Nazarbayev University (NU) is a young institution in Kazakhstan, conceived as a beacon of excellence, and thus holds significant strategic value for the country's and the region’s development. Our students are equivalent in ability to those attending the Ivy League or the Russell Group universities. Faculty come from around 60 nationalities, mostly with doctorates from leading, research-intensive universities.
The School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) comprises 220 faculty members and 2,500 undergraduate students. It encompasses basic sciences, social sciences and humanities disciplines. The role of the Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs will be to enhance teaching and academic quality in the School, adapting our existing programs to the new technologies, such as AI.
The Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs is responsible for promoting, supporting and facilitating the School's teaching and learning activities, and leading the development and implementation of the School's Teaching and Learning Strategy.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead on the development and implementation of the School's Teaching and Learning Strategy, in consultation with the Dean and the University.
- Participate in the strategic management of the School as a member of the School Management Committee, attending its regular meetings.
- The Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs is responsible for managing existing academic programs and proposing and designing new ones.
- Oversee the development, management and regular review of the School's taught academic programmes.
- Chair the School’s Teaching and Learning Committee.
- Be responsible for admissions to the School's academic programmes, including the achievement of student recruitment targets, the management of the admissions process, and serving as Chair of the School's Admissions Committee.
- Have overall responsibility for the scheduling of SSH classes and registration of students into those classes, in consultation with departments.
- Be responsible for all aspects of the assurance of quality within the School, in accordance with the School's Quality Assurance Framework, and for the external accreditation of its academic programmes.
- Represent SSH on the University-level Learning and Teaching committee and the Academic Quality committee.
- Foster teaching collaboration with the other Schools of the University.
- Advise the School and the University on teaching and learning infrastructure and equipment requirements.
- Work with the Office of the Provost on program design, review and implementation.
- Promote the School’s teaching and learning objectives and activities to external audiences and to develop and maintain a network of professional relationships with universities in Kazakhstan, international universities, government, business and industry.
- Represent the School at student recruitment activities and events.
- Participate in the appointment and appraisal of academic and other School staff.
- Deputize for the Dean, internally and externally, on teaching and learning issues.
- Represent the School on relevant University committees.
- Contribute to the delivery of the School's undergraduate and graduate teaching programs.
- Undertake a program of research in a relevant discipline.
- Follow and promote University policies, including equal opportunities policies.
- Maintain and promote an awareness and observation of fire and health and safety regulations.
- Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade, purpose and spirit of the post.
This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and, as duties and responsibilities develop, the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.
Benefits
Nazarbayev University offers an internationally competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes:
- Internationally competitive salary
- Free fully furnished housing
- Relocation support
- International health insurance for faculty and dependents residing in Astana
- Education allowance for dependent children residing in Astana
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Cover letter outlining your vision for academic affairs leadership at SSH
- Detailed curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation.
If you have any questions regarding the vacancy, you can address them to the Dean of the School of Sciences and Humanities Dr. Gonzalo Hortelano by emailing to ssh.deanoffice@nu.edu.kz.