MAANDEEQ UNIVERSITY

Terms of Reference (TOR)

President of Maandeeq University

About Maandeeq University

Maandeeq University (MU) is a multidisciplinary academic institution that aims to be a leading institution of higher learning in Somaliland, with a focus on social sciences, law, business informatics, economics, and education and behavioural science. For more information, please visit https://maandeequni.com.

1.  Role Purpose

The President is the chief academic and administrative officer of Maandeeq  University. The primary mandate is to provide transformative leadership that advances MU’s unique mission: bridging the gap between global academic standards and local indigenous knowledge. The President is responsible for ensuring  MU remains a leading centre  for social science research, public policy, and community development in Somaliland.

2.  Strategic Pillars & Detailed Responsibilities

a)  Institutional Advancement & Visionary Leadership

• Decolonisation Agenda: Lead the integration of Somali language and indigenous perspectives into the curriculum, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.

• Strategic Growth: Develop and execute a 5-year Strategic Plan that includes the expansion of physical infrastructure and the digital campus.

• Policy Development: Formulate and review university statutes, academic regulations, and administrative policies to ensure they meet international accreditation standards.

b)  Academic Rigor & Faculty Governance

• Curriculum Innovation: Oversee the modernisation of programmes in the faculties to ensure graduates are market-ready yet socially conscious.

• Quality  Assurance:  Establish  a robust  internal  Quality  Assurance  (QA)  unit  to monitor teaching standards and student learning outcomes.

• Research  Leadership:  Provide  strategic  direction  to  the Centre  for  Migration Studies and the Center for Research in Educational Policy, ensuring their

output informs national policy.

c)  Financial Sustainability & Resource Mobilization

• Revenue Diversification: Identify and secure new revenue streams beyond student tuition, including research grants, consultancy services, and endowment funds.

• Budgetary Oversight: Present the annual budget to the Board and ensure strict adherence to financial transparency and audit requirements.

• Scholarship Management: Manage the University’s partnership with the International Open University (IOU) and other partners to expand the scholarship fund for marginalized students.

d)  Community Engagement & Internationalisation

• Public Intellectualism: Position Maandeeq University as a "think-tank" for  the Somaliland government and civil society.

• International Partnerships: Establish MoUs with regional and international universities for faculty exchange, joint research, and credit transfer programmes.

3.  Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The President’s performance will be evaluated annually based on:

1. Enrolment Growth: Achieving a 20–35% annual increase in student recruitment across all faculties.

2. Research Output: Ensuring each faculty produces at least two peer-reviewed publications or policy briefs per academic year.

3. Financial Health: Maintaining a balanced budget and increasing the university’s reserve fund.

4. Accreditation Status: Successful periodic reviews by the Somaliland Commission for Higher Education.

5. Competencies and Attributes

•       Institutional   Builder:   Proven    track    record     of                    scaling      small-to-medium

organizations or academic departments.

• Diplomatic Acumen: Ability to navigate the political and social landscape of Somaliland while maintaining academic independence.

• Digital Literacy: Proficiency in leveraging Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

• Ethical Leadership: Unwavering commitment to transparency, meritocracy, and gender equity in staff appointments.

5.  Compensation Package

•       Basic Salary: $800–$1,000 USD per month.

• Housing Allowance: A monthly stipend or university-provided residence in Hargeisa.

•       Communication: Monthly allowance for internet and telephone expenses.

•       Annual Leave: 30 calendar days of annual leave.

6.  Reporting Structure

The President reports directly to the Board of Directors. 7. 

Required Profile

• Academic Stature: A PhD in Social Sciences, Education Management, Law, or a related field.

• Leadership Record: Minimum of 10 years in higher education, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role (e.g., Dean, Director, Vice-President etc).

8.  Evaluation and Probation

The successful candidate will undergo a six-month probationary period. During this time, the President will be expected to deliver a "First 100 Days" roadmap detailing immediate priorities for faculty development and student engagement.

9.  Application Requirements

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a formal application package consisting of:

1. Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic qualifications and professional experience.

2. Motivation Letter: A maximum of two pages outlining your vision for Maandeeq University and your suitability for the role.

3. Reference Letters: Three (3) professional reference letters. Note: One of these must be from your current immediate supervisor.

10. Submission Instructions and Deadline

Please send your application package in a single PDF file to:

•       Email: [email protected]

•       Subject Line: Application for the Post of President - Maandeeq University

•       Deadline: 30 April 2026.

Important Note: Only shortlisted candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be contacted for further assessment, including interviews and a presentation of their institutional vision.