Ms. Noela Jonathan Mziray: A scientist turned administrator shines HR profession in Higher Education Administration

By Zamda George, CMU

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education administration and management in Tanzania, few names command as much respect and admiration as Ms. Noela Jonathan Mziray of the University of Dar es Salaam.

With over two decades of service, Ms. Mziray has played an integral role in shaping institutional policies, research initiatives and academic programmes, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Her journey is one of resilience, dedication and an unrelenting pursuit of progress, marked by a distinct ability to navigate complex administrative landscapes with grace and expertise.

A Scientist turned Administrator

Ms. Mziray’s academic journey began in Kilimanjaro, where she attended Kibo Primary School before proceeding to Weruweru Secondary School. She then moved to Dar es Salaam for high school at Jangwani Girls Secondary School, where she pursued Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB), following her family's aspirations for her to become a doctor like her father.

In the unfolded events she enrolled into a Bachelor of Science in Food Science at the Sokoine University of Agriculture. However, a passion for leadership and administration pressed her to shift gears, earning a Master of Business Administration and subsequently specializing in Project Management with a Postgraduate Diploma.

“I also have a Professional Human Resource (PHR) Certification. My background in science provided me with analytical skills, but it was in administration where I found my true calling,” she explains happily.

Pioneering training and capacity building

Ms. Mziray’s professional career commenced at the Directorate of Public Services at UDSM, where she worked with the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE). During this time, she played a pivotal role in identifying training needs, developing capacity-building programmes and enhancing staff competencies.

Her contributions extended beyond the university, as she was instrumental in securing a training tender from the local government authority to enhance the skills of civil servants nationwide.

“I remember that we bid and won a training tender from the local government authority, where we trained staff across the country in ten areas of capacity building to improve service delivery and management,” Ms. Mziray recalls.

Another significant milestone was securing an opportunity to offer a three-year training programme for managers of institutions under the Ministry of Water, where UDSM trained respective officials.

Her expertise later took her to the University of Dar es Salaam Consultancy Bureau (UCB), where she coordinated consultancy projects, ensuring high-quality service delivery and strengthening partnerships between the university and external stakeholders.

“These early roles solidified my competencies and reputation as a results-driven administrator committed to impactful public service,” she affirms.

Championing Research, Innovation, and Academic Excellence

Recognizing her ability to streamline administrative functions, Ms. Mziray transitioned to the Directorate of Research and Publication (DRP) as a Research and Publication Officer. In this role, she was instrumental in aligning research initiatives with institutional goals, overseeing project management and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

Her tenure at DRP was marked by transformative initiatives, including the introduction of the Research Information Management System (RIMS) and strengthening the link between the academia and industry.

“It was during my time at DRP that we pioneered the Research Management System. I also attended a research management training in the United States, hosted by IREX at Missouri University, which inspired me to push for a stronger connection between the university and industry,” she narrates.

This led to the formation of the Senate Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee and the introduction of the now prominent Research and Innovation Week (RIW), which received praise from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).

Building on her success in research administration, Ms. Mziray was later appointed Head of Examinations and Admissions in the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies (DPGS). Here, she played a crucial role in overseeing the admissions process, coordinating examinations and ensuring that postgraduate programmes adhered to the highest academic standards. 

Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to academic integrity created a more streamlined and transparent postgraduate experience for students and faculty alike.

Leading Human Resource Planning and Policy

Today, Ms. Mziray serves as the Head of Planning and Policy in the Directorate of Human Resources and Administration Management, under the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Finance and Administration. In this strategic role, she formulates human resource policies, aligns them with the institution’s long-term vision and ensures regulatory compliance. 

Her leadership in strategic planning and policy development has been instrumental in shaping the university’s workforce and guiding institutional growth.

Throughout her career, she has been involved in numerous task forces and committees, contributing to major institutional policies and reforms.

“I was part of the team that worked on the Incentive Scheme, as well as the review of the Journal Policy—where I was the only woman in a group of four male professors and two male senior lecturers,” she explains.

A Legacy of leadership and integrity

Ms. Mziray’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, adaptability and an unwavering dedication to service. Despite the pressures of high-level administration, she carries out her responsibilities with a sense of purpose and a smile.

“I once worked with Professor Amandina Lihamba, who told me, “I have worked for many years and never failed, please do not fail me. That stayed with me,” she shares.

“To me, my performance reflects my seniors’ performance, which translates to the perception of the unit. Wherever I go, I do not want to be the cause of failure.”

Her values of hard work and discipline were instilled in her from a young age by her mother, whom she fondly remembers as the pillar of her family.

“I learned to be a hard worker from Mama Noela. She always liked to see things moving and getting done. My siblings and I used to call her ‘Ninja’ because of her energy. When my friends talked about chores like washing clothes and cleaning dishes, we were milking cows and washing them,” she reminisces.

She adds, “We were called ‘Valmet’ in our neighborhood because we went to the field to cut grass for cows—Valmet was a famous tractor brand at the time. Looking back, I did not appreciate my mother’s strictness when I was young, but now I understand how much it shaped me.”

As we celebrate International Women's Day, Ms. Noela Jonathan Mziray stands as a shining example of excellence in higher education administration. Her career reflects not only personal achievement but also the transformative impact of women leaders in academia.