The University of the South Pacific
Location:
Emalus Campus, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Due Date:
03-06-2026
Type:
Full time
Organisation Description:
The University of the South Pacific is a unique, multinational university jointly owned and governed by 12 Pacific Island member countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, with Papua New Guinea on the cusp of becoming a full member.
One of only two regional universities in the world, USP serves a region spanning 33 million square kilometres of ocean. It is a living embodiment of Pacific aspiration, a repository and promoter of knowledge about the history, cultures, and natural environments of the Pacific Islands. Guided by Pacific values of inclusive and participatory dialogue, USP’s mission is to influence Pacific Islanders through the pursuit of excellence in knowledge, improving the lives of individuals and communities, and shaping the futures of generations to come.
Job Desctiption:
The Country Director provides strategic leadership and institutional representation in Vanuatu, with a focus on:
• building and maintaining effective relationships with national stakeholders, including relevant ministries and agencies
• ensuring alignment between USP’s activities and national development, workforce, and education priorities
• representing the University at a senior level across government, community, and partner engagements
• strengthening USP’s visibility, relevance, and impact in-country
• supporting the strategic interface between the campus, national stakeholders, and the University’s governance structures
The role works closely with national stakeholders while maintaining USP’s institutional independence and governance framework.
The Country Director leads the overall direction of the campus, while day-to-day operational management is undertaken by a Manager, Campus Operations, enabling a clear focus on strategic leadership.
The position description can be downloaded by clicking on the following link:
PD: Country Director Vanuatu
Selection Criteria:
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
Essential
• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent senior-level leadership experience in a tertiary, public sector, or international development context
• Proven experience in high-level stakeholder engagement, particularly within complex institutional or government environments
• Demonstrated strategic leadership, including implementing organisational priorities at a national or system level
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Sound understanding of the tertiary education landscape and sensitivity to Pacific regional contexts
Desirable
• Experience representing an organisation at a senior national or regional level
• Familiarity with USP’s regional mandate, governance structures, and development partnerships
• Proficiency and/or good working knowledge of relevant local languages, together with demonstrated cross-cultural competence
Enquiries and Further Information
Please contact Ms. Agnes Kotoisuva, Executive Director, People and Workforce Strategy Email: agnes.kotoisuva@usp.ac.fj
Term of Appointment
The position is available for a term of three years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.
Eligibility
Citizens of USP member countries are strongly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to suitably qualified citizens of Vanuatu.
Salary:
VUV 8,442,404 to VUV10,233,072 per annum
How to Apply
Apply by:
Via website
Contact Person:
Ms. Agnes Kotoisuva, Executive Director, People and Workforce Strategy
Contact Phone:
(679) 3232124
Email to send applications to:
Postal Address or location to apply in person:
Website:
www.usp.ac.fj under Employment Opportunities
How to apply - more information:
For further information on the above job please contact the employer directly.
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