Country Director (USP Vanuatu)

Job Description

The University of the South Pacific

(USP) is seeking an outstanding

senior leader to serve as Country

Director (USP Vanuatu), based at the

USP Emalus Campus.

Reporting as the University’s most

senior representative in-country, the

Country Director acts as the strategic

and diplomatic interface between

USP and the national environment,

including government, development

partners, and key stakeholders. The

role provides executive leadership for

the campus, ensuring delivery of the

University’s strategic priorities while

strengthening partnerships and

advancing USP’s visibility and impact

in Vanuatu.

This position forms part of USP’s

regional leadership architecture,

which strengthens in-country

strategic leadership through the

establishment of Country Director

roles across all regional member

country campuses. It reflects a

deliberate shift to elevate national

engagement while professionalising

campus operations through

dedicated operational management.

The role is central to building strong

national partnerships and ensuring

that USP’s programmes, research,

and student outcomes remain

aligned with national development

priorities, workforce needs, and

the evolving aspirations of Pacific

communities.

Organisation Description

The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing

a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that protects the

rights of children; nurture, promote and facilitate mutual respect,

constructive empowerment and progress amongst its employees,

students, stakeholders including visitors, without being

hampered by any form of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or

sexual exploitation. We reserve the right to conduct police checks

and other screening procedures to ensure a safe environment.

USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that

everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities

to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified

candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and

cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.

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 highlevel

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.

How To Apply

www.usp.ac.fj under Employment Opportunities