Head of School – SPPES

Summary

Position: Head of School – SPPES (School of Pasifika Philosophies, Education, and Sciences)

Position Category: Professorial/Head of School

Duration: A term of 4-years

Strategic goal: Advance PCU’s ‘Whole of Life’ education vision and philosophy through the academic programmes that SPPES offers; the research projects of SPPES, Facilitators of Learning (FOL) and Toloa (Students); and through its community learning exchange programmes.

Key tasks:

1. Complete the transition of SPPES – develop internal standard operational procedure (SOP) and review internal accountability and reporting processes including structure, personnel, programmes, and policies to align to PCU vision, systems and structures.
2. Provide strategic leadership and direction for SPPES, including a vision for the school, and a set of strategies on how to advance PCU’s ‘whole of life’ vision of education through SPPES’ curricula, and research and community exchange activities.
3. Review, produce and implement SPPES’ internal strategic plan in relation to the wider vision, goals and strategies of PCU, focusing on sustainability, including a five (5) years progressive income and expenditure budget, to assist with the PCU strategic plan.
4. Monitor the implementation of the SPPES Bilum’s fundraising and promotion strategy through research projects, conferences and workshops, and other forms of projects to generate SPPES costs and promote SPPES’ academic programmes.
5. Monitor the development and implementation of the Pasifika studies programmes.
6. Responsible for growing the Toloa (students) numbers in SPPES for the sustainability and ensure achieving the Toloa intake quota per University policy.
7. Oversee the design, delivery and review of SPPES programmes, and work with the Office of the Koi’mata Kiki to prepare the required documentations on SPPES programmes for accreditation and registration with external accreditation and registration bodies.
8. Ensure the implementation in SPPES of the University Financing model.
9. Address the Toloa concerns, monitor and promote their success rates, and work to enhance the overall Toloa experience and wellbeing.
10. Support FOL research initiatives, facilitate grant applications training, and encourage collaboration within and outside the PCU.
11. Manage the ‘yau bula’[1] of SPPES, in particular its personnel, facilities, and budgets in the spirit and ethics of the ‘vakamareqeti nai yau bula’[2] philosophy, and, hence, contribute to fostering a caring environment for creativity in research and in learning and exchange.
12. Monitor the implementation of the SPPES’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
13. Annual assessments and reviews of SPPES Facilitators of Learning (FOL), and staff in the light of the vakamareqeti nai yau bula’ ethics.
14. Reports to the Koimata Kiki.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

1. Holds a PhD degree from an internationally recognised higher education institution
2. Well grounded in values-based education
3. Minimum ten (10) years in executive senior management positions in University level or a higher educational institution.
4. Proof of successful grants application valued at $300,000.00 Fijian Dollars.
5. Minimum ten (10) years of teaching experience and successful record of postgraduate research supervision in university level or higher education institution
6. Minimum ten (10) years of creating and reviewing academic policies, ordinances, and organizational cultures
7. Proof of work in the fields of decolonial studies and/or indigenous studies and methodologies
8. Proof of work in holistic communities-based approaches to learning with some emphasis on justice-oriented pedagogies and transformative education
9. Good and quality track record of academic research and publication with international recognition
10. Commitment towards disadvantaged people and grassroots indigenous communities
11. 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. Readiness to work in a team with people of different cultural and religious background and nationalities.
3. Open minded and flexible to cultural difference in particular to indigenous cultures
4. 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.

Salary Package: $80,302.32 Fiji dollars with housing provided in the University campus at the market value of $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

HEAD OF SCHOOL – SPPES (School of Pasifika Philosophies, Education and Sciences)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Description

The Head of School – SPPES is responsible for overseeing the academic programmes offered by the School, the Facilitators of Learning (FOL), and Toloa engagement within the SPPES Bilum. It is a Professorial/Head of School position, with managerial, decision-making and direction setting requirements at the School level.

1. Strategic goal

Advance PCU’s ‘Whole of Life’ education vision and philosophy through the academic programmes that SPPES offers; the research projects of SPPES, Facilitators of Learning (FOL) and Toloa; and through its community learning exchange programmes. Pasifika philosophies, ways of knowing and indigenous sciences, are the three pillars of the SPPES Bilum, are critical aspects of the Pasifika household. A ‘whole of life’ reading of these are essential to changing the story of development of the Pasifika Household.

2. Strategic Responsibilities and Deliverables

The strategic responsibilities and deliverables are as follows

• Complete the transition of SPPES – develop internal standard operational procedure (SOP) and review internal accountability and reporting processes including structure, personnel, programmes, and policies to align to PCU vision, systems and structures.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for SPPES, including a vision for the school, and a set of strategies on how to advance PCU’s ‘whole of life’ vision of education through SPPES’ curricula, and research and community exchange activities.
• Review, produce and implement SPPES’ internal strategic plan in relation to the wider vision, goals and strategies of PCU, focusing on sustainability, including a five (5) years progressive income and expenditure budget, to assist with the PCU strategic plan.
• Monitor the implementation of the SPPES Bilum’s fundraising and promotion strategy through research projects, conferences and workshops, and other forms of projects to generate SPPES costs and promote SPPES’ academic programmes.
• Monitor the development and implementation of the Pasifika studies programmes.
• Responsible for growing the Toloa (students) numbers in SPPES for the sustainability and ensure achieving the Toloa intake quota per University policy.
• Oversee the design, delivery and review of SPPES programmes, and work with the Office of the Koi’mata Kiki to prepare the required documentations on SPPES programmes for accreditation and registration with external accreditation and registration bodies.
• Ensure the implementation in SPPES the University Financing model.
• Address the Toloa concerns, monitor and promote their success rates, and work to enhance the overall Toloa experience and wellbeing.
• Support FOL research initiatives, facilitate grant applications training, and encourage collaboration within and outside the PCU.
• Manage the ‘yau bula’[5] of SPPES, in particular its personnel, facilities, and budgets in the spirit and ethics of the ‘vakamareqeti nai yau bula’[6] philosophy, and, hence, contribute to fostering a caring environment for creativity in research and in learning and exchange.
• Monitor the implementation of the SPPES’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Annual assessments and reviews of SPPES Facilitators of Learning (FOL), and staff.
• Reports to the Koimata Kiki (Academic Dean) 

