THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF ZANZIBAR (SUZA)
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION: VICE CHANCELLOR
The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) is the only public university in Zanzibar, established under the State University of Zanzibar Act No. 8 of 1999 and subsequently amended by Act No. 11 of 2009, Act No. 7 of 2016, Act No. 1 of 2019 and Act No. 13 of 2020. Since opening its doors in 2002, SUZA has
continued to grow in academic programmes, research output, infrastructure, and students’ enrolment—guided by its vision of becoming the most preferred university in Eastern Africa.
The University Council invites applications from highly qualified and competent Tanzanian for the position of Vice Chancellor. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and overall management of the University in accordance with its mandate, vision, mission, and values.
- Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must:
- Have attained the academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor in a recognised university.
- Hold a PhD from a recognised higher learning institution.
- Be individuals of high standing, integrity, and proven academic and administrative excellence.
- Possess at least ten (10) years of experience in higher learning institutions, including a minimum of five (5) years in senior administrative leadership.
- Demonstrate deep understanding of the legislative, regulatory, and policy frameworks governing higher education in Tanzania.
- Show evidence of leadership in teaching, research, innovation, outreach, and institutional development.
- Possess the ability to foster a positive institutional culture, promote academic excellence, and strengthen partnerships.
- Uphold high ethical standards consistent with national leadership and integrity requirements.
- Tenure of Service
The Vice Chancellor shall serve a four-year term, renewable for one additional four-year term, subject to satisfactory performance, Council recommendation, and approval by the Chancellor.
- Duties and Responsibilities
The Vice Chancellor shall:
- Serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the University.
- Be responsible to the University Council for implementing Council decisions, and for overall academic, administrative, and financial operations of the University.
- Lead the development and implementation of appropriate policies, strategic plans, and institutional initiatives.
- Build strategic alliances and partnerships with the Government, industry, development partners, and local and international academic institutions.
- Provide visionary leadership in academics, research, innovation, fundraising, finance, planning, budgeting, and institutional development.
- Represent the University nationally, regionally, and internationally.
- Oversee the coordination and implementation of academic and administrative policies in alignment with the University Strategic Plan.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the University Council or higher authorities.
- Mode of Application
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A signed application letter.
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, including academic qualifications, professional experience, publications, awards, and membership in professional bodies.
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
- Names and contact details (email and telephone) of three referees.
Referees should be requested to send three (3) confidential recommendations directly to the undersigned, clearly marked:
“Confidential Reference – Vice Chancellor Position.”
Applications and confidential referee reports must be submitted by registered mail or courier (6 copies) clearly marked:
“Application for the Position of Vice Chancellor.”
All applications should be addressed to:
The Chairperson – Search Committee
State University of Zanzibar (SUZA)
P.O. Box 146, Zanzibar – Tanzania
Email: search-team@suza.ac.tz
Website: www.suza.ac.tz
Application Deadline: 5th December 2025, 16:00 EAT
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further engagement.