Vice Chancellor For Administrative and Financial Affairs

The Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs is a senior executive leader at the University of Kalba, reporting directly to the Chancellor and serving as the chief officer responsible for the strategic oversight of the University’s administrative, operational, and financial functions. The Vice Chancellor collaborates with the Chancellor, fellow Vice Chancellors, and College Deans to ensure that administrative and financial policies are aligned to effectively support academic excellence, research, innovation, and community engagement across all Colleges.

This position provides leadership and direction across the University’s Human Resources, Procurement, Information Technology, Facilities Management, and Financial Affairs departments, ensuring their effective integration to support the institution’s mission in teaching, research, and community engagement. The Vice Chancellor ensures sound financial planning, budgeting, and compliance, while advancing efficient and transparent procurement processes, robust human resource strategies, innovative digital transformation and IT security systems, and sustainable facilities management. In addition, the role ensures alignment with national and international accreditation requirements, adherence to regulatory standards, and the adoption of best practices in governance and administration. By fostering a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement, the Vice Chancellor plays a pivotal role in enhancing institutional sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term growth, positioning the University of Kalba as a model of administrative and financial stewardship within the UAE and beyond.

1. Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Partner with the Chancellor, Board of Trustees, Vice Chancellors, and College Deans to develop and implement the University’s strategic plan, ensuring strong alignment between academic priorities, financial stability, and administrative excellence.
• Lead the creation of long-term financial models, capital plans, and resource allocation strategies to sustain growth and academic excellence.
• Provide expert advice on the financial, administrative, and operational implications of institutional initiatives, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission and UAE higher education priorities.

1. Financial Management & Stewardship

• Oversee the Financial Affairs Department, including accounting, treasury, financial reporting, audits, and internal controls.
• Develop and manage the University’s annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic and academic priorities.
• Implement robust financial policies, systems, and procedures to ensure fiscal integrity, transparency, and compliance with UAE federal regulations and international best practices.
• Lead financial forecasting, analysis, and reporting to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees to support strategic decision-making.

1. Administrative Operations

• Provide executive oversight of the Human Resources Department, ensuring effective talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, and staff development.
• Direct the Procurement Department, ensuring transparent, competitive, and cost-effective procurement processes, contract management, and vendor relations.
• Lead the university’s digital transformation strategy, integrating AI-driven solutions, data analytics, and smart campus technologies to support academic innovation, operational efficiency, and student success.
• Lead and advance sustainability initiatives across campus planning, teaching and learning environments, and operational systems, embedding the principles of sustainable development into all aspects of resource management and stewardship.
• Ensure that all administrative functions operate efficiently and are aligned to support students, faculty, staff, and the wider institutional mission.

1. Risk Management & Compliance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework across all administrative and financial units.
• Ensure compliance with UAE federal and local laws, accreditation standards, and international governance frameworks.
• Oversee institutional insurance programs, health and safety policies, and business continuity planning to safeguard the University’s operations and reputation.

1. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and support directors and managers across Human Resources, Procurement, Information Technology, Facilities Management, and Financial Affairs.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture based on innovation, accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Promote a customer-focused approach across all administrative departments, ensuring that services effectively support the University community.

Educational Level/ Required Certificates

Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field (Doctorate or professional certification such as CPA, CFA, ACCA preferred).

Experience

• Extensive senior-level leadership experience (10+ years) in financial and administrative management within higher education, government, or large complex organizations.
• Demonstrated track record of overseeing multiple administrative functions, including Finance, HR, IT, Procurement, and Facilities Management.
• Proven expertise in financial planning, budgeting, treasury, auditing, and internal control systems.
• Strong background in capital planning, long-term financial modeling, and resource allocation strategies.
• Experience in implementing ERP systems, digital transformation projects, and financial technology tools.
• Knowledge of human resources management, talent acquisition, compensation, performance management, and organizational development.
• Experience in procurement processes, vendor management, contract negotiations, and auxiliary services.
• Familiarity with campus planning, facilities management, construction oversight, and sustainability initiatives.
• Advanced understanding of information technology governance, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Required Competencies

• Strong knowledge of UAE federal regulations, labor laws, compliance requirements, and international quality assurance standards.
• Proven ability to develop and implement risk management frameworks, health and safety policies, and business continuity plans.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and unite diverse teams.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to transparency, accountability, and service excellence.
• A global outlook with cultural awareness and the proven ability to benchmark against international best practices, while advancing the UAE’s higher education leadership regionally and globally.