OVERVIEW

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is Malawi’s higher education regulator, established under the NCHE Act No. 15 of 2011 (CAP 30:12).

Its mandate includes promoting and coordinating higher education institutions; registering and accrediting public and private higher education institutions; harmonising student selection for public universities; regulating standards for teaching, examinations, academic qualifications and facilities; and developing a national qualifications framework compatible with regional and international standards.

NCHE also develops and recommends quality assurance standards for higher education institutions, covering teaching and learning, infrastructure, curriculum development, libraries, learning resources, safety of facilities, and student transfers between programmes and institutions.

The Council invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced and distinguished Malawian professionals for the position of Director of Standards and Quality Audits, which has fallen vacant.

JOB TYPE: Full Time

Date Posted: Thursday, 22nd October 2026

Application Deadline: Tuesday, 10th November 2026

Grade: NC2

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Standards and Quality Audits will provide strategic leadership and oversight in developing, implementing, monitoring and reviewing quality assurance standards, regulatory frameworks and quality audit systems for higher education institutions in Malawi.

The successful candidate will provide strategic direction to the Department, supervise and allocate duties to heads of divisions, oversee quality assurance audits, and promote continuous improvement in the quality of higher education.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director will be responsible for:

Providing strategic leadership and direction to the Department of Standards and Quality Audits.
Developing, implementing and reviewing minimum quality assurance standards, guidelines and regulatory frameworks for higher education institutions.
Leading the harmonisation of quality assurance systems and practices across higher education institutions.
Monitoring and evaluating compliance by higher education institutions with approved minimum standards and quality assurance requirements.
Developing and reviewing frameworks for conducting institutional and programme quality audits.
Leading the planning, coordination and execution of institutional and programme quality audits.
Ensuring the effective establishment and implementation of appropriate conditions of service and minimum requirements for recruiting and engaging professional, technical and administrative staff in higher education institutions.
Developing, monitoring and evaluating standards and minimum requirements for staff engagement in higher education institutions.
Evaluating, recognising and equating qualifications obtained from local and international higher education institutions in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
Ensuring that the Council’s internal quality assurance mechanisms align with relevant national, regional and international standards and good practices.
Coordinating the development and review of regulations and frameworks for licensing student recruitment agencies.
Coordinating, supervising and validating standards, guidelines, quality audit reports and related quality assurance processes.
Providing technical advice to management and higher education institutions on quality assurance standards, requirements and compliance.
Promoting continuous professional development and quality improvement within higher education institutions.
Promoting networking, partnerships, linkages and benchmarking with relevant national, regional and international bodies to exchange good practices in quality assurance.
Monitoring the implementation of international agreements, partnerships and collaborations relating to higher education quality assurance.
Coordinating stakeholder forums, conferences, workshops and other engagements on quality assurance in higher education.
Developing and monitoring the implementation of departmental work plans and budgets.
Preparing and submitting consolidated departmental reports to management and the Council.
Providing standards and quality assurance information to the Council Secretariat to support policy advice to the Minister.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Academic Qualifications

A Doctorate degree from an accredited and recognised institution.

Professional Experience

The ideal candidate must meet at least one of the following experience requirements:

At least eight (8) years’ experience in senior academic leadership and management positions in higher education institutions; or
At least three (3) years’ experience serving as a Deputy Director of Standards or Quality Audits.

Research and Professional Record

A proven track record in research, development and management.
Evidence of published articles in peer-reviewed journals and/or books in higher education or a related field.
Thorough knowledge of legal and regulatory instruments relating to quality assurance and quality audits in higher education.
Strong understanding of quality assurance systems and practices in higher education.

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Competence and ability to represent the higher education sector at senior levels nationally, regionally and internationally.
Ability to manage diverse teams and build effective working relationships.
Excellent leadership, management and strategic planning skills.
Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Ability to set strategic direction and make strategic decisions for the Department.
Ability to mentor, coach and develop staff.
Strong communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate should have:

A broad understanding of the factors and conditions shaping the development of higher education.
Thorough understanding of national, regional and international development agendas.
High ethical standards, integrity, accountability and professionalism.

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT

The successful candidate will hold office for a period of three (3) years, on a renewable performance-related contract.

REMUNERATION

The successful candidate will be offered an attractive salary and benefits package commensurate with the seniority of the position, qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Eligible candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience should submit the following documents:

An application letter.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the names and addresses of three (3) traceable referees. These should include the immediate past employer, where applicable.
Certified copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications.

Applications must be submitted under confidential cover on or before Tuesday, 10th November 2026, addressed to:

VAC: NCHE DAQA (Director of Standards and Quality Audits)

The Comptroller of Statutory Corporations

P. O. Box 30061

LILONGWE 3

MALAWI.

The job advert is also available on the NCHE website: www.nche.ac.mw

Closing Date: Tuesday, 10th November 2026

Only shortlisted applicants shall be acknowledged and invited for interviews.