Associate Dean of Graduate School
School: Graduate School
Reports to: Dean of Graduate School
Duty station: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Opening date: 01.07.2024
Deadline: 15.07.2024
WIUT Background
Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) is the first international university in Uzbekistan to offer a Western-style education with UK qualifications. WIUT was established in 2002 and was voted the number one University in Uzbekistan which produced the top social sciences research by Scopus. WIUT is still a young university with nearly 5,200 students and more than 140 full-time faculty members with an established presence and a growing international reputation. WIUT has blended the traditions and standards of British education with the culture and environment of Central Asia.
WIUT’s development strategy is based on three strategic affairs of the University: Student Experience, Staff Experience, and Society Engagement. Our Strategic Priorities are focused on enhancing these three pillars by Strengthening, Smartening and Sustaining them. For more information: https://www.wiut.uz/
Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities
The Associate Dean of Graduate School will be responsible for strategic development of the Research environment and output of the University in Graduate Programs (MRes, PhD and DSc). The Associate Dean will support the Dean of Graduate School in ensuring and enhancing the quality of the research environment, and to help plan and develop the university’s research profile and provision. The Associate Dean of Graduate School will work with the Deans/Associate Deans of Schools in the management of the research staff of the faculty.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Work in partnership with the Dean of the Graduate School and senior academic colleagues across the university to successfully deliver the Research and post graduate development strategy. Key senior contributor and university professional services lead in developing the operational plans and identifying enabling strategies to drive engagement and traction in research and postgraduate KPI performance.
- Work in partnership with the Dean of the Graduate School and senior academic colleagues across the Schools to inform high quality decision-making in the shape of the university MRes, PhD and DSc studies quality.
- Lead/make a senior level contribution as part of the University-wide process improvement programme in the re-engineering of end-2-end business processes driving efficiency gains and improving the service provision to MRes, PhD, DSc candidates and academic staff.
- Lead/make a senior level contribution to successfully implement change management programmes in line with the University strategic vision and strategic deliverables including informing the future school organizational shape to support MRes, PhD and DSc candidates.
- Play a key role in the development of management information reporting, through insightful interpretation, both identify and deliver on focused actions to drive a step change in KPI performance and internal metrics e.g. completion statistics.
- Lead/make a senior level contribution to successfully implement change management programmes in line with the University and/or School strategic vision and strategic deliverables.
- Lead a team ensuring that resources and skills are aligned to a highly effective student/candidate service provision in adherence with the University’s governance framework.
- Effectively manage in partnership with the Dean of the Graduate School the various related committees ensuring that progress on strategic objectives as well as mandated compliance approval processes are delivered in line with University policies and standards.
- Effectively manage the processing of MRes, PhD and DSc candidates appeals and complaints to ensure adherence to procedures, equitable treatment of students and timely processing of cases.
- Close collaboration with government organizations and ministries on graduate programs, namely Ministry of Innovative development, Ministry of Higher Education, Supreme Attestation commission and El Yurt Umidi foundation.
- Strengthen international collaboration: namely with Graduate School University of Westminster, London and other international higher education institutes.
- Support Dean of Graduate School on Research Ethics matters.
- Preparing planning, reports and presentations on Research and PG related matters based on needs or request.
- To be responsible for updating content and quality of Graduate School webpage science.wiut.uz
- To promote programs offered by Graduate School in local and international market.
- To improve collaboration with industry and government organizations on act of implementation of scientific results.
- To carry out any other University responsibilities as may reasonably be required by the Deputy Rector on Research and Innovation and Dean of Graduate School from time to time.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge/Qualifications
A higher degree preferably a Master (or PhD) or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in a relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in a similar management role. Or ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles. Knowledge of governance and business processes in a large complex educational organization. Knowledge of and understanding of the HE sector and potential challenges. Knowledge of national policies and initiatives that are impacting on the provision of research degree programmes in Uzbekistan and in the UK. Candidates should be fluent in English either with 7.5 IELTS or a subject qualification taught and assessed in English as per the policy on Academic staff.
Skills
- Excellent communications and presentation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly influencing, negotiation and diplomacy.
- Highly effective leadership skills as a strategic business partner
- Proven track record of leading change across a complex organization.
- Proven track record of business process improvement delivery.
- Proven track record of successful project management.
- Resilient and able to maintain momentum in the face of challenges and setbacks.
- Develop and implement business analytics to facilitate effective decision-making.
- Excellent customer service, stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
- The ability to develop, deliver and articulate a clear vision.
- The ability to develop operational plans to support strategic initiatives.
- Excellent ability to empower and motivate others to deliver a high-performance culture in a participative manner.
Experience
- Extensive and recent administrative management/leadership role in a medium/large complex organisation.
- Extensive and recent experience in a business partner role working with senior staff in the delivery of strategic objectives specifically helping to formulate, develop and implement key operational plans to facilitate sustained traction.
- Awareness about the local and international requirements of graduate education, namely President’s decrees, resolutions of Cabinet Ministers, rules and regulations of Ministry of Innovative development, Ministry of Higher Education, Supreme Attestation commission and El Yurt Umidi foundation.
Planning and Organising
- Lead the planning and organisation of an efficient and effective professional services provision for new and continuing graduate (MRes, PhD, DSc) candidates.
- Responsible for shaping, influencing and effective management of school strategic deliverables through the various committee structures.
- Ensure full compliance with the university’s governance framework and timelines.
- Contribute to planning and organisation of the school projects/initiatives.
- Contribute to planning and organisation of School or University-wide projects/ initiatives.
- Respond promptly to new initiatives and opportunities as and when they arise.
- Determine priorities to meet deadlines
Decision Making
- Determine overall support service priorities in line with strategic and operational deliverables.
- Provide high quality advice and guidance to the Director/Dean of the Graduate School and other senior academic/professional services staff.
- Using insightful analysis support highly effective and impactful decisions through influencing and leveraging key relationships across the college.
- Interpret and use appropriate discretion in application of University policy and procedures, taking advice as necessary.
- Decide on appropriate action for handling complex issues.
Problem Solving
- Analyse and devise solutions to resolve significant process and structural issues within the Graduate School remit.
- Effectively evaluate and manage acceptable risks in strategic and operational plans.
- Balance competing needs in setting and managing operational plans.
- Provide guidance and advice to staff and students as appropriate.
- Propose alternative strategies and negotiate appropriate solutions in overcoming challenges.
Timing and Location
- You should be prepared to move to Tashkent, Uzbekistan by September 2020 or earlier for acculturation and onboarding.
How to Apply
To apply please complete the application form online and upload:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Copies of diplomas and transcripts (Bachelors, Masters and PhD if applicable)
- Contact information for three professional references
- Scanned copy of your previous performance evaluation report
- Statement of your vision for the position
Note: Other attachments can be skipped.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
