Provost

The Provost is the chief academic officer of the University with authority to supervise operations in academic and research matters as defined in this Charter and other internal documents and regulations of the University. The Provost will spearhead the Universitys drive to achieve excellence across its education research and innovation mandates ensuring these are recognized in graduate employability and research outcomes. The Provost will establish the University as a leader in teaching education student experience research and knowledge exchange in Central Asia and beyond.

The Provost at all times is accountable to and acts under the supervision of the President of the University.

The Provost performs the following duties and responsibilities and shall:

• supervise the implementation of academic policies adopted by the Academic Council;
• supervise the implementation of research policies adopted by the Research Council including but not limited to the awarding of research grants;
• approve the award of academic degrees (titles) other than honorary degrees (titles);
• give final approval to standards concerning admission progression and completion of programs adopted by the Academic Council and submit them to the Managing Council for endorsement;
• give final approval of decisions on matters of admission progression of students and completion of programs in accordance with internal documents and regulations approved by the Academic Council;
• supervise admission and dismissal of students;
• recommend to the President of the University decisions to dismiss students from the University;
• oversee the design and implementation of academic quality assurance programs in accordance with policies adopted by the Academic Council;
• grow the Universitys research income and oversee the management of research grants as approved by the Research Council;
• establish and maintain academic and research standards and academic integrity consistent with international standards;
• implement hiring transfer termination of employment and conclude employment contracts with academic and administrativeacademic personnel;
• develop and make recommendations on the issues of the staffing list related to academic personnel and administrativeacademic personnel;
• ensure appropriate professional development for Deans other senior leaders and faculty in line with international best practices;
• exercise other powers stipulated by this Charter the decisions of the Supreme Board of Trustees the Board of Trustees and/or the President of the University as well as internal documents and regulations of the University.
• contribute to revisions of the University strategy and oversee reviews of University standards and policies including quality assurance student admission transfer and completion of studies as approved by Academic Council;
• work with the President and Managing Council to implement the Universitys strategy mission and vision including the drive to expand subject and institutional accreditations and improvements in rankings;
• raise private corporate charitable and state funds to support the development of the Universitys vision and mission working closely with the President and Deans;
• represent the interests of the University in dealings with stakeholders including government(s) public services industry and academic partners within the scope of the Charter;
• undertake activities that demonstrate leadership in higher education across and beyond the region.
• perform scholarly activity and research as appropriate to the position and aligned with the academic interests of the postholder.

The Provost shall be Chairperson and a voting member of the Academic Council and Research Council. The Provost shall also chair the Equipment Committee Internationalisation Committee and other universitylevel bodies as requested by the President ensuring that these bodies are consistent with University documents and strategies. The Provost of the University may establish consultative and advisory bodies under the Provost of the University as required to promote innovation and collaboration in areas of strategic importance. The purpose of establishing order of forming members and terms of office of members of such bodies are determined by bylaws of such bodies approved by the Provost of the University.

The Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and/or Vice Provost for Research and other members of the Provosts Office shall assist the Provost in carrying out his/her functions. The Provost shall have the authority to delegate his/her powers to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and/or the Vice Provost for Research.

The Provost observes the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Universitys internal policies and processes; is responsible for appropriate performance of duties of his/her staff; is responsible for ensuring the integrity of official documents and prevention of the disclosure or leakage of confidential and business information as well as information of restricted access in accordance with the legislation Charter and internal documents of the Employer; in case of departure from role for whatever reason is responsible for timely transfer of all paper documentation digital information inventory to another employee as instructed by the line manager (to be certified by the act of acceptancetransfer).

Qualifications :

The Ideal Candidate

NU is seeking an exceptional chief academic officer with an international outlook and outstanding leadership skills gained at a senior level researchintensive institution(s). The ideal candidate will have a distinguished record as a researcher preferably in a STEMrelated field and demonstrable experience of developing collaborative partnerships with world leading universities to further research teaching and knowledge exchange.

Specifically he/she will demonstrate/have:

Education

• A doctoral degree from a leading university preferably in a STEM related field.

Work experience

• Achieved the academic rank of Full Professor in a University that is highly ranked in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
• Ten or more years in a senior leadership role for example as a ViceRector Provost ViceProvost Associate Provost or Dean with demonstrable achievements.
• Substantial experience of academic leadership beyond own institution such as service on research councils accrediting bodies policy making fora and/or industry boards.

Knowledge

• Distinguished international record as a researcher and as a professional educator.
• Knowledge of international higher education systems.
• Sophisticated understanding of the role of universities in regional and national development.

Skills

• Skills and competence to build on our achievements to secure significant international standing for NU for excellence in research teaching innovation and knowledge exchange for the betterment of society and economy.
• Commitment to and achievements in active student government and outstanding student life.
• Achieving sector leading graduate employability.
• Skills to catalyze reforms beyond own institution through leadership in higher education government public policy and/or industry.
• Outstanding skills in developing collaborative partnerships with world leading universities to further research teaching and knowledge exchange.
• Extensive collaboration with leaders in government nongovernmental organizations and with businesses.
• Significant change management experience with clearly defined objectives and demonstrable results.
• Financial management and budget planning experience.
• Collaborative and collegial approach to creating and upholding University policies and procedures.
• Skills to diversify institutional income and enhance financial sustainability of NU.
• Strong intercultural communication skills.
• Demonstrable skills in implementing shared governance involving stakeholders including students.
• Entrepreneurial mindset appropriate for a 14year old researchintensive university.
• Significant international higher education experience would be an advantage.

Other Requirements:

• This job description reflects the present requirements of the post. The job responsibilities may change in light of decisions taken by the Board of Trustees.
• The University upholds a Code of Ethics and actively supports international standards in academic and research integrity.
• The Provost may be eligible to hold an academic appointment in one of the NU Schools subject to approval of the President.

Additional Information :

How to Apply

This search is conducted by Odgers and Berndtson Company. 

In line with GDPR we ask that you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin political opinions religious or philosophical beliefs trade union membership data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation genetic and / or biometric data) in your CV and application documentation.

Following this notice any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember not to mention anyones information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion.

For further information and a confidential discussion about this position please contact Melissa Horn and Poppy Wooldridge as below: 

Melissa Horn

Partner & Head of Education Practice

Odgers Berndtson Middle East                                                    

Poppy Wooldridge

Associate

Odgers Berndtson Middle East

Candidates are requested to apply online at: ;

Applications should include the following information:

• A short covering letter indicating how you meet the selection criteria with current salary/remuneration package.
• A full CV.
• Contact details for three referees (who will not be contacted without your permission).

The closing date for applications: 13th January 2025

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities aptitude personality work samples inbasket exercises and informal interviews) and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values