July 10th, 2026.
JOB ADVERT NO. 3/2026
Position: University Secretary
Reports to: The Vice Chancellor
Supervises: Head of Finance & Planning, Procurement Officer, Estates Officer, and Human Resource.
St. Ignatius University Kabale (IGUKA) invites applications from accomplished and visionary leaders with a distinguished record of institutional administration, governance, and strategic management to serve as University Secretary. This is a senior executive position responsible for providing strategic administrative leadership and ensuring the effective governance, operational excellence, and institutional development of the University.
The University Secretary serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the University and Secretary to the Governing Council, providing strategic leadership and oversight in:
- University governance, legal compliance, Council affairs, and custody of the University Seal.
- Financial accountability, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Strategic procurement management and supply chain compliance.
- Infrastructural management, assets protection, and general operations.
- Strategic human resource management and institutional organizational development.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Within the first three years, the successful candidate will be expected to:
- Strengthen institutional governance;
- Modernize administrative systems;
- Improve financial accountability;
- Digitize university records;
- Strengthen HR systems;
- Support resource mobilization;
- Enhance institutional compliance.
Duties and Responsibilities
A. Governance, Council Affairs, and Legal Compliance
- Secretary to the Governing Council and its Committees.
- Advise the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor on governance, legal, administrative, and policy matters.
- Direct the organization of Governing Council meetings, including the timely preparation and custody of agendas, minutes, official resolutions, and tracking follow-up actions.
- Ensure absolute compliance with the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA), the University Charter, Statutes, and all relevant national laws.
- Maintain legal custody of the University Seal (Common Seal), log/record its official usage, and provide regular reports on the same to the Governing Council.
- Take custody of University policies, maintain the institutional Policy Library, and support the formulation and publication of amendments to university statutes, rules, regulations, and by-laws.
- Coordinate the production and timely submission of the University’s Annual Report.
B. Financial Administration, Procurement, and Estates Oversight
- Serve as the Accounting Officer of the University, ensuring prudent management and strict accountability of institutional resources in complete alignment with the University Charter.
- Supervise and provide strategic direction to the Head of Finance and Planning to align financial resources and budgeting with the university’s strategic plan.
- Direct the procurement of University goods and services and disposal of assets in accordance with applicable procurement laws, university procurement policies, and core principles of transparency, competitiveness, and value for money.
- Ensure that effective internal audit systems are in place and that audit findings are acted upon promptly to preserve the operational independence of the internal audit function.
- Provide overall operational leadership for the University Estate.
C. Strategic Human Resource Leadership
- Provide visionary leadership in workforce planning, talent acquisition, staff development, succession planning, and retention across the university.
- Drive the implementation of robust performance management systems and institutional appraisal processes.
- Lead employee relations, grievance handling, disciplinary processes, and conflict mediation to maintain harmony.
- Develop, review, and implement progressive HR policies that foster an ethical, accountable, and high-performance culture.
D. Institutional Transformation and Systems Modernization
- Lead institutional transformation, change management, and organizational restructuring initiatives.
- Spearhead strategies and proposals for resource mobilization, financial sustainability, and the advancement of vibrant collaborative networks.
- Champion the comprehensive digitization of HR records, financial tracking, procurement processes, and governance archives.
Academic Qualifications
- 1. A PhD from a recognized university in Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Law, Business Administration, Higher Education Management, Governance, Organizational Development, Education Management, or another closely related discipline.
- Relevant professional certification and membership of a recognized professional body such as the Human
Resource Management Association of Uganda (HRMAU), the Uganda Law Society (ULS), or The Chartered
Governance Institute (formerly ICSA).
Experience
- At least ten (10) years’ progressively responsible administrative experience, five (5) of which must have been at a senior management level in a reputable institution.
- Demonstrated experience in university governance, board administration, or corporate Council affairs.
- Sound, practical knowledge of Uganda’s labor laws, public financial management principles, and higher education regulatory frameworks.
Required Profile & Executive Competencies
The ideal candidate must be a strategic leader who combines sound governance expertise with robust administrative and human resource leadership. Applicants must demonstrate:
- Institutional Leadership: Strategic thinking with the ability to build, resource, and enforce effective
institutional administrative systems. - Governance & Financial Literacy: Deep understanding of university governance models, statutory frameworks, and executive financial/procurement accountability.
- Change Management: Proven experience driving organizational restructuring, digitization, and cultural transformation.
- Strategic Partnership Development: Ability to establish productive partnerships with government, regulatory agencies, development partners, industry, alumni, and other stakeholders to advance the University’s strategic goals.
- Digital Governance: Ability to leverage digital technologies to enhance governance, records management, workflow automation, institutional reporting, and administrative efficiency.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills to inspire confidence across diverse university stakeholders.
- Integrity: Unquestionable ethical standards, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and commitment to strict confidentiality.
Terms of Appointment
The appointment shall be for a 5-year contract renewable once, subject to the successful completion of a six-month probationary period, and in accordance with the University’s Human Resource Policies and Conditions of Service. A competitive executive remuneration package commensurate with this high-profile position will be offered.
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications electronically via dvc@iguka.ac.ug or deliver hard copies addressed to:
The Deputy Vice Chancellor
St. Ignatius University Kabale (IGUKA)
P.O. Box 884, Kabale, Uganda
The application pack must include:
- A signed, formal application letter.
- A detailed, up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
- Certified copies of all academic degrees and professional certificates.
- Copies of relevant previous appointment letters and testimonials.
- Names, designations, institutional affiliations, email addresses, and telephone contacts of three professional referees, at least one of whom should have supervised the applicant in a senior leadership capacity.
- A copy of a valid National Identification Card or Passport.
Deadline for Submission: Applications must be received no later than Monday, 10th August 2026 at 5:00 PM EAT. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and Applicants who provide false information or forged academic documents shall automatically be disqualified and may be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Uganda.
St. Ignatius University Kabale (IGUKA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to merit-based recruitment, equity, and diversity. Qualified women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
DOWNLOAD A PDF FILE HERE
