United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) stands as a premier institution of higher learning, recognized for its academic excellence and cultural diversity. Situated in Nairobi, Kenya, USIU-Africa hosts a vibrant student population of approximately 7,000 individuals from over 60 countries, fostering a multicultural environment conducive to learning, innovation, and global networking. The university boasts an alumni network of more than 25,000 graduates worldwide, reflecting its enduring impact and global reach.
USIU-Africa is unique in its dual accreditation, being recognized both by the Commission for University Education (CUE) of Kenya and by the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC) of the United States. This distinctive status underscores the university’s commitment to delivering quality, internationally benchmarked academic programs.
As USIU-Africa continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the modern educational landscape, the institution seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced individual to serve as University Secretary. This key leadership role is vital for upholding corporate governance, legal compliance, and institutional integrity.
Position: University Secretary
Job Summary:
The University Secretary will ensure that USIU-Africa adheres to all applicable legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks, as set forth by relevant national and international bodies. This role includes acting as the principal advisor to the University Council, Management Board, and Senate on matters of corporate governance and legal compliance. The role is strategic and administrative in nature, involving oversight of decision-making processes, documentation, communication, and the ethical conduct of the university’s leadership bodies.
Key Responsibilities
1. Governance and Compliance
- Serve as the principal advisor to the University Council, Management Board, and Senate on corporate governance and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, including timely filings and regulatory communications with bodies such as the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Ministry of Education.
- Coordinate the preparation and submission of all statutory returns, and maintain key statutory registers including:
- Register of members
- Directors and trustees’ registers
- Council, Management Board, and Senate minutes and resolutions
2. Board and Council Administration
- Organize and facilitate all meetings of the University Council, Management Board, Senate, and related committees.
- Prepare and distribute official meeting documents including notices, agendas, minutes, and resolutions.
- Ensure that appointment, orientation, and removal of members of governing bodies are conducted according to proper procedures and best practices.
3. Legal and Regulatory Advisory
- Provide strategic legal advice on university-wide decisions, policies, and risk implications.
- Ensure that all university operations are aligned with national laws, institutional policies, and international best practices.
- Act as a liaison with external legal counsel when necessary.
4. Records and Document Management
- Maintain confidential and secure custody of all official institutional records, especially Council minutes and resolutions.
- Ensure the completeness and currency of all university governance documentation.
- Develop and implement effective document and information management systems to support governance transparency.
5. Risk Management and Ethics
- Support the development and implementation of governance and compliance frameworks aligned with institutional objectives and risk management policies.
- Advocate for and enforce ethical conduct in accordance with the university’s codes of conduct and governance policies.
- Monitor governance risks and propose mitigation measures to ensure institutional sustainability and integrity.
Educational/Professional Qualifications and Experience
- A Master’s degree in Business-related studies, Communications, or International Relations from an accredited university.
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution.
- Certified Public Secretary (CPS-K) designation and a valid practicing certificate from the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS), Kenya.
- Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya is preferred.
- A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience, with at least three (3) years in a senior role within a similar institutional framework, preferably within a university setting.
- Proven knowledge and understanding of university governance, corporate and education law, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated experience in drafting and managing high-quality reports and documentation under tight deadlines.
Personal Attributes, Skills, and Competencies
- Understanding of Legal and Educational Frameworks: Comprehensive knowledge of Kenyan corporate and education-related legal frameworks, including an understanding of both local and international accreditation systems.
- Stakeholder Management: Ability to interact effectively with senior stakeholders, including Council members, university leadership, government bodies, and regulators, while handling sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
- Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with legal and administrative software tools that facilitate governance and compliance monitoring.
- Administrative Excellence: Strong capability to manage complex administrative operations, ensuring accurate record-keeping, efficient coordination of meetings, and regulatory compliance.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Competence in drafting meeting minutes, policy reports, legal briefs, and official resolutions.
- Board Governance Expertise: Deep understanding of governance structures and processes relevant to higher education institutions.
- Ethical Integrity: High level of personal integrity and a strong commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership practices.
- Organizational Skills: Effective time management and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects in a high-demand environment.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in managing records, documentation, and legal filings, ensuring accuracy in all governance processes.
- Interpersonal Relations: Ability to build trust-based relationships and foster collaborative engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
- Minute-Taking and Record-Keeping: Proficient in capturing accurate, concise, and actionable records of proceedings at all levels of university governance.
- Policy and Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of university education policies, procedures, and compliance expectations under Kenyan and international regulations.
Application Process
Candidates who meet the outlined qualifications and experience and are enthusiastic about contributing to a dynamic, international academic institution are invited to submit their application materials. The application package should include:
- A cover letter indicating the specific position being applied for
- A current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- Contact details for three professional referees
- Current salary and benefits information
- Valid telephone and email contacts
Applications should be submitted by 5.00 pm, Thursday, June 26, 2025, and addressed to:
United States International University – Africa
P. O. Box 14634-00800
Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
USIU-Africa is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified persons regardless of race, gender, disability status, religion, or nationality.
