​Assistant Dean of Arts & Sciences

Introduction The Faculty of Arts & Sciences (FAS) of the Aga Khan University will launch its first programme in East Africa in Nairobi in 2017.  This initial programme will be a joint programme between the Faculties of Arts & Sciences and Health Sciences.  Position descriptions for sixteen faculty positions in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities will be posted beginning in Summer 2014. At this time we are seeking an Assistant Dean of Arts & Sciences. The title may be altered depending on the academic and administrative qualifications of the incumbent. Responsibilities This position will report to the Dean of Arts & Sciences.   The focus of the administrative aspect of this appointment will shift over time as we move from a planning stage to opening the doors to our first students in 2017 to developing a full complement of undergraduate and graduate programmes in Nairobi, Kenya and Arusha, Tanzania.   However, the goal will be – at all times – to create a balance between teaching/scholarship and administrative work so that the candidate’s academic work and career can thrive. ​Candidates should have: a Ph.D. in the Social Sciences or Humanities.  An interdisciplinary background in both the social sciences and the humanities with a scholarly focus on Africa are essential.   This is to be an academic appointment and rank will be commensurate with a candidate’s background a strong commitment to developing scholarly expertise and a funded research programme and to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research enthusiasm for developing and teaching courses in one’s area of expertise both at the undergraduate and graduate level an interest in directing and teaching in the First Year Seminar Programme, which will have a focus on multi-disciplinary analysis of important questions relevant to East Africa and the broader Indian Ocean region an interest and experience in administration with the ability to plan and direct programmes and a tolerance for ambiguity and change that are part of a start-up are important.   Experience in negotiation and fundraising are ideal knowledge of Africa, including having lived and conducted research in Africa is essential.   Familiarity and experience in East Africa is preferred an ability to work as part of a larger Faculty of Arts and Sciences that will cross East Africa and Pakistan and to work with joint programmes between Arts & Sciences and the Graduate and Professional Programmes of the Aga Khan University, beginning with the Faculty of Health Sciences in East Africa an interest in working to establish and maintain ties and collaborative programmes with secondary schools in East Africa, beginning with the Aga Khan Academies and Schools an interest in and ability to develop collaborations and partnerships with other universities and organizations a deep understanding of the role of the liberal arts for educating leaders, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and an understanding of pluralism as a fundamental value are essential. A candidate with the appropriate background may be considered for a secondary appointment in the AKU’s Institute for East Africa. To Apply An attractive salary and benefits package will be offered to the selected candidate, commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Please send an academic CV, a full publication list, two or three examples of scholarly publications, and the names and contact information for three to five references to the Dean of Arts & Sciences, Mary Sansalone atmary.sansalone@aku.edu. Applications should be submitted latest by January 16, 2014.