The University of the South Pacific 2 Director Positions:
DIRECTOR COMMERCIAL
Post Ref. FVC125
USP seeks to distinguish itself in the areas of commercialization and entrepreneurship. To accomplish this vision, the University is looking for an enterprising, energetic and experienced Director - Commercial. The incumbent will be charged to accelerate and strengthen the University’s commercial initiatives that will be recognized and emulated regionally by industry, academia and governments. This is a new senior position and the incumbent will report to the Vice Chancellor through the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Regional Campuses.
In its vision to become an entrepreneurial University, USP will bring all its existing self-funding commercial activities including the USP Book Centre, Halls of Residences, USP Residences and Lodges, Community Recreation Centre and Gym, that currently cater primarily to the USP community of staff and students, under the Director – Commercial. These activities have annual revenues of over F$14m.
In addition, the incumbent will be expected to:
• Identify and turn innovative product or service ideas including consultancy assignments into viable new businesses.
• Provide a pipeline for the creation and support of interdisciplinary projects.
• Provide a dedicated facility for designing and prototyping new product / service ideas.
• Assist faculty, staff and students to identify and protect intellectual property generated within USP and provides guidance for commercializing IP where appropriate.
The successful candidate will:
• Bring firsthand experience in the process of entrepreneurship and converting ideas into new products and services.
• Bring a good understanding of both academia and industry, and a passion for and proven ability to connect these interests in ways that foster innovation, commercialization and economic value.
• Bring a proven ability to secure funding.
• Bring strong managerial and leadership skills with the ability to think strategically and also provide tactical leadership towards identified goals.
• Demonstrate and promote best practices in running of existing and incubating businesses.
• Coordinate and maintain budgets.
• Participate in fund raising efforts.
• Support associated branding and marketing efforts.
Qualifications and Experience expected for this position include:
Required:
• An advanced degree or professional qualification in business, marketing, finance or related discipline.
• Strong business acumen and over 10 years of demonstrated experience in running similar scale businesses and turning new ideas for products and services into viable businesses.
Preferred:
• Demonstrated experience in both academic and industry environments
• A proven innovator/entrepreneur who has started and/or held a senior position in existing as well as start-up business
• Developed and commercialized intellectual property
Language: Fluency in English (written and oral) is essential.
An attractive remuneration package is available. Assistance with relocation will be offered.
Enquiries and further information: Ms Agnes Kotoisuva, Director, Human Resources, ph: (679) 323 2323; fax: (679) 323 1518; email: kotoisuva_a@usp.ac.fj
Closing date for applications: 28 January 2011.
DIRECTOR, ASSURANCE AND COMPLIANCE
Post Ref. FVC126
This is a new position and will head the new Assurance and Compliance (A&C) Division which will be responsible for providing the Vice Chancellor with independent, objective assurance, systematic review as well as advice designed to add value to and improve USP's operations. This will be carried out by bringing a systematic, disciplined and objective approach to assess and improve the reliability, integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of USP's operations, internal control framework, risk management, results-based management and governance processes, as well as to enhance organization-wide compliance with relevant laws and USP’s regulations, policies and procedures.
The Director will be under the direct supervision of the Vice Chancellor.
MAIN FUNCTIONS
Internal Audit – the incumbent will assume end-to-end responsibilities for USP’s currently outsourced internal audit. This will require the incumbent to propose the internal audit plan for the following year, ensure all assured management action replies to the internal audit reports are received and forwarded to the internal auditors on time, attend all meetings of USP’s independent Audit Committee, convey directions of the Committee to relevant Faculties and Sections and follow-up with the same for complete implementation of the assured actions and Audit Committee directions. The incumbent will closely liaise with all members of USP senior management team for achieving these objectives.
Risk Management and Insurance – the incumbent will lead the established Risk and Insurance Unit (RIU) comprising a Risk and Insurance Manager and Assistant and will be responsible for all areas of work relating to risk management and insurance.
Investigations – The incumbent will propose to the Vice Chancellor and on his approval, and / or, on Vice Chancellor’s directions conduct preliminary review of allegations of irregularities, identify if the allegations are violations of any relevant laws, USP regulations, policies and procedures; make a recommendation to the Vice Chancellor whether to proceed with a full fact-finding, refer or close a case. Upon authorization of the Vice Chancellor, conduct full investigation in accordance with professional standards and office procedural framework, prepare reports; take initiatives in identifying and proposing use of techniques, resource material, and forensic tools.
In-house Internal Audit – the incumbent is also expected to propose and lead in-house internal audit with a view to complement the outsourced internal audit.
QUALIFICATIONS AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Advanced university degree in a discipline associated with assurance and compliance work, such as law, accounting, finance, business or public administration and professional qualifications such as CPA. A first level university degree with a combination of professional certification from a recognized specialized professional institute plus 10 years experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A credential of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is an asset.
Experience: Extensive experience in assurance and compliance work, using relevant techniques and procedures in public or private sector; experience in analytical work (ability to analyze relevant legal and procedural issues, as well as documentary and financial evidence); preferably in a regional or international environment. Proven experience of liaising with other organizations and / or law enforcement agencies at all levels.
Required competencies: include professional approaches relevant to assurance and compliance work; analytical skills including technological awareness; planning and organizing and ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate and monitor work, as well as to manage and adapt to conflicting priorities; proven ability to communicate effectively (oral / written) as well as in a clear, concise and structured manner; discretion; proven ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters; ability to work as a team with good interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment.
Languages: Fluency in English (written and oral) is essential.
An attractive remuneration package is available. Assistance with relocation will be offered.
Enquiries and further information: Executive Director of Finance, ph: (679) 323 2054; email: malik_m@usp.ac.fj
Applications close 28th January 2011