Job Description

Location: Larnaca
Employment Type: Full-time
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

About Unicaf

Unicaf is a leading international higher education organisation committed to expanding access to quality, affordable university education, particularly across Africa. Through its own universities and partnerships with internationally recognised institutions, Unicaf provides undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes using innovative online and blended learning models.

With an extensive international presence, a growing portfolio of academic programmes and ambitious expansion plans, Unicaf continues to invest in technology, operational excellence and the development of its educational services.

As part of its continued growth, Unicaf is seeking to appoint a highly capable and results-oriented Chief of Staff to work closely with its executive leadership team.

The Role

The Chief of Staff will be a senior strategic and operational executive responsible for supporting the effective implementation of Unicaf's strategic priorities, improving organisational coordination and ensuring accountability across departments and business units.

Working closely with the CEO, the successful candidate will play a central role in translating strategic decisions into measurable actions, monitoring organisational performance and ensuring that key initiatives are delivered effectively and within agreed timelines.

This is a demanding, high-impact position requiring exceptional analytical capabilities, sound business judgement, strong organisational skills and the ability to operate effectively across a complex, international organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning and Execution

• Work closely with executive leadership to translate corporate strategy into clearly defined objectives, action plans and measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate the implementation of strategic initiatives across departments, universities and international operations.
• Monitor progress against agreed strategic priorities, identifying delays, operational challenges and areas requiring management intervention.
• Ensure that management decisions are translated into specific actions with clear responsibilities, deliverables and deadlines.
• Support the evaluation and implementation of new business opportunities, institutional partnerships and expansion initiatives.

2. Performance Monitoring and Accountability

• Establish and maintain effective systems for monitoring departmental performance against agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of management reports, performance dashboards and operational updates.
• Identify deviations from established targets and coordinate corrective action with the relevant department heads.
• Follow up systematically on management directives and ensure accountability for implementation.
• Recommend improvements to operational efficiency, productivity and organisational performance.

3. Executive Management Support

• Act as a trusted strategic adviser to senior leadership, providing objective analysis, recommendations and decision-making support.
• Prepare executive briefings, strategic reports, presentations and other high-level management documents.
• Coordinate executive management meetings, ensuring that agendas, supporting materials, decisions and follow-up actions are effectively managed.
• Facilitate communication between executive leadership and senior managers across the organisation.
• Represent executive leadership in selected internal meetings and projects when authorised.

4. Cross-Departmental Coordination

• Ensure effective collaboration between academic operations, marketing, student recruitment, admissions, finance, human resources, information technology and other functional departments.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and facilitate their resolution.
• Coordinate projects involving multiple departments and international locations.
• Promote a culture of performance, efficiency, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure consistency in the implementation of organisational policies, procedures and strategic decisions.

5. Business Development and Organisational Improvement

• Support the assessment and execution of strategic growth opportunities.
• Participate in the evaluation of new initiatives, partnerships and investment proposals.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation, automation and the effective application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
• Support organisational change initiatives aimed at improving scalability and operational effectiveness.
• Conduct research and analysis to support strategic decisions and long-term organisational development.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an accomplished professional with strong leadership capabilities, excellent business acumen and a proven ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, international environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 8–10 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial experience in senior management, strategic operations, management consulting, corporate strategy or an equivalent role.
• Previous experience as Chief of Staff, Strategy Director, Operations Director or in a similar senior executive position will be highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, performance monitoring and organisational improvement.
• Strong understanding of financial and operational performance indicators.
• Experience working within an international organisation or a rapidly expanding business.
• Experience in higher education, educational services or technology-enabled organisations will be an advantage.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Essential Competencies

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong organisational abilities and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities.
• Proven ability to influence senior managers and drive organisational accountability.
• Sound judgement, discretion and the ability to handle confidential information.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach and a strong sense of ownership.
• Ability to work independently, exercise initiative and operate effectively under pressure.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and particularly Excel, together with familiarity with performance dashboards, project management systems and AI-enabled productivity tools.

What We Offer

• A senior position within a growing international higher education organisation.
• The opportunity to work directly with executive leadership on strategic decisions and major business initiatives.
• Exposure to international operations, institutional development and innovative educational technologies.
• A challenging and intellectually stimulating working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• A competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• 22 days of paid annual leave
• 6 days of paid sick leave per year, available after the probation period
• Provident fund scheme, available after the probation period
• Modern, technology-equipped office spaces
• Free parking space
• On-site cafeteria, frequently providing complimentary lunches
• Flexible working hours
• Additional free leave days, offered by management during the Christmas and Easter holiday periods

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter outlining their relevant experience, achievements and suitability for the position.

Applications should be submitted to vacanciescy@unicaf.org quoting the reference "Chief of Staff – Unicaf".

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted to vacanciescy@unicaf.org quoting the reference "Chief of Staff – Unicaf".

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About Company

Unicaf Ltd