Dean of Strategic Visioning

Dean of Strategic Visioning Position

 

Summary

Position: Dean of Strategic Visioning

Placement: Executive Position

Duration: A term of 4-years, renewable for only 1 term

Strategic goal: Ensure the sustainability and longevity of the university vision, tradition and history, and its ‘vakamaraqeti nai yau bula’[1] philosophy and practice, and the due diligence of its governance, academic, financial and human resources policies and procedures. The appeal of PCU to Pasifika communities, current and potential partners and donor agencies, and to international and support of its learning portfolio, to a large extent, depends on the esteem and value it gives to its vision and history, and its ‘vakamaraqeti nai yau bula’ philosophy, and its compliance with and the exercise of due diligence on its governance, academic, financial and human resources policies and procedures.

Key tasks:

  1. Develop and coordinate the implementation of the university’s strategic and visioning planning framework, the university’s ten (10) years strategic plan, monitoring indicators and assessment criteria, and the templates for implementation across the university.
  2. Produce, implement and monitor the university’s MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) framework, including the indicators for monitoring, training needed for the staff, Facilitators of Learning (FOL) and Heads of Schools, and the templates for reporting and assessment.
  3. Develop and produce a training framework and schedule with timelines for the University staff development programme.
  4. Develop a cultural immersion programme for all Facilitators of Learning, Executives, Heads of Schools, Directors, and any expatriate either working or in an exchange programme with the University.
  5. Develop and produce a training framework with timelines on the university’s ‘vakamaraqeti nai yau bula’ philosophy, and the due diligence and compliance, for governing bodies and committees, and staff, Facilitators of Learning (FOL) and Heads of Schools.
  6. Consultations, assessment and analysis on university compliance to its education vision, philosophy of ‘vakamaraqeti nai yau bula’, and to its policies and procedures on governance, academic, finance and human resource.
  7. Lead and coordinate the development of the university’s ten (10) years human resource plan, and oversee the management and implementation of the university’s HR plan.
  8. Identify institutional strengthening areas, and seek partnership funding.

 

Required Qualifications & Experience:

  1. Holds at least a Masters degree from an internationally recognised higher education institution
  2. Well grounded in values-based education
  3. Minimum ten (10) years in senior management positions.
  4. Proof of successful grants applications of at least $350,000.00
  5. Minimum ten (10) years of creating and reviewing HR policies and organizational cultures
  6. Proof of work in the fields of decolonial studies and/or indigenous studies and methodologies
  7. Proof of work in holistic communities-based approaches to learning with some emphasis on justice-oriented pedagogies and transformative education
  8. Good and quality track record of research and publication with international recognition
  9. Commitment towards disadvantaged people and grassroot indigenous communities
  10. Passionate to promote the ‘Whole of Life’ vision of the University

 

Aspired:

  1. Readiness to work in an ecumenical environment with multiple denominational and faith traditions and diverse cultural backgrounds
  2. Open minded and flexible to cultural difference in particular to indigenous cultures
  3. Good knowledge about the following:
  • Ecumenism in the Pacific
  • Diverse Pacific cultures and traditions
  • Issues in the Pacific region.
  • Advocacy for justice in the Pacific region
  1. Readiness to work in a team with people of different cultural and religious background and nationalities.

 

Salary Package: $95,094.44 Fiji dollars with housing provided in the University campus valued at $60,000.00 per annum.

 Probationary period – a one (1) year probationary period until the candidate completes the communities cultural immersions, the Pasifika Philosophies course, and leadership training. A review process will take place before 12 months is over to determine the confirmation of position.


Details

JOB DESCRIPTION – DEAN OF STRATEGIC VISIONING 

Position No[1]

SS5

Position Title

Dean of Strategic Visioning

Position Holder

 

Position Category

Executive Position

Immediate Supervisor

Rev. Professor Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai

Position Title of Immediate Supervisor

Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor)

Position Salary Band

Band 8 S2

Executive/School/Institute/Centre/Department

Executive

Executive Division[2]

Office of the Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor)

 

Position Description

The position is about ensuring the sustainability and longevity of the university education vision, tradition and history, its ‘vakamaraqeti nai yau bula’[3] philosophy, and the due diligence and compliance of the university to its governance, human resources, finances and academic. That is the crux of the position. Consultations, analysis, monitoring and training are the key tasks.

1. Strategic goal

Ensure the sustainability and longevity of the university vision, tradition and history, and its ‘vakamaraqeti nai yau bula’ philosophy and practice, and the due diligence of its governance, academic, financial and human resources policies and procedures. The appeal of PCU to Pasifika communities, current and potential partners and donor agencies, and to international and support of its learning portfolio, to a large extent, depends on the esteem and value it gives to its vision and history, and its ‘vakamaraqeti nai yau bula’ philosophy, and its compliance with and the exercise of due diligence on its governance, academic, financial and human resources policies and procedures.

