of research and postgraduate scholarship. Support the Research & Grants office in promoting research initiatives and encouraging faculty and student research productivity. Utilise enrollment and academic data to inform strategies and report trends to University bodies.
- Faculty Development: Supervise the recruitment, orientation, performance evaluation, and professional development of faculty and academic staff in harmony with University policies. Encourage faculty growth, mentorship of junior faculty, and adherence to AUA’s academic and spiritual standards.
- Administrative Management: Oversee academic support departments under the DVC-A portfolio – including the Library, Research and Grants, Quality Assurance, and Registry – to ensure effective operations and prudent management of resources. Collaborate in academic budgeting and ensure optimal allocation of academic resources in line with institutional priorities.
- Spiritual Leadership: Serve as a spiritual leader and role model on campus, upholding the mission and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in all academic endeavours. Nurture a Christ-centred environment that supports the spiritual growth of students and staff.
(Additional duties may be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor as needed).
Qualifications and Experience
- Education: Earned a doctorate (PhD or other academic doctorate) in any field from a recognised institution. (An additional postgraduate qualification in Education is an added advantage.)
- Leadership Experience: At least five years of progressive experience in senior university academic leadership (e.g. as a Dean, Academic Affairs Vice President/Deputy VC, or equivalent). Proven capacity to lead academic teams and manage multi-faceted academic departments.
- Academic Planning & Curriculum: Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, academic program planning, and accreditation processes. Able to lead academic committees, design new programs, and ensure quality instructional delivery.
- Research & Scholarship: A track record of research leadership – evidenced by scholarly publications, successful supervision of graduate theses/dissertations, and engagement in research grant projects.
- Faculty Development: Strong commitment to faculty development and excellence in teaching. Experience in faculty recruitment, mentoring, performance evaluation, and fostering an environment of collegiality and continuous academic improvement.
- Adventist Education Philosophy: Deep understanding of and commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education, with an unwavering adherence to Adventist Christian principles and values. The candidate must exemplify high ethical standards, integrity, and be a practising member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good standing.
- Additional Skills: Excellent administrative and organisational skills; outstanding interpersonal, cross-cultural and communication abilities. Thorough knowledge of higher education trends and regulatory frameworks (especially in the Kenyan context) is expected.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit the following application documents digitally (via email):
• Cover Letter: A formal application letter expressing interest and fit for the role.
• Curriculum Vitae: A detailed CV outlining academic qualifications, work experience, and any research or publications.
• Academic Credentials: Certified copies of relevant academic certificates and transcripts.
• References: Three current recommendation letters (two from university administrators and one from a Seventh-day Adventist Church administrator) attesting to the candidate’s qualifications and character.
Submission: Email all application materials as PDF attachments to the Chair of the Search Committee at rodrigueze@gc.adventist.org no later than October 31, 2025. Please include the subject line “DVC-A Application – [Your Name]”.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.