State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) Vacancy Announcements
The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) is the only public university in Zanzibar, established under Act No. 8 of 1999 and subsequently amended by Act No. 11 of 2009, Act No. 7 of 2016, Act No. 1 of 2019 and Act No. 13 of 2020. Since its inception in 2002, the University has continued to expand in academic programmes, infrastructure, and students’ enrolment—guided by its vision to become the most preferred university in Eastern Africa.
The University Council invites applications from suitably qualified and competent Tanzanian citizens for the following two senior leadership positions:
Position : Vice Chancellor
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and overall management of the University in accordance with its mandate, vision, mission, and values.
1. Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must:
- Have attained the academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor in a recognised university.
- Hold a PhD from a recognised higher learning institution.
- Possess at least ten (10) years of experience in higher learning institutions, including a minimum of five (5) years in administrative leadership.
- Demonstrate deep understanding of the legislative, regulatory, and policy frameworks governing higher education in Tanzania.
- Possess sound knowledge of national laws and policies, especially those relating to higher education and public service.
- Possess the ability to foster a positive institutional culture, promote academic excellence, and strengthen partnerships.
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and team-building skills.
- Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism consistent with national leadership and integrity requirements.
2. Tenure of Service
The Vice Chancellor shall serve a four-year term, renewable for one additional four-year term, subject to satisfactory performance, Council recommendation, and approval by the Chancellor.
3. Duties and Responsibilities
The Vice Chancellor shall:
- Serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the University.
- Be responsible to the University Council for implementing Council decisions, and for overall academic, administrative, and financial operations of the University.
- Lead the development and implementation of appropriate policies and strategies that promote the University’s academic integrity and public engagement.
- Build strategic alliances and partnerships with the Government, industry, government agencies, and development partners.
- Provide visionary leadership in academics, research, innovation, fundraising, finance, planning, budgeting, and institutional development.
- Oversee the coordination and implementation of academic and administrative policies in alignment with the University Strategic Plan.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the University Council or higher authorities.
4. Mode of Application
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A signed application letter.
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, including academic qualifications, professional experience, publications, awards, and membership in professional bodies.
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
- Names and contact details (email and telephone) of three referees.
Referees should be requested to send three (3) confidential recommendations directly to the undersigned, clearly marked: “Confidential Reference – Vice Chancellor Position.”
All applications should be addressed to The Chairperson-Search Committee State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) P.O. Box 146, Zanzibar – Tanzania Email: vc@suza.ac.tz Website: www.suza.ac.tz
Applications and confidential referee reports must be submitted by registered mail or courier (6 copies) clearly marked “Application for the Position of Vice Chancellor.”
Application Deadline: 5th December 2025, 16:00 EAT Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further engagement.
3. Mode of Application
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- Signed application letter.
- Undated Curriculum Vitae detailing academic qualifications, professional experience, publications, awards, and membership in professional bodies.
- Certified copies of relevant academic certificates.
- Names and contact details (email and telephone) of three referees.
Referees should be requested to submit three (3) confidential recommendation letters directly to the address below, clearly marked “Confidential Reference – DVC PFA.”
Applications and confidential referee reports should be sent by registered service, in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Application for the Position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Planning, Finance and Administration.”
All applications should be addressed to The Secretary-Search Committee State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) P.O. Box 146, Zanzibar – Tanzania AND submitted to: The Acting Vice Chancellor Email: vc@suza.ac.tz Website: www.suza.ac.tz
Application Deadline: 5th December 2025, 16:00 EAT Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for further interaction.

