Ilya International University

Department: International Office Duty Station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic Accountable to: Rector Direct Reports: Strategic Support Officer / Manager Application Deadline: Open until filled Purpose The Director / Associate Director of UCA’s small International Office (IO) leads UCA’s global, regional and national engagement efforts, ensuring the University’s international and partnership strategy aligns with institutional priorities and enhances UCA’s visibility, partnerships, and mobility programmes. The role requires a strong understanding of international higher education, strategic partnership development, risk management, and programme administration. The Director / Associate Director plays a key role in fostering international, regional and national collaborations, managing student and faculty exchange programmes, and mitigating risks associated with global engagement. Why Join UCA? Impactful Teaching and Research: Contribute to an academic institution that is dedicated to fostering innovation and development in Central Asia and beyond. Collaboration and Growth: Be part of a diverse, interdisciplinary academic environment, with opportunities for collaboration and research across multiple fields of societal relevance. Regional Leadership: Lead the development of innovative solutions to regional challenges in climate adaptation, sustainable development, technology, data science, and digital policy. Support for Female Scholars: UCA is deeply committed to supporting female scholars in all fields, providing opportunities to further advance gender equity in academia. Reporting The Director / Associate Director reports directly to the Rector’s Office and works closely with University leadership, academic schools, and administrative units to integrate internationalisation and institutional partnership into UCA’s broader strategy. The role requires frequent engagement with external stakeholders, including partner universities, funding bodies, diplomatic representatives, and government agencies. Critical Accountabilities and Outcomes International Partnerships and Engagement Develop and implement UCA’s global engagement strategy, ensuring alignment with the University’s academic and research priorities. Identify and establish strategic partnerships with leading universities, and research institutions. Oversee the negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of international agreements, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. Represent UCA at international forums, conferences, and partnership meetings to promote collaboration and enhance institutional visibility. Strengthen UCA’s participation in academic networks and consortia, maximising opportunities for faculty and student mobility, joint research, and knowledge exchange. Lead diplomatic engagement efforts, liaising with embassies, international organisations, and funding agencies to advance UCA’s internationalisation objectives. Student and Faculty Mobility Programmes Be responsible for the administration of exchange programmes such as Erasmus+ and other international mobility initiatives. Develop policies and processes to support outbound and inbound student and faculty exchanges, ensuring smooth operations and a high-quality experience for participants. Collaborate with academic departments to integrate mobility programmes into UCA’s curriculum and research agenda. Track and report on the impact of mobility programmes, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and programme improvements. Risk Management and Compliance Identify and assess risks associated with UCA’s international activities, maintaining a comprehensive risk register. Collaborate with the University’s risk management team to ensure compliance with international regulations, financial oversight, and partnership agreements. Develop mitigation strategies to address challenges related to international engagement, including regulatory barriers, financial risks, and geopolitical considerations. Ensure adherence to ethical standards and best practices in international education and research collaborations. Scholarship and Funding Administration Oversee the administration of the Central Asia Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP) and other scholarship initiatives, ensuring effective selection, financial management, and impact assessment. Develop strategies to attract external funding for scholarships, faculty development, and international exchange programmes. Support the creation of mentorship programmes for CAFDP scholars, fostering professional development and knowledge-sharing within the UCA community. Institutional Governance and Strategic Planning Provide strategic direction to UCA’s leadership on internationalisation efforts, advising on policy development, partnership strategies, and emerging global trends. Lead the development of internationalisation policies, ensuring they are integrated into UCA’s overall strategic framework. Participate in institutional committees and governance structures, contributing to University-wide decision-making on international initiatives. Ensure effective coordination between the International Office and other University departments to facilitate a cohesive approach to global engagement. Capacity Building and Professional Development Lead and mentor International Office staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Identify training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and expertise of team members. Promote international engagement across the University, encouraging faculty and staff to participate in global opportunities. Identify gaps in own abilities and actively work to strengthen competence. Maintain currency of skills and knowledge, continually deepening understanding, honing expertise, and growing as a researcher, educator and leader. Independent and Collaborative Decision-Making The position requires independent decision-making to: Develop and implement internationalisation and partnership strategies within the framework of UCA’s mission. Make independent decisions, concerning risk management, and operational priorities. Lead the development and implementation of international partnerships, mobility programmes, and strategic initiatives aligned with UCA’s global engagement priorities. Represent and promote UCA in international forums, within the scope of the University’s vision and mission. The incumbent will engage in collaborative decision-making within the team and across UCA through: Academic departments, to integrate mobility programmes and research partnerships. The Rector’s Office and senior leadership, to align internationalisation with institutional priorities. External partners, to facilitate joint initiatives and secure funding. The incumbent will engage in collaborative decision-making within the team and across UCA by: Assisting in the organisation of international and other delegations, partnership meetings, and events to strengthen UCA’s presence on the global stage. Ensuring that International Office activities align with institutional priorities and that meetings and engagements are productive and goal-oriented. Identifying professional development opportunities related to international higher education for both colleagues and students. Encouraging a collaborative and inclusive culture within the International Office and across the University’s academic and administrative units. Consequences of Error Failure to establish and manage partnerships effectively may result in missed opportunities for research collaborations, funding, and academic exchanges. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements and risk management policies could expose UCA to financial, legal, and reputational risks. Ineffective mobility programme administration may lead to decreased student and faculty participation and diminished international engagement. Lack of funding for scholarships and global programmes could limit opportunities for students and faculty to engage in international experiences. Failure to maintain strong diplomatic and funding relationships may weaken UCA’s global position and limit institutional growth. Qualifications Master’s degree (or higher) in international relations, higher education management, or a related field. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Ability to manage international partnerships, student and faculty mobility programmes, and institutional agreements in a higher education setting. Experience in supporting the development and administration of international collaborations, including drafting agreements, coordinating events, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. Minimum five years of experience in international education, academic partnerships, or global engagement within a university or research institution. Proven ability to manage international programmes, partnerships, and agreements in a higher education setting. Strong experience in risk management, regulatory compliance, and financial oversight related to international operations. Excellent leadership, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse partners, including academic institutions, funding agencies, and government bodies. Languages Proficiency in Russian is strongly preferred. Knowledge of Kyrgyz, Tajik, and/or Kazakh languages is an asset. UCA Background The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV; ratified by their respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is the Chancellor.  UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education and becoming a leading research university in the region and internationally. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org How to Apply Ready to join our team? We kindly invite you to submit your application for this position by clicking the Apply button on this page. To facilitate a smooth application process, please create an account on our website. Be assured that the account setup and application steps are straightforward. Candidates from the founding countries of UCA: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply for the position. Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities

