UNIVERISTY OF HARGEISA

Administration & HRM Management Directorate

Job Description and Person Specification

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position title: Dean, College of Shariah & Law

Contract type: Fixed Term (4 years with possibility of extension)

Reports to: The Vice President for Academic Affairs 

Division: Academic Affairs

Application Deadline: March 19, 2026 (11:59 PM)

University of Hargeisa

Founded in 1998 and officially opened on 23 October 2000, the University of Hargeisa stands as a beacon of academic excellence, research, and community service in Somaliland. As the largest public university in the region, UoH holds a proud tradition of fostering intellectual growth and societal advancement. At UoH, we believe in the transformative power of education to unlock human potential and drive societal progress. Through a rigorous academic curriculum, innovative teaching methodologies, and a supportive learning environment, we empower our students to pursue their passions, expand their horizons, and become lifelong learners and critical thinkers.

Role Purpose 

The dean of the College of Shariah and Law is responsible for providing academic leadership and ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the college. The role includes overseeing the academic, research and community service programs, promoting faculty development, ensuring compliance with academic standards, and fostering a research-driven environment. The dean plays a critical role in enhancing the reputation of the college and ensuring that it meets the shariah and law education needs of the nation.

Duties and responsibilities

▪         Lead the College of Shariah and Law in achieving its academic and research objectives in line with the University’s mission.

▪         Promote a culture of academic excellence, encouraging innovative teaching and research.

▪         Ensure the alignment of the college’s goals with the broader institutional strategy.

▪         Oversee the design, review, and updating of curriculum and programs to ensure they meet academic standards and societal needs.

▪         Approve new academic programs and make recommendations to the university administration for improvements.

▪         Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of faculty members.

▪         Promote faculty professional development through training, workshops, and research opportunities.

▪         Conduct faculty performance evaluations and provide mentorship.

▪         Foster an environment that encourages faculty and students to engage in research, focusing on both Shariah law and other legal disciplines.

▪         Collaborate with national and international organizations on research projects.

▪         Promote the college’s involvement in community service, legal reforms, and public awareness programs.

▪         Ensure the college adheres to academic standards, university regulations, and quality assurance measures.

▪         Participate in accreditation processes and work towards securing national and international accreditations for the college’s programs.

▪         Ensure the academic success, retention, and welfare of students, addressing academic and personal concerns.

▪         Supervise student engagement in extracurricular activities and community service projects related to legal and Shariah studies.

▪         Serve as a liaison between students and the university management, ensuring that student concerns are addressed.

▪         Manage the day-to-day operations of the College, including budget preparation, resource allocation, and facilities management.

▪         Oversee the college’s financial planning, ensuring effective utilization of resources and alignment with the university's budgetary priorities.

▪         Provide regular reports on the college’s performance, challenges, and achievements to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

▪         Represent the college in external relations, including collaboration with legal professionals, government bodies, and academic institutions.

▪         Ensure the college’s operations comply with university policies, national laws, and accreditation standards.

▪         Actively participate in university committees and contribute to institutional governance.

▪         Oversee the college’s budget, ensuring effective resource utilization and financial accountability.

▪         Assist in the preparation of the college’s budget and ensure that it aligns with institutional priorities.

▪         Manage the allocation of resources for teaching, research, community service and other academic activities within the college.

▪         Provide regular reports on the college’s performance, challenges, and achievements to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

▪         Do any other task assigned by the Supervisor

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

EDUCATION, COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

▪          A Doctorate or doctoral candidate in the field of law or a related field.

▪          At least 5 years of academic leadership experience, with a strong record of teaching, research, community service, and administration.

▪          Leadership experience and ability to lead teams in academic & industry settings.

▪          Extensive teaching and research experience in higher education with ability to manage a range of educational processes, including planning and continuous improvement of programs and courses.

▪          Publications in the law/shariah fields and related literature in areas relevant to the vision, mission and goals of the University of Hargeisa.

▪          The candidate should have at least two articles/papers published on reputable journals.

▪          Ability and willingness to provide assertive advocacy on behalf of the University.

▪          Excellent and effective verbal and written communication skills.

▪          Evidence of successful management of staff, partners and stakeholder relationships including law and shariah practitioners and professionals.

▪          Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for all.

▪          High integrity/ethics and the ability to meet deadlines.

▪          Excellent computer skills.

Key Competencies

▪          Ability to inspire and lead faculty, staff, and students to achieve academic excellence.

▪          Capability to develop and execute long-term strategies that align with the university’s mission and vision.

▪          Proficient in written and verbal communication, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

▪          Strong ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines effectively.

▪          Informed, evidence-based decision-making skills, incorporating input from faculty, students, and external stakeholders.

To Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application materials via email to [email protected]  with a copy (Cc) to [email protected], indicating “Dean, College of Shariah and Law” in the email subject.

 Required Documents:

▪          Curriculum Vitae (CV)

▪          A one-page statement outlining your suitability for the position

▪          Three (2) professional letters of recommendation, including one from your current or most recent line manager

▪          Copies of academic certificates (Bachelor, Master & PhD) and transcripts

Application Deadline: March 19, 2026 (11:59 PM)

Selection Process:

●       Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in initial assessments, and an interview.