Department: International OfficeDuty Station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz RepublicAccountable to: RectorDirect Reports: Strategic Support Officer / ManagerApplication Deadline: Open until filledPurposeThe 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.ReportingThe 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(Please visit UCA's Career page for details for following) - International Partnerships and Engagement
- Student and Faculty Mobility Programmes
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Scholarship and Funding Administration
- Institutional Governance and Strategic Planning
- Capacity Building and Professional Development
Independent and Collaborative Decision-MakingThe 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 ErrorFailure 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.QualificationsMaster’s degree (or higher) in international relations, higher education management, or a related field.Knowledge, Skills and ExperienceAbility 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.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
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