African Institute for Mathematical Sciences: Director

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS, www.aims.ac.za) is an innovative post-graduate centre for education, research and outreach has achieved global recognition since opening its first centre in South Africa in 2003. AIMS offers a number of educational programmes highlighted by its 10-month postgraduate Diploma in mathematical Sciences, which provides an intensive and broad education to over 50 top African students each year, and prepares them for leadership careers in academia, governance and industry.

Based on the success of the first AIMS centre, the AIMS Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI, www.nexteinstein.org) was launched with the mission of enabling Africa’s brightest students to flourish as independent thinkers, problem solvers and innovators capable of propelling Africa’s future scientific, educational and economic self-sufficiency. As part of this network, AIMS-Ghana has been created and is establishing itself in preparation for accepting its first batch of students in the 2012-13 academic year

Job Description

AIMS-Ghana is seeking a director to lead the centre.

Ensuring the proper functioning of the academic programmes including selection of students, the structure of the curriculum, and the selection of courses and lecturers
The full strategic and operational functioning and growth of the AIMS center
Developing, renewing and achieving the goals of the centre as it expands, in partnership with the Council
Regularly reporting to all supporters of the centre on the use of all funds provided
Communicating the vision and mission of AIMS and the centre to government and other partners, to the African and international academic communities, and to the general public
Building and maintaining constructive relations with universities in Ghana and across Africa, as well as international partner universities and other organisations
Directing the centre’s research centre, ensuring that it pursues academic research at the highest level while assisting in the development and growth of mathematical sciences across Africa
Overseeing all activities and initiatives at the centre
Preparing an Annual Report, including full accounts and detailing all activities at the centre
Liaising with existing and potential supporters of the centre to ensure continued funding for the Institute

Remuneration:
AIMS-Ghana, a member of an international network of scientific centres of excellence. The atmosphere and colleagues will be international, highly-motivated and offer outstanding growth opportunities
Salary and benefits will be competitive and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications

Duty Station:
Saltpond, Ghana with significant travel

Required Skills or Experience

A Doctorate in Mathematics or a related discipline
A strong research and teaching profile
Extensive experience in the management of advanced teaching programmes and research
An international research reputation and connections
A proven track record of innovative, successful management and institution building
Extensive experience in winning grants, achieving their stated goals and successfully reporting to funders
Extensive experience in responsibly managing financial and other resources
A strong personal commitment to the development of the mathematical sciences in Africa
The following characteristics would be advantageous:
A profound understanding of the importance of basic research, as well as the ability to engage successfully with government, non-profit and private sector partners
The ability to articulate successfully the mission of the institute to prospective funders, and research and teaching partners
An entrepreneurial and innovative approach to the growth of the institute and to the fulfillment of its goals
Strong leadership qualities and excellent team-build in, mentoring and interpersonal skills
Some knowledge of French

How To Apply

To apply, send an application package including the following:

A letter of motivation including a vision statement
The names and contact details of three referees
A detailed CV
All materials should be sent to: [email protected] or by the post to:

AIMS-Ghana Director Search c/o Arun Sharma, AIMS 6 Melrose Road
Muizenberg 7945 Cape Town South Africa

For further information please visit: http://www.nexteinstein.org/ghana, http://www.aims-ghana.org

AIMS-Ghana is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women are especially encouraged

Offer valid till: 11 Apr, 2011