Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment

THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY 

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a government-funded tertiary institution in Hong Kong.  It offers programmes at various levels including Doctorate, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees.  It has a full-time staff strength of around 5,400 including 1,400 academic staff.  The total annual consolidated expenditure budget of the University is in excess of HK$7.4 billion.  Committed to academic excellence, PolyU aspires to become a leading university that excels in professional education, world-class research and partnership for the betterment of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.  For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at www.polyu.edu.hk.

FACULTY OF CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENT

Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment (Ref. 19082709)

The Faculty of Construction and Environment is well known for its range of expertise related to sustainable urban development, particularly with respect to construction and the environment. With some of the best staff and students from around the world, the Faculty is not only highly regarded in world university rankings, but also well recognized for its services to industry and society. The Faculty comprises four departments: Department of Building and Real Estate, Department of Building Services Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics.  The Faculty is now the biggest provider of higher education for the Hong Kong construction industry. Most of the programmes offered by its departments have received formal recognition from professional bodies of the construction industry. The Faculty is also dedicated to world-class research. Virtually all aspects of construction from land surveying to building and civil engineering design, to actual construction and its management, to repair, refurbishment as well as the operation and management of built facilities are covered by the Faculty's programmes and research activities. A major direction of the Faculty is integrating its research strengths in construction, energy, environment, urban hazards mitigation and urban informatics to facilitate sustainable urban development and smart cities. Please visit the website at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/fce/ for more information about the Faculty’s academic programmes, research centres and expertise.

The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment. The successful candidate should be qualified to be appointed as Chair Professor in one of the four constituent departments, and will hold a concurrent deanship appointment. The deanship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office. Other suitable candidate(s), if deemed appropriate by the University, may be appointed as Chair Professor.

The position calls for a visionary leader and distinguished scholar with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the Faculty and its constituent departments; providing effective academic leadership to the Faculty; inspiring excellence in teaching, research and services; and fostering strong academic partnerships and collaborations with external organizations in joint projects and new service initiatives for society.

Job Functions

Reporting directly to the Deputy President and Provost, the appointee will be expected to assume the following responsibilities:

(a)    provide effective leadership in the development of long-term strategies and plans of the Faculty which align with the University’s Strategic Plan and provide support by overseeing departments’ accomplishment of strategic objectives with high quality standards;

(b)    ensure a high quality of teaching, holistic development of students and align the Faculty’s programmes to the needs of the community;

(c)    facilitate the conduct of innovative and original research of high application value by all academic staff and their contribution to the creation of knowledge, innovation and knowledge transfer; and promote and develop genuine cross-disciplinary/departmental research with optimal use of research funds;

(d)    develop local and international network of partnerships and linkages with the community, particularly the professional, public and business sectors so as to gain their support for the major strategic initiatives of the University;

(e)    promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and to exploit opportunities for the purpose of generating new income and other resources to support various activities;

(f)    organize voluntary community service activities of significant value with the involvement of staff, students, alumni and friends of the Faculty in order to be a true partner of the local, national and international communities; and to collaborate with the professional, public, service and business sectors;

(g)    represent the University in high level community/public service;

(h)    implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University’s pursuits and long-term development;

(i)    assure effective internal communication that leads to transparent decision-making and promote the Faculty’s education and other services to target customers, other relevant stakeholders and community leaders; and

(j)    ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in the Faculty.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

(a)    outstanding academic qualifications at doctoral level in Construction, Environment or closely related disciplines, evidence of eminent scholarship and substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position;

(b)    research achievements of international standing in the areas concerned, and with a strong track record of performance in teaching, professional services and successful leadership and management at a senior level;

(c)    the ability to promote collaboration across faculties and departments so as to build a harmonious, caring and co-operating team in support of the future development;

(d)    effective communication, interpersonal and resources management skills and excellent adaptability to changes and challenges; and

(e)    good knowledge of the higher education environment in the local and global contexts.

Experience in fund-raising will be an additional advantage.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service

Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive. For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/TC.htm.
 
Application and Nomination

Please submit applications or nominations to Mr Bing Han, Managing Partner, Perrett Laver (Email: polyu-deance@perrettlaver.com; Tel: +852 3619 8072; Address: Unit 1901, 19/F, Wilson House, 19-27 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong). It is optional for the applicants to include two to three reference letters in their applications. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence in October 2019 until the position is filled. The University reserves the right to make an appointment by invitation or not to fill the position.  Applicants may visit http://www.polyu.edu.hk for general information about the University. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/job/en/guide_forms/pics.php.

PolyU is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, ethnicity, nationality, family status or physical or mental disabilities.