Vice Chancellor

Presbyterian University of East Africa (PUEA) invites applications from distinguished academic leaders for the position of Vice Chancellor. Reporting directly to the University Governing Council, the Vice Chancellor will serve as the institution's chief executive officer and strategic anchor — responsible for setting and executing long-term institutional direction, championing academic excellence, ensuring financial sustainability, and cultivating a high-performance culture grounded in integrity, innovation, and Christian values.

This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of one of Kenya's faith-based universities, drive transformative growth, and position PUEA as a leading institution in East Africa's rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

• Provide strategic leadership aligned with PUEA's vision, mission, and core values, translating institutional goals into measurable outcomes.
• Strengthen academic quality, advance research output, and foster innovation across all faculties and departments.
• Champion industry-aligned programs and employability initiatives that enhance graduate outcomes and institutional relevance.
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability through prudent resource utilization, budget oversight, and diversified revenue streams.
• Lead human resource development, succession planning, and performance management across the institution.
• Promote a student-centered culture that prioritizes welfare, engagement, and holistic development.
• Drive organizational transformation, digital capability, and the adoption of modern educational technologies.
• Mobilize resources, attract research grants, and build strategic partnerships with government, industry, and international institutions.
• Represent PUEA at national and international forums, enhancing the university's profile and stakeholder relationships.
• Uphold the university's Christian ethos and ensure governance structures adhere to the Constitution of Kenya (2010).

• Demonstrate a proven track record of strategic leadership in a senior academic or administrative role, with measurable institutional outcomes.
• Lead and grow research programs, securing international publications and driving knowledge creation within an academic environment.
• Navigate complex academic governance structures, including senate, council, and regulatory bodies such as the Commission for University Education (CUE).
• Mobilize funding and attract competitive research grants from national and international sources.
• Manage large, diverse teams and lead institutional transformation with demonstrable change management capability.
• Engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders including government, donors, industry partners, and faith-based organizations.
• Apply financial and administrative acumen to manage university budgets and institutional resources effectively.
• Model and uphold high ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to good governance in all institutional matters.
• Hold an earned PhD from a recognized university; appointment at Professor rank is an added advantage.
• Possess at least 10 years of senior academic and administrative experience; prior service as Deputy Vice Chancellor or equivalent is a distinct advantage.

The Vice Chancellor's compensation package is competitive and commensurate with the seniority of the role. While the specific figure has not been publicly disclosed, market benchmarks for executive academic leadership roles in Kenyan universities place monthly remuneration in the range of KES 500,000 – KES 900,000, inclusive of allowances. The package is expected to include executive-level benefits reflective of the institution's grade and governing council policies.

Ideal Candidate: A seasoned academic executive with a PhD and a distinguished record in research, academic governance, and institutional leadership. You have led at deputy or full vice chancellor level, commanded the respect of academic peers, and demonstrated the ability to grow an institution financially and academically. You are deeply committed to Christian values and understand the unique governance dynamics of a faith-based university in Kenya.

Who Should NOT Apply: Candidates without a PhD from a recognized university, those with fewer than 10 years of senior academic and administrative experience, or individuals who cannot demonstrate a clear record of research output, resource mobilization, or institutional transformation. This role is not suitable for candidates from purely corporate or non-academic backgrounds without demonstrated higher education leadership experience.

• Prepare a comprehensive application including a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates, and contact details of at least three referees.
• Ensure your CV clearly highlights your academic publications, leadership roles, and institutional achievements.
• Submit your application to the designated PUEA application channel as communicated in the official advertisement on the PUEA website or through the relevant job platforms.
• Address your application to the Chairman, University Governing Council, Presbyterian University of East Africa.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include presentations to the Governing Council.