The Eswatini Higher Education Council has officially re-advertised the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), signalling a renewed effort to secure strategic leadership for the country’s higher education regulatory body.
In a public notice released this week, ESHEC invites suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the top post, which is central to steering the organisation’s mandate of ensuring quality assurance, accreditation, and the overall development of higher education in Eswatini.
The CEO position was previously held by Dr Loretta Mkhonta, whose tenure marked a significant period in the council’s operational and strategic growth.
Her leadership contributed to strengthening institutional compliance frameworks and advancing the national conversation on higher education standards.
Currently, the council is being led in an acting capacity by Mpendulo Nyamane, as the recruitment process for a substantive CEO gets underway.
According to the announcement, the incoming CEO will be responsible for providing visionary leadership and strategic direction aligned with national education priorities. The role includes overseeing quality assurance systems across Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), promoting research and innovation, and strengthening stakeholder engagement both locally and internationally.
The CEO will also be tasked with resource mobilisation, ensuring financial sustainability through government funding, donor partnerships, and private sector collaboration.
In addition, the successful candidate will lead efforts to implement accreditation frameworks, monitor institutional compliance, and drive inclusive policies that expand equitable access to higher education.
ESHEC emphasized the need for a candidate with strong leadership capabilities, integrity, and a deep understanding of higher education regulation.
Minimum requirements include a Master’s degree in education or a related field, with a PhD considered an added advantage.
Candidates must also demonstrate at least seven years of relevant experience in higher education regulation, quality assurance, or academic leadership, along with proven experience in managing teams and accreditation processes.
The council plays a critical role in safeguarding academic standards in Eswatini, making the CEO position one of the most influential in the country’s education sector.
As such, expectations are high for a leader who can navigate both policy and operational complexities while positioning ESHEC as a key driver of national development through education.
The recruitment process is being handled by SNG Grant Thornton, acting on behalf of ESHEC.
The appointment of a new CEO is expected to shape the next phase of higher education transformation in Eswatini.