  2. Operational Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for academic programmes, promoting excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement within SPPES, and in collaboration with the other two (2) Bilums.
• Lead the strategic planning process of SPPES and contribute to the PCU strategic plan, aligning SPPES goals with the PCU vision and mission.
• Ensure adherence of SPPES to PCU academic policies and procedures, and implementing relevant regulations within the SPPES.
• Support FOL research initiatives, facilitate grant applications, and encourage collaboration within and outside the PCU.
• Oversee the development and review of the SPPES curricula, ensuring its programmes meet educational and accreditation standards, and responsive Pasifika communities’ needs within SPPES, and in collaboration with the other two (2) Bilums.
• Oversees assessment processes to evaluate SPPES programme effectiveness and Toloa learning outcomes.
• Responsible for mentoring, and evaluating the FOL within SPPES, fostering a supportive environment for professional development.
• Addresses student concerns, promotes student success initiatives, and works to enhance the overall student experience.
• Provide supervision as part of the research phase of the workload policy.
• Address and mediate conflicts among SPPES FOL, staff, and Toloa, promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
• Prepare SPPES for annual graduation.
• Recommend SPPES Toloa to be awarded degrees and certificates to the Koi’mata Kiki.
• Responsible for the pastoral life of the SPPES Bilum.
• May represent the school to external stakeholders.
• Attend to any request by the Office of the Koi’mata Kiki.
• Cross functional support
• Oversees relations with SPPES alumni including development and maintenance of the alumni database, communications programs, and special events.
• Supervises and assists the admissions functions, including Toloa enrolment.
• Internal marketing, external outreach, website development and maintenance, information dissemination, and applicant testing and interviewing.
• Assist to implement PCU’s research and publication framework.
• Collaborate with the PCU Librarian, Manager of the Centre for Flexible Learning, and with the Manbruks of Institutes and Cantres to advance PCU academic offerings.
• Collaborate with the Office of the Fa’atere to implement initiatives that enhance Toloa learning experiences and associated policies, systems, procedures and processes;
• Collaborate with the Office of the Manu Folau in implementing initiatives that target capacity building of FOL across the PCU.
• Collaborate with the Manu Folau, Koi’mata Kiki, Fa’atere, Noke and the Dean of Strategic Visioning in embedding the PCU model of Communities based learning in teaching and learning, research and publications and other similar initiatives.
• Participate in the effective and efficient implementation of PCU’s Risk Mitigation Portfolio within SPPES and among the other Bilums.
• Assist with the effective and efficient implementation of PCU’s Information Technology Capacity building plan within SPPES and among the Bilums; 

  3. Attributes

• Academic Leadership: A strong background in academia, often with a terminal degree, and a proven track record in research, teaching, and service.
• Visionary Thinking: Ability to articulate and implement a strategic vision that aligns with the university’s goals while fostering innovation and academic excellence.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative Mindset: Encouragement of teamwork and collaboration within the school and across the university, fostering a sense of community.
• Financial Acumen: Skills in budgeting and resource management to effectively allocate funds and support the school’s programs and initiatives.
• Mentorship and Development: Commitment to supporting faculty and staff professional development through mentoring, training, and opportunities for growth.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school, ensuring an equitable environment for all.
• Crisis Management: Ability to navigate challenges and crises effectively, maintaining composure and providing clear guidance.
• Innovative Approach: Openness to new ideas and teaching methods, fostering a culture of innovation in research and pedagogy.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Skills in engaging with alumni, industry partners, and community organizations to enhance the school’s reputation and support its initiatives.
• Commitment to Student Success: Focus on creating an environment that supports student learning, engagement, and success, ensuring that students’ needs are prioritized.
• Adaptability: Ability to respond to changing academic landscapes, including shifts in enrolment, technology, and societal needs.

[1] This iTaukei Fijian expression refers to the wealth of a people and its ethical and philosophy traditions and values; and land, natural environment and waters. It is the School’s duty of care to manage its ‘wealth’.

[2] This iTaukei Fijian phrase means to care and nurture the yau (wealth) of a community found in its human relations, traditions of wisdom and culture, and its natural environment. Its application to PCU means that each member of the university (council, executive and committee members, PCU Officers and Executives, Senior Officers, FOL, staff, toloa, and families) has the duty of care to protect and nurture the wealth of the college – human relationships, its traditions and history, its assets, and its financial and material resources, and the yau (wealth) of the communities it partners with.

[3] Creation of Position number corresponding to unique position code/budget

[4] Offices of the Vice Chancellor, Academic Dean, Registrar & Director of Operations. Dean of Research & Strategic Partnership, Dean of Strategic Visioning.

[5] This iTaukei Fijian expression refers to the wealth of a people and its ethical and philosophy traditions and values; and land, natural environment and waters. It is the School’s duty of care to manage its ‘wealth’.

[6] This iTaukei Fijian phrase means to care and nurture the yau (wealth) of a community found in its human relations, traditions of wisdom and culture, and its natural environment. Its application to PCU means that each member of the university (council, executive and committee members, PCU Officers and Executives, Senior Officers, FOL, staff, toloa, and families) has the duty of care to protect and nurture the wealth of the college – human relationships, its traditions and history, its assets, and its financial and material resources, and the yau (wealth) of the communities it partners with.