Job Title: Deputy Vice Chancellor – Finance and Administration
Organisation: Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Duty Station: Mbarara, Uganda
About Organisation:
Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), commonly known as Mbarara University, is a public university in Uganda. Mbarara University commenced student intake and instruction in 1989. It is one of the eight public universities and degree-awarding institutions in the country. MUST is accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
In accordance section 32 (4) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA), Cap 262, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) shall:
- Assist the Vice-Chancellor in the performance of his or her functions and in that regard shall oversee the finances and administration of the University;
- Be responsible for the planning and development of the University;
- Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice-Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.
- Description of Duties and Responsibilities of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)
- Oversee the finances and administration of the University in accordance with the policies and laws governing the University.
- Be responsible for the planning, reviewing, implementation and monitoring of the University Strategic Plan.
- Provide leadership in preparation and implementation of the University’s recurrent and capital budgets.
- Monitor the development and implementation of the University’s accounting procedures, manuals and other documents relating to financial control and management as per approved financial regulations.
- Oversee the management of all income generating units of the University.
- Coordinate the production of financial reports from the different University units.
- Provide leadership over human resource management in the University.
- Perform any other duties that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council from time to time.
Key Areas of Focus
Strategic Planning and Governance
- Demonstrated ability to lead large administrative teams at senior levels, with a record of enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
- Proven experience in developing and executing strategic plans aligned with institutional, financial, and administrative goals.
- Strong background in policy formulation and implementation, particularly in areas of financial management, transparency, risk mitigation, and compliance with national regulations.
- Experience leading institutional restructuring or process improvements to drive organizational effectiveness.
Financial Management and Resource Mobilization
- Proven competence in financial planning, budgeting, and resource optimization to ensure sustainability and accountability.
- Experience in conducting financial forecasting, implementing cost control measures, and developing investment strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources, secure grants, and attract external funding to support institutional growth.
- Track record of leading financial audits and ensuring compliance with national and international financial standards.
Human Resource and Performance Management
- Experience in workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development to cultivate a high-performance institutional culture.
- Demonstrated implementation of performance-based appraisal systems that improve staff accountability and output.
- Proven ability to promote industrial harmony and effectively resolve labour disputes.
- Proven ability to manage logistical support and security.
- Infrastructure Development and Resource Optimization
- Experience in overseeing capital development projects, ensuring timely execution and cost efficiency.
- Proven leadership in facility maintenance and expansion to support institutional growth.
- Demonstrated ability to manage outsourced services and contracts while maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Capacity to attract resources and investments for infrastructure development.
- Proven experience in estates and works management.
Digital Transformation and ICT Integration
- Experience in integrating ICT solutions into administrative and financial systems (e.g., Enterprise Resource Management Systems, ERP) to enhance service delivery.
- Leadership in automating key institutional functions such as procurement, human resource systems, and finance systems reducing paperwork and improving real-time decision making to increase efficiency.
- Proven implementation of cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional financial and administrative data.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Demonstrated success in cultivating partnerships with government, donors, the private sector, and international organizations.
- Ability to foster inclusive decision-making by engaging staff and students ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
- Experience negotiating contracts, partnerships, and impactful collaborations that have led to financial and administrative growth.
Academic Policy and Institutional Development
- Knowledge and experience in developing and implementing policies relevant to universities and tertiary institutions.
- Proven success in writing and securing research and development grants.
- Active contribution to national and institutional policy discourse and implementation.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The candidate for the post of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) of Mbarara University of Science and Technology is required to possess a good University education and should be a proven, successful manager of human, finance and material resources. Specifically, the candidate shall be expected to:
- hold an earned PhD from a recognized university or institution
- be at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor
- have at least ten (10) years of proven experience in leadership, management, and administration, with a minimum of four (4) years at a senior management level equivalent to Dean of Faculty or higher in a reputable academic, corporate, or private institution
- be a Ugandan citizen
- be in the range of 40 – 60 years of age at the time of assumption of duty by 15th October 2025
- possess a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration, Management, Planning and Administration, or Policy-related fields.
Key Competencies and Personal Attributes
- High level of maturity, integrity, and moral standing.
- Demonstrated strategic leadership experience in a reputable university or equivalent institution.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and public relations skills.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage student affairs, and promote inclusive institutional culture.
- Sound understanding of teaching processes and higher education institutions
- Respected by national and international academic communities for professional accomplishments.
- Visionary leader capable of driving the development of a growing university and strengthening engagement among staff, students, and stakeholders.
How to Apply:
Each application should be accompanied by:
- A signed application letter;
- A candidate’s curriculum vitae duly signed and dated. The curriculum vitae must contain the candidate’s name in full, date of birth, educational attainment, and nationality, professional and academic achievements;
- A copy of the national Identity card ;
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;
- A statement of the candidate’s vision for the University in the twenty-first century;
- A letter of motivation of one (1) A4 page with 1.5 line spacing and 12 size font of Times New Roman.
- Names and addresses of three referees. The referee should be contacted by the applicant to forward direct to the Secretary of the Search Committee, a confidential report in a properly sealed envelope marked: Post of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration); Referee’s Report at the top left hand corner of the envelope;
- All applications shall be submitted under confidential cover and addressed to
- Chairperson of the Search Committee.
Deadline: 8th August 2025
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