Botswana Open University (BOU) is looking for a self-motivated, strategically minded and solution driven individual who has the ability to work in a multicultural environment. BOU espouses the philosophy of lifelong learning and seeks to expand access through its open, distance and e-learning delivery methods. It aspires to be the digital flagship of higher education in Botswana and beyond.
As a newly established institution, BOU is at an exciting stage of its development and is looking for an executive leader to provide strategic direction for its student support services. The University is looking for candidates with ambition and commitment to student success who possess a proven track record of leadership experience.

Main Purpose of the Job
Serves as the principal student affairs and enrolment management officer of the University, providing strategic direction and leadership for a broad range of operations that support student learning and foster all-round success within a rich and diverse environment. The role is accountable for overseeing the provision of non-instruction and co-curricular services that contribute to student development, learning and success to advance the strategic agenda of the Open University. An inspirational, visionary perspective of the student lifecycle with a passion for student development is therefore critical.

Key Performance Areas
• Oversees and directs the provision of student enrolment, academic support and other student development services which meet and support the University’s mission and strategic plan.
• Advocates for policies, practices and programmes that contribute to a rich student experience, including fostering student development and encourages learner involvement to ensure that student needs are integrated into the agenda for academic excellence.
• Directs student enrolment operations by overseeing the management of outreach communication, student recruitment, registration, orientation, transfer, exchange, records, financial sponsorship, examinations, certification and other related programmes to ensure a good student experience.
• Oversees the provision of student advisory services and services for special needs’ students to promote accessibility of high quality learning and ensures social inclusion.
• Guides in issues related to the experience of first-time learners, student conduct, counselling, student subsistence, sport and recreation and student representation in the management of University affairs.
• Oversees the regular and continuous auditing of student services in all regional campuses to ensure compliance with University standards and fosters evidence-based management.
• Builds and sustains strong partnership with Academic Services and Corporate Services to strengthen initiatives to improve student success.
• Accounts for the effective planning, utilitisation and responsible
stewardship of University resources in accordance with University,
national and global standards to ensure high levels of accountability and
governance.
• Oversees the recruitment, selection, hiring, development and evaluation of employees in his/her Division in accordance with the policies and practices of the University to ensure high levels of employee engagement required for the University to become a centre of student service excellence.
• Uses diverse mediums and technologies to develop and implement a broad portfolio of communication with students, parents, families,
faculty, staff, donors, community organisations, Government and
the public to ensure healthy relationships and a sustainably positive reputation, and
• Serves as the primary representative of the University executive
management on matters related to enrolment management, student affairs, student life and diverse student challenges.

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies
Required:
Qualifications
• PhD or equivalent in any academic field from an accredited university
• Training in ODL will be an added advantage

Experience
A minimum of twelve (12) years’ experience required, with six (6) in a Senior Management position, in a higher education environment and preferably in an ODL institution. A candidate with demonstrable competency but lesser experience in Senior Management may be considered.

Competencies
• Visionary and forward thinking collegial leadership
• Strategic orientation
• Networking and relationship building skills
• Passion for excellence
• Ability to manage diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
BOU offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply
Interested persons who meet the requirements should send by email a two page motivation letter, current Curriculum Vitae, two reference letters, certified copies of certificates and two recent references to: recruitmenthr@staff.bou.ac.bw. Applications with incomplete information will not be acknowledged.

All short-listed candidates will be interviewed, either face-to-face (for Botswana residents) or by video-conference (for external candidates). Following the interview, the leading candidates will undergo psychometric assessment.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application when the appointment process has been completed.
CLOSING DEADLINE: 31st March 2021 – 12:30 Hours
(Late applications will not be considered)