2. Strategic responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate the development and implementation of the university’s ten (10) years strategic plan, including the MEL framework, monitoring indicators and assessment criteria.
  • Develop a university visioning strategic plan based on the end picture 2036 – 2040 from the beginning 2026 – 2030 projections modelling framework for the two (2) consecutive cycles of five (5) years each, of the ten (10) years Strategic Plan (SP) Lifeline terms:
  • 2026 – 2030 First 5 years of University SP lifeline
  • 2031 – 2035 Second 5 years of University SP lifeline
  • Develop the university’s visioning and strategic plan framework for online reporting and database infrastructure for the corresponding SP lifeline as detailed under (a) above.
  • Develop and produce a training framework and schedule with timelines for the University staff development programme.
  • Develop a cultural immersion programme for all Facilitators of Learning, Executives, Heads of Schools, Directors, and any expatriate either working or in an exchange programme with the University.
  • Development of key university on-line Financial Indicators framework or model for University Visioning and Strategic Planning basis and purposes.
  • Development of the university’s MEL framework and indicators for the implementation, monitoring and reporting on the university’s SP two (2) life cycles Strategic Plan.
  • Short term or annual implementation goals (12 months)
  • Mid-term implementation goals (up to 24 months)
  • Long-term implementation goals (36 to 60 months)
  • In consultation, develop and oversee the management of the university’s ten (10) years human resource plan, including its structure accountability and reporting, templates for assessment, and points on promotion and or demotion, and areas for capacity building of personnel.
  • Oversee the development and management of the University human resources policies and plan.
  • Work on attracting funding opportunities/sources for institutional strengthening and capacity building in the area of university based Visioning and Strategic Planning.
  • IMPORTANT: Ensure that all of these proposals and systems are framed in the spirit of the ‘whole of life’ vision and the vakamaraqeti nai yau bula philosophy of care[1].

 

 

3. Operational Responsibilities

  • Progressively monitors and ensures that the health and wellbeing of the university over the long term, and the maintenance of the history and vision of the university its origins and its foundations on Pasifika philosophies, ethics and theology.
  • Conduct auditing of governance systems, financial health, student’s enrolment, and also the analysis of students’ intakes vs. the financial needs of the university, and to provide the data to the Office of the Manu Folau and the Uli (Executive Board).
  • Development and implement the university’s visioning and strategic plan, including its monitoring indicators, assessment criteria, reporting templates, and training schedules.
  • Manage the implementation of the university’s ten (10) years strategic plan, with its MEL framework, including its monitoring indicators, assessment criteria and reporting templates.
  • Conduct extensive collaboration and consultations on the development of the MEL framework for the two (2) life cycle of the university’s Strategic Plan for the university, with the university’s various stakeholders, the purpose of which is to develop the SP’s performance and monitoring indicators, assessment criteria and reporting frameworks.
  • Participate in the implementation, monitoring, review and fabrication of remedial or completion gaps strategies to be included into the university’s new 10-years SP.
  • In consultation with relevant internal and external stakeholders, develop and oversee the management of the university’s ten (10) years HR plan, in conjunction with the SP.
  • Produce and implement a training schedule on the university education vision, history and tradition, its ‘vakamaraqeti nai yau buila’ philosophy, and the university’s due diligence processes with the toloa, staff, Facilitators of Learning (FOL) and Heads of Schools.
  • Development, alignment of systems, procedures and processes for visioning and strategic planning to existing official university operating systems, procedures and processes.
  • Account for the key Risk Register or the Risk Profile of the university, develop and embed mitigation strategies into all core university visioning and strategic planning initiatives.
  • Conduct both internal and external environmental scan for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities. and Threats to the university and recommend the relevant enhancement or mitigation strategy to be considered and approved for implementation.
  • Networking with visioning and planning counterparts locally, regionally and internationally for the benefit of the university;
  • Networking with visioning and planning counterparts in Government and Non-Government entities locally, regionally and internationally for the benefit of the university.
  • Perform any other task required by the Manu Folau.
  • Reports to the Manu Folau.

4. Attributes

  • Analysis Excellence: A strong track record in research, including publications, grants, and contributions to the field, demonstrating credibility and expertise.
  • Visionary Leadership: Ability to create and communicate a clear strategic vision for the university that aligns with broader vision and missions.
  • Innovative Thinking: Openness to new ideas and approaches in research especially on whole of life and Pasifika philosophies.
  • Fundraising Skills: Proficiency in securing funding from government sources, private foundations, and industry partnerships to support research initiatives.
  • Collaborative Networking: Ability to foster collaboration within and outside the university, building partnerships with other research organizations, universities, and industry.
  • Administrative Skills: Skills in managing budgets, resources, and personnel effectively to ensure the smooth operation of the university.
  • Mentorship: Commitment to mentoring researchers, graduate students, and scientists, helping them develop their skills and careers.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to articulate research goals, results, and the institute’s impact to diverse audiences.
  • Adaptability: Ability to respond to changes in the research landscape, including funding trends, technological advancements, and societal needs.
  • Outreach: Skills in building relationships with stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the public, to promote the institute’s work and impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:

  • Curriculum vitae with at least two credible referees with their contacts details who will be contacted by the Appointments committee.
  • Cover letter.
  • Copies of all academic certificates certified by a JD officer or lawyer.

Applications to be emailed to appointments@pcu.ac.fj with the subject title: Application for Dean of Strategic Visioning Position and copied to info@pcu.ac.fj by 29th August 2025.Alternatively, send via postal mail to the address: The Registrar, Pasifika Communities University, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands.

 

The Pasifika Communities University (PCU) is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.