Geingos rejects two job offers from abroad

Former first lady Monica Geingos says she is not in the job market.

She says she has rejected two job offers from abroad and would rather focus on social issues for now.

Geingos was appointed as the first chancellor of Rwanda’s Kepler College yesterday.

Her term is effective from 29 July.

“It is true I have received job offers, including two that are based overseas. I continue to receive offers, but I am not in the job market, so it is highly unlikely I will accept offers that do not focus on key socio-economic or social issues, or which require me to relocate,” she told The Namibian yesterday.

Geingos, a qualified lawyer who runs the One Economy Foundation, said she was excited about the opportunity to work in Kigali, but her work will be done virtually.

“I am not confined to work in Namibia. In this digitally enabled world, it is possible to do virtual work globally from wherever home is,” she said.

In the role of chancellor, Geingos will preside over convocation ceremonies, confer degrees and serve as the college’s representative in both the academic and public arena.

Geingos said the One Economy Foundation plays a meaningful role in youth development and numerous programmes support its vision.

“I focus most of my time on providing leadership to the operational and strategic imperatives of the foundation.

“I choose not to be remunerated by the foundation, but that is certainly the work I do, so it’s not correct that I am not working in Namibia as I am very engaged in various causes,” she said.

The former first lady said she serves on a few boards of international charities which focus on social causes.

“Again, this work is not remunerated, but it is meaningful and enables me to deepen my ability to operate in global environments.”

Prior to her tenure as Namibia’s first lady from March 2015 to February 2024, Geingos spent over a decade as the managing director and co-shareholder of the country’s largest private equity fund.

More recently, Geingos took on the role of president of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development.

Before taking up the role as chancellor of the college, she considered its core values, vision, credibility and expected outcomes, she said.

She believes the position is an opportunity to be part of a pan-African, education-focused initiative that shares similar thinking and passion for creating opportunities for young people to fulfil their potential.

While the position is not remunerated, Geingos says she is excited about the opportunity.

“I am humbled by their confidence in my leadership and strategic skills. While it is not a remunerated role, I am excited at the opportunity to be a guide for a highly skilled team,” she said.

“I share their concerns about youth employment in Africa and I am convinced by their innovative plans to nurture African talent and tailor programmes to provide skills relevant to the workplace of the future market.”

She said the chancellor role is key to the university.

Kepler College vice chancellor Baylie Damtie said Geingos’ appointment is an achievement for the institution.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and a unique perspective that will enrich the college’s academic culture and commitment to excellence and inclusivity.

“I am confident that her leadership will greatly enhance our ability to offer transformative higher education,” he said.