Zetech University, a premier institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, research, and innovation, is seeking an experienced, visionary, and highly motivated academic leader to join its esteemed faculty as the Head of Department for the School of Education. This position represents an exciting opportunity to lead one of the most dynamic and impactful departments within the university.
Zetech University provides a supportive environment that fosters intellectual growth, diversity, and community development. This position will offer the successful candidate a chance to contribute meaningfully to shaping the next generation of educators and academic researchers, while also playing a central role in guiding departmental operations and future strategic initiatives.
Position Summary
Job Title: Head of Department – Education
Ref: ZU/10/Adv/2/2025
Department: School of Education, Arts and Social Sciences
Reports To: Dean, School of Education, Arts and Social Sciences
Number of Positions: 1
Employment Terms:
- Academic staff on permanent and pensionable terms
- Head of Department role on a 3-year renewable contract
This is both a teaching and administrative leadership role. The successful candidate will serve as a faculty member under permanent and pensionable terms while concurrently undertaking the Head of Department responsibilities under a renewable three-year contract. The dual nature of the role ensures both academic engagement and departmental leadership.
Job Objective
The Head of Department will be responsible for providing strategic academic leadership, supporting and enhancing educational delivery, fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and research, and managing the Department of Education’s resources effectively. This role requires a proactive leader who can effectively manage people, projects, and pedagogical standards while championing student success.
Detailed Duties and Responsibilities
The Head of Department will be expected to fulfill the following core responsibilities:
Academic Leadership and Curriculum Oversight
- Oversee all teaching and examination processes to ensure academic integrity and quality.
- Guarantee timely and comprehensive coverage of academic courses and proper evaluation methods.
- Supervise the preparation, delivery, and review of course materials and lesson plans across the department.
- Monitor class attendance by both students and academic staff to maintain high standards of engagement and accountability.
- Facilitate regular academic audits and performance evaluations.
Human Resource and Workload Management
- Collaborate closely with the Human Resource department to ensure optimal allocation of workloads across the department.
- Supervise the allocation of courses to academic staff in line with qualifications and departmental needs.
- Manage academic staff welfare, attendance, and disciplinary processes as needed.
- Provide mentorship, motivation, and guidance to both academic and non-academic staff under the department.
- Conduct regular performance appraisals for department staff to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
Student Affairs and Programme Management
- Oversee the full academic lifecycle of students, ensuring their retention, academic progress, graduation, and possible progression to other academic levels or institutions.
- Manage student projects, industrial attachments, teaching practice, and fieldwork to ensure they meet academic and industry expectations.
- Act as the main point of contact for resolving departmental student issues and concerns efficiently and empathetically.
- Participate in approving all student admissions into programmes under the department.
- Receive and orient new students in the department, helping them integrate into the university system and academic life.
Research and Development
- Encourage and participate in departmental research activities, publications, and academic innovation.
- Support academic staff in research initiatives, proposal development, and grant acquisition.
- Spearhead the development of new academic programmes, as well as the continuous review and enhancement of existing ones in alignment with national and global trends.
Strategic and Policy Implementation
- Ensure that all departmental policies and activities align with the strategic objectives of the School and the University at large.
- Implement and monitor academic and administrative policies to ensure quality assurance and long-term sustainability of the department.
- Develop strategic plans to ensure that departmental goals are met effectively and efficiently.
- Lead initiatives that promote industry collaborations and academic linkages beneficial to students and faculty.
Governance and Administrative Responsibilities
- Serve as a liaison between the department and the School of Education’s Dean’s office.
- Prepare departmental reports, budget forecasts, and academic plans as required.
- Attend university committee meetings and represent the department in relevant forums.
- Ensure adherence to university regulations, academic standards, and professional ethical practices.
- Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Dean or university management in accordance with the job description.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- PhD in Education or a related field from an accredited university.
- Master’s degree in Education or a closely related area from an accredited university.
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or a relevant discipline from an accredited university.
- A minimum of 24 publication points, with at least 16 of those points derived from publications in peer-reviewed/refereed academic journals.
- At least two (2) years of teaching experience at the university level.
- At least one (1) year of proven experience in academic management or leadership.
- Membership in a relevant professional body is considered an added advantage.
Additional Information
Zetech University values integrity, diversity, academic freedom, and inclusivity. We welcome applications from qualified individuals who are passionate about academic leadership and excellence.
Important Notes:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps of the hiring process.
- All official interviews and meetings will be conducted exclusively at either the Ruiru Campus or the Technology Park at Mang’u.
- Zetech University does not request or accept any form of payment or facilitation fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Applicants are strongly advised to be cautious of fraudulent job offers or calls requesting payment for application processing.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are encouraged to log in to the Zetech University recruitment portal to submit their applications.