About UM6P: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher education. Its educational system is based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model. It focuses on applied research and innovation both in Morocco and Africa. The university is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors, and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. About Entity (ASARI): The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It is located in Laayoune City, in south of Morocco. Its vision is targeting real, local, regional, and African challenges in the fields of agricultural in dry lands and marginal environments, animal value chain, water and energy sustainability, biorefinery and bioenergy, cultivation and conversion of micro and macroalgae, and geology and mining. Oriented towards Africa, ASARI acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent in order to link real field issues with up-to-date science. The institute has attracted multidisciplinary research teams composed of food engineers, agronomists, biochemists, biologists, … etc. Description of the position: The successful candidate will propose and develop research projects in veterinary sciences. he/she will be responsible for: Conducting independent research in veterinary sciences within the Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Research Group, with a focus on animal health and welfare. Investigating and addressing veterinary issues relevant to southern Morocco, particularly (but not limited) in camels and goats. Providing basic husbandry, handling, and health surveillance of farm and laboratory animals. Developing and implementing new veterinary science research methodologies to improve disease management and animal productivity. Writing research proposals and securing external funding to support the Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Research Group research projects. Publishing research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed veterinary science journals. Identifying, establishing, and developing infrastructure appropriate for the incorporation of research about veterinary sciences. Collaborating with faculty members while managing veterinary research activities and services. The candidate will also be expected to help maintain all field and laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed and help maintain research plot records and. Responsibilities also involve frequent travelling to different areas in Morocco and Africa. Education Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine or a closely related field Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine or a closely related field. A strong research background in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, animal health management, or diagnostics. Requirement Strong analytical skills in veterinary research. Knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental design. High interested in applied research. Ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary research team. Ability to initiate, conduct, and publish research results in a scientific manner and to attract external funding. Well-developed oral and written communication skills. The ability to communicate fluently in English.

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning, that is committed to an educational system based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. On a specific focus on Africa, UM6P aims to position these fields as the forefront and become a university of international standing. More than just a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors, and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model. In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science and at continent level in order to address real challenges. All our programs run as start-ups and can be self-organized when they reach a critical mass. Thus, academic liberty is promoted as far as funding is developed by research teams. The research programs are integrated from long-term research to short-term applications in linkage with incubation and start-up ecosystems. About the Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering (CBS) The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering Department (CBS) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program, of international level, to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, on green and environmental chemistry applied to all aspects of chemical sciences: organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, biochemical and thermal reactions. Research at CBS is organized around several major areas, which aim to answer challenging industrial questions, from complex chemical and biochemical reactions to scale-up and validation of process engineering. CBS projects aim at an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of all transformations in order to propose new original alternatives in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability. Position Overview We invite outstanding applicants whose research lies at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Chemistry. The successful candidate will develop a competitive research program, contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and engage in collaborative projects with faculty, students, and industrial partners. The scope of the position is intentionally broad and may include (but is not limited to): Machine learning for molecular and reaction property prediction AI-based reaction modeling and retrosynthetic analysis Data-driven approaches to spectroscopy and structural analysis Cheminformatics and chemical data mining Computational catalysis or process optimization AI applications in analytical, organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry Automation in chemical experimentation or chemical robotics The selected candidate will be free to shape the balance between research, teaching, and collaborative innovation, based on their strengths and interests. During the selection process, applicants will be given the opportunity to express their preferred profile: Research-intensive: Focused on high-level research with light teaching duties Balanced: Combination of impactful research and active teaching Teaching-focused with applied research: Heavier involvement in curriculum development and hands-on educational innovation Qualifications Required: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to apply AI or machine learning tools to problems in chemistry. Strong publication record in reputable journals or conferences. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Desirable: Postdoctoral or equivalent academic or industrial experience. Experience in handling chemical datasets and tools (e.g., RDKit, DeepChem, Gaussian, ORCA, ChemML). Knowledge of modern machine learning techniques (e.g., deep learning, graph neural networks, generative models). Interest in interdisciplinary research and/or real-world applications. Responsibilities Develop and lead a research program at the AI–Chemistry interface. Teach courses related to chemistry, machine learning, or data-driven science. Supervise MSc and PhD students and contribute to curriculum development. Collaborate across departments and with external partners. Participate in the university’s broader mission of innovation and knowledge transfer. Application Process Candidates are invited to submit the following documents as a single PDF file: Cover Letter (including statement of motivation and preferred profile: research-intensive, balanced, or teaching-oriented) Curriculum Vitae (with list of publications) Research Statement (2–3 pages) Teaching Statement (1 page) Contact information for three referees (or letters of recommendation)