Deputy Vice-Chancellor

The East African University (TEAU) is seeking a visionary and accomplished academic leader to serve as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. This is a senior executive role that sits at the heart of the University's strategic and operational leadership, working in close collaboration with the Vice-Chancellor to drive the institution's academic mission, governance agenda, and long-term growth objectives.

The successful candidate will be a respected scholar and seasoned administrator who brings a proven track record in higher education leadership, research excellence, and institutional development. This role demands someone who can inspire academic communities, forge meaningful partnerships, and champion quality education that meets both national and regional standards.

• Provide strategic leadership in academic planning, policy development, and implementation across all university faculties and departments.
• Champion excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, and community engagement to elevate the university's academic profile.
• Coordinate quality assurance processes and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements set by TVETA, CUE, and other relevant bodies.
• Oversee student affairs, welfare programmes, and support services to foster a conducive learning environment.
• Strengthen and grow partnerships with industry, government agencies, development partners, and peer academic institutions locally and internationally.
• Lead and support resource mobilisation initiatives, grants acquisition, and institutional growth strategies.
• Drive digital transformation, e-learning integration, and innovation within university operations and academic delivery.
• Represent the Vice-Chancellor and University Council as required, and perform any other duties assigned by senior governance structures.

• Must hold an earned PhD from a recognised and accredited university — this is a non-negotiable requirement.
• Must demonstrate at least ten (10) years of progressive academic and administrative experience in higher education, with a minimum of five (5) years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Must show a distinguished record of teaching, peer-reviewed publications, active research, and postgraduate student supervision.
• Must be able to lead strategic planning processes and translate institutional vision into measurable academic and operational outcomes.
• Must demonstrate a history of successfully mobilising resources, securing partnerships, and engaging diverse stakeholders including government, donors, and industry.
• Must be conversant with higher education governance frameworks, quality assurance standards, and national education policies in Kenya and the East African region.
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of representing the university at high-level forums, public engagements, and policy dialogues.
• Must demonstrate emotional intelligence, collegial leadership, and the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder academic environments.

The East African University offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority of this role and in line with Commission for University Education (CUE) guidelines. The estimated monthly salary range for this position is KES 400,000 – KES 700,000, inclusive of applicable allowances. Additional benefits may include medical cover, official transport, and performance-linked incentives as per the University's human resource policy.

This role is ideal for a PhD-qualified academic who has climbed through the ranks of higher education administration — from lectureship through to Dean, Director, or equivalent senior leadership — and is ready to take on full institutional co-leadership. You are results-oriented, deeply committed to academic excellence, and have a clear philosophy of education leadership that balances rigour with innovation. You understand the Kenyan and East African higher education landscape and can navigate its regulatory, political, and community dimensions with confidence.

Do not apply if you do not hold an earned PhD, have fewer than ten years of higher education experience, or have not served in a verifiable senior academic management role for at least five years. Candidates without a publication and research record will not be considered.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through The East African University's official recruitment channel. Your application package should include: a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic qualifications, publications, and administrative experience; certified copies of academic certificates; a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role; and names and contacts of three referees familiar with your academic and professional work. Applications should be addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, The East African University. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.