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University Council Secretary

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    Legal
  • Dubai

AI generated summary

  • You must be a UAE National with a Master’s degree and 10 years in legal/audit/governance, fluent in Arabic/English, with strategic thinking, and strong organizational and presentation skills.
  • You will coordinate Council activities, manage meetings, ensure compliance, communicate decisions, implement policies, and support governance, while liaising with stakeholders and developing training programs.

Requirements

  • Must be a UAE National with a minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution with 10 years of experience in legal, general audit, risk management and governance function or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Expert level knowledge of institutional governance and legal concepts, practices and procedures in a complex environment are highly desired.
  • Good knowledge of the academic industry.
  • Good knowledge of Cabinet of Ministers decisions and any rules and regulations related to the University.
  • Fluency in written and spoken Arabic & English.
  • Ability to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
  • Passion for matters related to institutional governance, audit and risk management.
  • Experience working in the academic environment.
  • Ability to think strategically.
  • Proven ability to listen, advise and counsel at senior levels.
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • High degree of attention to detail.
  • Good presentation and negotiation skills.
  • Knowledge of protocol and procedures relating to the University Council.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinates, facilitates, and records the activities of the University Council committees, and other governing bodies to ensure effective and efficient operations of the University’s governance. The incumbent is also responsible for matters related to privacy and access to information, equity and University policy. Communicates regularly on the deliberations and actions approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Facilitates the work of the University Council, including their adhoc and standing meetings, publications, directories, committee staffing and orientation for new members.
  • Works closely with other departments and units, including Legal Counsel to support the University governance processes and efforts in line with market best practices.
  • Anticipates substantive or procedural difficulties in the implementation of Council decisions and recommends the ways to avoid them.
  • Remains well informed about all university policies and procedures and about the status of proposals as they proceed through the university decision-making process.
  • Ensures that the University remains compliant within the appropriate legal framework, which defines its obligations and duties, and to support the governance of the University.
  • Ensure the University Council members and executive management are kept up to date on their legal duties and responsibilities, recent developments in regulations and corporate governance practices, etc.
  • Leads the development, seeks approval and ensures effective management of policies and procedures covering all areas of Council relations and corporate governance.
  • Liaises with the external auditor, state audit, cabinet of ministers and any other regulatory/government bodies as and when needed.
  • Verifies official publications (e.g., annual reports submitted to the Cabinet, press releases concerning the Chairman and governance matters, reports submitted to the MSCHE).
  • Organizes meetings of Council and its standing committees. Ensures that agenda papers are developed and circulated in a timely and effective manner and the meeting minutes represent an accurate record of proceedings and decisions.
  • Facilitates effective and appropriate communication between Council and other stakeholders in the University including students, staff and government.
  • Monitors implementation of Council decisions. Ensures that Council protocols and relevant university policies and procedures are observed.
  • Develops and implements training programs and workshops aligned to the University strategic plan and vision.
  • Any other support as required by the Council Chairman, or the University management.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the University Council Secretary?

The primary responsibility of the University Council Secretary is to ensure effective and efficient operations of the University’s system of governance, supporting the Chairman and University Council members in their roles.

What qualifications are required for this position?

The position requires a UAE National with a minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution, along with 10 years of experience in legal, general audit, risk management, and governance functions.

Is fluency in any specific languages required for this role?

Yes, fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English is required for this role.

What kind of experience is preferred for applicants?

Experience working in an academic environment is preferred for applicants.

What are some of the key accountabilities of the University Council Secretary?

Key accountabilities include coordinating University Council activities, facilitating meetings, ensuring compliance with legal obligations, monitoring implementation of decisions, and developing training programs aligned with the University’s strategic plan.

Will the University Council Secretary need to travel?

Yes, the University Council Secretary should be able to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai as necessary.

What skills are important for this position?

Important skills include organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, presentation and negotiation skills, and the ability to think strategically.

How does the University Council Secretary interact with senior management?

The University Council Secretary interacts extensively with senior management to educate, influence, and build awareness of key issues, as well as to propose solutions.

What is the expected learning and development aspect of this role?

The role involves developing and implementing training programs and workshops that align with the University’s strategic plan and vision.

What is the complexity of the environment in which the University Council Secretary operates?

The environment is highly ambiguous and constantly changing, involving a diverse network of key stakeholders and policy makers and often requiring the management of simultaneously occurring crises.

Create | Innovate | Empower

Education
Industry
501-1000
Employees
1998
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Zayed University is a national and regional leader of educational innovation. Founded in 1998 and proudly bearing the name of the Founder of the Nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this flagship institution is the modern embodiment of the Founding Father’s ambitions for higher education in the United Arab Emirates. Today, Zayed University is notable for encompassing two modern campuses in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai that welcome national and international students from within the UAE, the wider Gulf region and across the globe. Zayed University is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)—the internal quality assurance and accreditation body of the UAE—and internationally by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (USA), one of six regional accreditation bodies in the USA which assures internationally recognized programs from a quality-assured university.