Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UbuntuNet Alliance for Research and Education Networking. The Alliance, whose Head Office is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, is a membership-based non-profit research and education networking organisation for Eastern and Southern Africa. It plans, builds and operates the high-speed backbone network interconnecting National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in the region and connecting them to other regional networks globally. The Alliance also promotes the utilization of advanced ICT in research, teaching and learning.
The Membership region of UbuntuNet Alliance covers 26 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa and membership is open to bona fide NRENs. Currently, the Alliance has member NRENs from 17 countries, 12 of which are connected to the regional backbone network. The Alliance forges relationships with development partners, regional and international economic bodies and telecom service providers in delivery of its services.
Minimum Requirements
The CEO will have a Bachelors and/or Masters degree in Engineering or Information Technology or in a related field from a recognized university. A relevant PhD degree qualification and/or a postgraduate qualification in management and leadership will be an added advantage.
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:
a) Experience in and understanding of the higher education sector.
b) Demonstrable track record in establishing and sustaining strategic partnerships.
c) Functional understanding of the telecommunications environment.
d) Experience in working with donor funding agencies.
e) Experience in working in multi-cultural and multi-national environments.
f) Ability to think in strategic terms.
g) Experience and competencies in leadership and management. To be measured using the following: Visionary, results-oriented, planning and organisational skills, accountability, interpersonal skills, employee development skills, teamwork, evaluation skills, communication
h) Working knowledge of management and financial accounting.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the CEO include the following:
a) Developing and implementing UbuntuNet Alliance’s strategy;
b) Supporting UbuntuNet Alliance governance processes;
c) Managing operations;
d) Planning and implementing staff and general capacity development;
e) Developing and managing relations with member NRENs;
f) Developing and sustaining relations with the Research & Education Networks community worldwide;
g) Developing and sustaining relations with development partners;
h) Developing and sustaining relations with suppliers.
i) Ensuring the self-sustainability of UbuntuNet Alliance.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time contract position for an initial term of 4 years, renewable based on performance and by mutual agreement. The Alliance provides an attractive negotiable salary and benefits to the CEO in accordance with its emoluments structure.
Method of Application
Applications, including detailed curriculum vitae and details of three traceable referees, should be submitted in electronic form as PDF files not later than 12th November 2021 to the address below:
The Chairman,
CEO Search and Selection Committee
UbuntuNet Alliance Secretariat
P. O. Box 2550,
Lilongwe, Malawi.
www.ubuntunet.net
E-mail: ceo-search-committee@ubuntunet.net