The University is seeking a suitably qualified and self-driven person to fill the position of Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor and 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 of the University’s core values and the pursuit of the 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 and Chief Executive Officer.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
- 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.
- Able to demonstrate the core values of professionalism, integrity, professionalism, Ubuntu and God fearing.
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
- Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Commitment to upholding the values of academic excellence, God fearing, integrity, diversity, professionalism and Ubuntu.
- Demonstrable team-leadership
SKILLS AND PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- High levels of organisational skills,
- High levels of attention to detail,
- 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,
- Ability to exercise confidentiality at all times,
- 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 and Chief Executive Officer’s diary, including the effective organisation of travel, meetings, committees and events involving the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer.
- Manage the Vice-Chancellor and 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.
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 the emails careers@africau.edu and vcpa@africau.edu by no later than 1400 hours on Friday, 06 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.
