Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

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Department

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Job Type

Administrative

Applicant Type

All citizens

Type of Position

Full-Time

Closing Date

Aug 15, 2026

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Job Title:                            Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

Division:                             Academic Affairs

Position reports to:           Vice President of Academic Affairs

 

 

Position Summary

The Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (AVPAA) serves as a senior academic leader, reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) is responsible for assisting the VPAA in advancing the University's strategic priorities in research, scholarship, quality assurance, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness. The AVPAA provides leadership in developing and implementing initiatives that strengthen KIMEP University's academic reputation, research productivity, and culture of continuous improvement.

The position oversees the University's research agenda, including faculty and student research, external funding initiatives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and research compliance. In addition, the AVPAA leads institutional quality assurance processes, accreditation activities, assessment systems, and continuous improvement efforts to ensure that KIMEP University maintains the highest academic standards and complies with national and international quality frameworks.

The AVPAA works closely with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, deans, department chairs, faculty, administrative leaders, and external stakeholders to advance the University's mission and strategic goals.

 

Key Responsibilities

I. Academic Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Support the Vice President for Academic Affairs in developing, implementing, and evaluating the University's academic strategic priorities.
• Lead assigned university-wide portfolios and initiatives under the direction of the VPAA.
• Provide leadership on institutional initiatives related to research, innovation, academic quality, accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness.
• Assist the VPAA in developing policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives that advance academic excellence and institutional performance.
• Serve as a member of the Academic Affairs leadership team and provide recommendations to the VPAA and senior administration on matters related to research, quality assurance, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of academic integrity, innovation, continuous improvement, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Represent the University and/or the VPAA in meetings, conferences, professional organizations, and governmental bodies as assigned.

 

II. Research Leadership and Development

Research Strategy and Innovation

• Develop and implement a university-wide research strategy aligned with institutional priorities, the University's Strategic Plan, and international best practices.
• Promote a culture of research excellence, innovation, scholarship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Identify emerging research opportunities and strategic areas for institutional investment.
• Support the establishment and development of research centers, institutes, laboratories, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units in the development, implementation, and assessment of university-wide research priorities and strategic research objectives

Research Productivity and Funding

• Increase faculty and student research productivity through strategic initiatives and support programs.
• Facilitate the pursuit and management of external funding through grants, contracts, partnerships, and sponsored research.
• Monitor and evaluate research outcomes, including publications, citations, presentations, creative works, and funded projects.
• Develop performance indicators and benchmarks to assess research productivity across schools, colleges, and departments.

Research Compliance and Ethics

• Oversee research compliance activities and ensure adherence to applicable regulations, ethical standards, and institutional policies.
• Support the effective operation of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and ensure that research involving human participants is reviewed through independent, compliant, and transparent processes.
• Ensure responsible conduct of research and promote ethical research practices throughout the University.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to research integrity, ethics, and compliance.

Faculty and Student Research Development

• Mentor faculty in developing research agendas, securing funding, and achieving scholarly recognition.
• Coordinate professional development opportunities related to research methods, grant writing, publication strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Support graduate and undergraduate student research initiatives.
• Develop programs and incentives that recognize and reward research excellence.

External Partnerships

• Build strategic partnerships with government agencies, industry, research organizations, foundations, and international universities.
• Promote collaborative research projects that enhance the University's reputation and societal impact.
• Represent KIMEP University in national and international research forums and professional organizations.

 

III. Quality Assurance and Accreditation

Institutional Quality Assurance

• Lead the University's quality assurance and institutional effectiveness initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality assurance systems, policies, and procedures.
• Promote a culture of assessment, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the institution.
• Ensure academic programs and administrative units maintain high standards of quality and effectiveness.

Accreditation and Compliance

• Coordinate institutional and programmatic accreditation activities.
• Ensure compliance with national and international accreditation requirements and standards.
• Serve as the University's primary liaison with accreditation and regulatory agencies.
• Lead preparation of accreditation self-studies, reports, audits, and site visits.

Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness

• Oversee assessment of student learning outcomes, program effectiveness, and institutional performance.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators related to academic quality and institutional effectiveness.
• Ensure assessment findings are used to improve academic programs and support strategic planning.
• Support academic units in developing assessment plans and continuous improvement initiatives.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of institutional data related to academic quality, student success, faculty performance, and accreditation.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, governing bodies, accreditation agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Utilize data analytics to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Capacity Building and Support

• Provide leadership and training related to quality assurance, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement.
• Support deans, department chairs, faculty, and administrative units in implementing quality assurance processes.
• Serve as advisor to College, School, and Department Quality Assurance Committees.
• Coordinate workshops, seminars, and professional development programs related to quality assurance and accreditation.

 

IV. Academic Program Development and Innovation

• Promote the integration of research, scholarship, and evidence-based practices into teaching and learning across the University.
• Encourage innovative instructional approaches, assessment methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance student learning and academic quality.
• Support institutional efforts related to academic program development, program review, curriculum enhancement, and quality improvement.
• Facilitate initiatives that strengthen student engagement in research, experiential learning, and scholarly activities.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to ensure that innovation initiatives align with institutional priorities, accreditation standards, and quality assurance objectives.

 

V. Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Serve on University committees and task forces as appropriate.
• Act on behalf of the Vice President for Academic Affairs when designated.

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Education

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree) from a recognized and accredited institution.
• Distinguished record of scholarship and academic achievement appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
• International academic experience and demonstrated success working in diverse educational environments are preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education.
• Minimum of five (5) years of academic leadership experience, such as department chair, director, associate dean, dean, research director, quality assurance director, or equivalent position.
• Demonstrated success in research leadership, faculty development, and strategic planning.
• Experience with accreditation, quality assurance, assessment, and institutional effectiveness processes.
• Proven record of securing external funding and supporting research initiatives.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders in an international academic environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of higher education administration, research management, accreditation, and quality assurance systems.
• Familiarity with national and international accreditation frameworks and quality standards.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an international university environment.
• Experience with FIBAA, IQAA, AACSB, ABET, or other international accreditation systems.
• Additional training or certification in research administration, institutional effectiveness, assessment, or higher education leadership.
• Basic fluency in Kazakh and/or Russian.
• Successful experience leading institutional accreditation reviews or major research initiatives.

Teaching Requirement

The Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs will normally teach one course per academic year, subject to the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and operational needs of the University.

 

Please apply via the HR Portal ("apply" button)

You are kindly asked to attach your CV, Cover letter.

 

Application deadline: ongoing and continue until position is filled.  

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Address any questions to HR office recruitment@kimep.kz