The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is inviting applications for the post of Secretary-General, University Grants Committee (SG,UGC) in the University Grants Committee (UGC) Secretariat. The UGC advises the Government on the development and funding needs of UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. It is the principal channel of communication between the Government and the UGC-funded universities. The UGC Secretariat is a Government department which comes under the policy and housekeeping responsibility of the Education Bureau.

Responsibilities

The SG,UGC is the head of the UGC Secretariat, and is responsible to the UGC for the operation of the Secretariat. The SG,UGC is also the Controlling Officer of Head 190 University Grants Committee and is accountable for expenditure under this Head. The main responsibilities of the SG,UGC include –

• (a)providing support and advice to the Chairman and Members of the UGC and its various Councils and Groups in furtherance of the development and funding of the UGC-funded sector in Hong Kong;
• (b)formulating and recommending policies for consideration by the UGC, Research Grants Council and Quality Assurance Council in order to provide all three bodies with well thought through proposals to take forward initiatives in support of the development of the UGC-funded sector in Hong Kong;
• (c)as vote controller, advising the UGC on the allocation of grants to UGC-funded universities and overseeing the administration and monitoring of recurrent and capital grants to the UGC and UGC-funded universities;
• (d)developing and maintaining good public relations with key stakeholders and achieving a level of public profile appropriate for a body like the UGC;
• (e)liaising and maintaining a dialogue with various stakeholders, including the universities, the Government, the Legislative Council, university students, interest groups and the media on matters concerning the development and funding of the UGC-funded sector;
• (f)serving on boards and committees in an ex-officio capacity or as designated by the UGC; and
• (g)heading the UGC Secretariat as a separate government department with about 70 staff.

Candidates should possess –

• (a)a Bachelor's or higher degree from a Hong Kong university, or equivalent (holders of academic qualifications other than those obtained from Hong Kong institutions may also apply but their qualifications will be subject to assessments on equivalence with the required entry qualifications. They should attach copies of their official transcripts and certificates to their applications);
• (b)at least 10 years' leadership and management experience in a senior leadership position, with a positive approach to management and strong leadership qualities;
• (c)extensive knowledge of financial management, preferably with knowledge of public finance;
• (d)good communication skills and organisational ability to provide secretariat service to the University Grants Committee;
• (e)demonstrable knowledge of the administration of both local and overseas higher education;
• (f)extensive knowledge of the latest trends and developments of higher education in the local and international arenas;
• (g)strong interpersonal skills; and
• (h)excellent command of written and spoken English. Proficiency in written Chinese and spoken Putonghua and Cantonese would be an advantage.