EXTERNAL JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Manager, Works and Estates Development that has arisen at the Women’s University in Africa.

MANAGER, WORKS AND ESTATES DEVELOPMENT

The successful candidate will report to the Vice Chancellor.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and lead the execution of the Works and Estates Development strategy integrating gender and diversity and aligning to the University’s corporate strategy;
2. Develop and execute the Works and Estates Development Department strategy aligned with the University’s goals, emphasizing gender and diversity;
3. Develop and lead the application of Works and Estates Development in compliance with gender and diversity responsive policies and standard operating procedures
and related statutes;
4. Develop and lead the execution of the University’s gender and diversity responsive infrastructure development and maintenance master plans covering buildings,
site infrastructure (roads, electricity, sewage and water reticulation), sporting and recreation facilities as well as University grounds in consultation with
relevant departments from inception to completion, including feasibility studies, design management, tendering, contractor selection, and quality control;
5. Prepare and/ or negotiate contracts, leases, deeds, and other real estate legal documents;
6. Recommend the acquisition, use and disposition of real estate properties in line with the University’s campus master plan;
7. Provide advice on legal and regulatory compliance for infrastructure projects and estates management;
8. Supervise the maintenance of University grounds, landscaping, sports facilities, and general campus cleanliness;
9. Prepare and manage project and maintenance budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and value for money, and approving payments for works in line with financial
regulations;
10. Ensure the University’s estate is fully compliant with all relevant national and local building, health, safety, fire, and environmental legislation and
regulations;
11. Act as the departmental Health and Safety lead, ensuring regular risk assessments are conducted for all facilities and maintenance activities, with a particular
focus on campus safety and security for women;
12. Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date register of all property, plant, assets, blueprints, lease agreements, and statutory compliance certification records;
13. Manage all contracts for external consultants, contractors, and service providers (e.g., security, cleaning, utilities), ensuring performance and adherence to
contractual terms and quality standards;
14. Supervise, train, and manage the in-house maintenance and estates team, fostering a culture of high performance, professionalism, and customer service;
15. Serve as the primary liaison between the Works and Estates Development Department and other University departments, committees (e.g., Infrastructure and
Maintenance Development Committee, Space Allocation Committee etc.), tenants, and external bodies (e.g., municipal authorities); and
16. Drive energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across the estate, including utility management and conservation measures.

Qualifications Experience and Attributes
1. Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields from a recognised institution of higher learning: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Structural
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Building Technology, Construction Management, Facilities Management or Project Management;
2. Master’s degree in any of the fields in 1. above, from a recognised institution of higher learning;
3. Be registered with and a member of a relevant professional body as reflected in supporting documentation lodged together with the application;
4. At least five (5) years post-qualification working experience, three (3) of which being at operations management or equivalent level reflecting various business
software applications;
5. Broad experience in managing a complex Works and Estates Development portfolio informed by forward planning and forecasting;
6. A sound understanding of the legal and financial aspects of major Works and Estates project transactions;
7. Demonstrated experience in managing construction projects and facilities;
8. Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operations metrics;
9. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of technical and non-technical staff;
10. Must have impeccable communication skills;
11. Competency in relevant software packages, including AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, and general MS Office applications;
12. In-depth knowledge of occupational safety, health, and fire regulations, particularly in a residential and educational setting;
13. Possession of a business-related qualification would be an added advantage.

Interested candidates should submit their application letters addressed to the Deputy Registrar, Human Resources & Administration together with a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of academic and professional qualifications in a single PDF file by Friday 14 November 2025 to careers@wua.ac.zw.

WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY IN AFRICA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WOMEN AND DIFFERENTLY ABLED CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.