The University of the South Pacific (USP) is seeking an exceptional leader as its next Vice-Chancellor and President (VCP). Reporting to the University Council, the VCP is the chief executive officer and principal academic leader of the University, a role of profound regional significance. This appointment presents a rare opportunity to lead a one-of-a-kind institution at a pivotal moment: driving institutional transformation and financial sustainability, championing the centrality of Pacific knowledge systems and values, and positioning USP as an innovative, resilient, and globally respected university serving the Pacific for decades to come.

USP is the leading higher education institution of the Pacific region, a unique, multinational university currently 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 was established in 1968 and 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.

USP delivers world-class teaching, research, and community service across a network of campuses and learning centres, combining in-person and flexible distance education to reach learners across the Blue Pacific and beyond. 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.

The next VCP will build upon USP's remarkable strengths and unique regional mandate. They will provide visionary, inclusive, and culturally grounded leadership across geographically dispersed campuses and a diverse student and staff community. They will strengthen USP's research performance, with particular focus on climate change, ocean and environmental sciences, health, governance, and sustainable development, while ensuring excellence in teaching, flexible and distance learning, and a high-quality student experience. They will serve as USP's principal advocate with member governments, regional organisations, and international development partners, forging the relationships and securing the resources needed to sustain and advance the University's mission.

The successful candidate will be a courageous, collegial, and values-driven leader with a deep commitment to USP's vision and the peoples of the Pacific. They will bring proven senior leadership experience in a large, complex, and ideally multi-campus institution, with the strategic and financial acumen to navigate a challenging global higher education environment. They will demonstrate a strong track record of institutional transformation and digital innovation, sound governance, robust accountability and ethical integrity, and the ability to build trust across diverse political, cultural, and regulatory environments. An appreciation of Pacific cultures, languages, governance structures, and a genuine respect for the aspirations of USP's member countries will be essential.

The Vice-Chancellor and President is based at USP’s Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji, and is expected to reside primarily in Fiji in order to provide visible and engaged leadership across the University’s regional network.

The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that protects the rights of students and nurtures, promotes and facilitates mutual respect, constructive empowerment and progress amongst its employees, students and stakeholders, 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.

How to apply:

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role.

For further information please see the candidate brochure here and to apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfill the role description and personal specification to https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyDetail/af9a9b9e-f836-a653-eb9b-3a1fbde48a86 quoting reference 8200.

For a conversation in confidence – please contact: Claudia Roth Claudia.Roth@perrettlaver.com

The deadline for applications is Monday 4th May.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

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Vice-Chancellor and President