Aga Khan University Vice Provost - Research Jobs in Kenya

Aga Khan University Vice Provost - Research Jobs in Kenya


Introduction

  • Aga Khan University (AKU), from its inception, has aspired to be a research-led institution to build local capacity to address the needs of the developing world and belief that the solutions to the problems of the countries in the developing world come from within the country, not from the outside.

  • To further this mission, AKU engages in cutting edge research and innovation to influence societal change and to inspire young minds and the future generation. The University’s aim is to encourage its faculty, students and staff to engage in raising questions to be researched to create better solutions to the increasingly complex issues of the real-world.

  • AKU’s research in health sciences is globally recognised for quality and relevance to issues of health in the context of low-income countries. As AKU transitions from a largely health sciences focused university towards a liberal arts university, there is emerging strength in research in social sciences, humanities and arts.

  • AKU is now seeking an inaugural Vice Provost, Research who will advance AKU’s commitment to excellence in inter- and multi-disciplinary research. This new role requires an innovative and strategic research expert who can bring a truly global understanding of the regions in which AKU works.

  • The position will be based in Karachi, Pakistan or Nairobi, Kenya with significant regional and international travel required.

    Responsibilities

  • Reporting directly to the Provost, the Vice-Provost, Research is a key member of the University’s senior leadership team, and is the primary ambassador for AKU’s research in the community.

  • The Vice-Provost plays a key role in the creation, approval and implementation of the University Research Plan as well as the assessment of, compliance to, relevant policies and procedures required, including matters of ethics and country-specific regulatory requirements.

  • S/he will have primary responsibility for advancement of the University’s research funding portfolio. The Vice Provost will work closely with senior administrators and faculty to cultivate and sustain sound and appropriate relations with industry and with private and government agencies involved with academic research.

  • This position is based in Karachi, Pakistan or Nairobi, Kenya.

    Specific Responsibilities

    Leadership:

  • Provide direction in developing University goals and objectives towards the advancement of research

  • Oversee the development and implementation of strategic plans to advance research in all disciplines and fields, as well as interdisciplinary research, maximising opportunities and meeting challenges

  • Build programmes for mobilising academics at AKU to seek external research funding by building interdisciplinary teams within the University, teaching/training people in writing research grants and actively looking for funding opportunities

  • Lead efforts for sustainable research in the countries in which AKU operates.

  • Establish and maintain productive relationships within all areas of AKU and build consensus through negotiation and clear communication

  • Provide strong leadership and mentorship for faculty members from all research disciplines to develop as scholars, researchers, and collaborative colleagues

  • Build external research partners to create alliances and continue to strengthen the University’s infrastructure to support research

    Audit and Risk

  • Work closely with Audit and Risk Management to ensure that all research-related grants are overseen and administered according to international best practices

    Research and Scholarly Activity:

  • Set an example as a scholar of range and depth, with an appreciation for all disciplines at AKU

  • Maintain a high profile in the research community and understand the crucial role that research plays in the development and advancement of knowledge, demonstrating the ability to communicate the value of research, the contribution of international activities, and the importance of research funding

  • Foster and support excellence and integrity in research by establishing and maintaining services, policies, benchmarks and quality assurance mechanisms that assist and direct researchers and graduate students.

    Faculty and Staff Relations:

  • Assist in the recruitment, retention, development, evaluation and career progress of faculty and staff

  • Demonstrate the ability to achieve consensus in a diverse environment

  • Demonstrate a commitment to a consultative, collaborative, and collegial management style.

    Internal and External Relations:

  • Actively contribute
    to the University's senior administration using a cooperative style of communication

  • Promote AKU’s reputation, areas of excellence, and the contribution of individual faculty members to government, funding agencies, and potential international partners

  • Work with corporate, foundation, multilateral and bilateral development agencies to raise funds for research

  • Strongly advocate and communicate the positive rewards of research with faculty, students, staff, the community, government at all levels, other universities, and in national and international forums

  • Initiate and respond to novel opportunities, both nationally and internationally.

    Requirements

  • The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and an appreciation of the value of diverse forms of research to the academic enterprise.

  • With well-developed interpersonal skills, the incumbent is expected to collaborate effectively to build appropriate partnerships and to promote and advance strategic pursuits to further the mission and mandate of Aga Khan University.

    Education

  • Ph.D. or terminal degree in a relevant discipline

  • Strong research credentials with broad research interests

    Academic Credibility

  • An established and successful career of scholarly academic research

  • Demonstrated scholarly achievement and professional competence to qualify for appointment at the rank of Professor

  • Strong commitment to link research and teaching

  • Understanding of both the academic and applied aspects of research and scholarly pursuits

  • Wide breadth of knowledge and an openness to understanding the diverse areas of study represented at AKU

  • A recent track record of securing large external grants, as well as experience of leading fundraising efforts for research

  • Success in supervising graduate students

  • Demonstrated interest and appreciation for the range of scholarly and scientific disciplines at AKU.

    Leadership

  • Experience in formulating and articulating a vision for research

  • Brings a global understanding of the regions in which AKU works

  • Administrative experience and success working on and leading team projects

  • Capacity to carry out strategic planning and the ability to engage the community in the decision-making process

  • Capable of interacting effectively with faculty, staff, students, external contacts, other university officials, granting agencies, governments, and the private sector

  • Belief in the collegial process and a respect for decision making through consensus building

  • Interest in fostering interdisciplinary, as well as discipline-specific, research endeavours

  • Understanding of and commitment to knowledge transfer, innovation and community engagement

  • Commitment to engage in fund-raising activities for expansion of the University’s research resource base.

    Management and Administration

  • Appreciation of the need for strong management and administration of human and financial resources

  • Understanding of the issues surrounding faculty recruitment and retention in an increasingly competitive environment

  • Ability to mobilise support for initiatives and to work with colleagues to deal with inevitable change, while respecting the legitimate interests of those concerned about what change may bring.

  • Success in such endeavours requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to balance decisiveness with the need for consultation and consensus building

  • Effectively and fairly delegates responsibility

  • Committed to sharing information with all sectors of the University

  • Recognises the professionalism, dedication, and achievements of faculty and staff

    Interpersonal Skills

  • Works effectively with others to build a clear sense of direction and to achieve results.

  • Fair, open minded, and approachable, with a welcoming manner that is conducive to cooperation and collaboration.

  • Strong team member who contributes actively to the overall running of an organisation.

  • Good negotiator and mediator.

  • Collegial and consultative with a willingness to learn and to seek advice from others, but with the strength to make final decisions.

    How to Apply

  • For more information and job application details, see; Aga Khan University Vice Provost - Research Jobs in Kenya


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