Vacancy - Coordinator, Quality Assurance Unit

ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES
ASSOCIATION DES UNIVERSITE AFRICAINES

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The Association of African Universities (AAU), an international non-governmental organization (INGO) with headquarters in Accra, Ghana, was set up in November 1967 by universities in Africa to promote cooperation among themselves and between them and the international academic community. The AAU has been designated the principal implementing agency for the higher education component of the African Union’s “2nd Decade for Education for Africa”. The AAU wishes to announce a vacancy at its Secretariat in Accra.

The AAU wishes to announce a vacancy at its Secretariat in Accra.

Job Title Coordinator, Quality Assurance Unit
Organisational Unit Department of Research and Programmes
Duty Station Accra, Ghana
Grade P4-P5

Purpose of Post
As a member of the AAU senior management team, the Coordinator of the Quality Assurance Unit, will report to the Secretary General and be responsible for the development, leadership and management of all quality assurance programmes and projects.

Given the importance that quality assurance, accreditation, credit transfer and the harmonisation of qualifications have assumed within the higher education landscape of the continent, the QA Coordinator should lead the AAU in monitoring and evaluating quality assurance practices in African higher education institutions.

The implementation of the African Higher Education Rating Mechanism (AQRM), as endorsed by the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF) in August 2007 and validated by the African Union Commission and AAU, requires the expansion of the Quality Assurance Unit and the hiring of person(s) with exceptional expertise capable of driving the implementation process.

The Unit through the leadership of the Coordinator shall undertake the periodic review and consultation with all the quality assurance agencies within the AfriQAN (the African quality assurance network of agencies) umbrella for purposes of setting common operational platform on the continent.

The Coordinator must have the proficiency to continuously demonstrate an understanding of institutional strategic steering and quality assurance processes both in Africa and the world at large.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a policy on quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation providing strategic direction and leadership in assuring the implementation of the quality across all higher education institutions in Africa.
• Identify relevant African regional and sub-regional higher education bodies, including professional associations interested in quality assurance and harness their resources for the benefit of QA in Africa.
• Liaise with regional and international partners in the collaborative execution of quality assurance projects, training and activities within Africa.
• Prepare from time to time and as required, the AAU advisory statement on quality assurance, self assessment, and accreditation and governance policies for African HEIs.
• Develop resource mobilisation strategies including project proposals with a view to positioning the AAU QA activities to be self sustaining.
• Lead the Unit and selected African experts to develop a monitoring, evaluation and reporting strategy and framework in support of the principles of transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
• To identify, prioritise and contribute to AAU’s QA capacity enhancement programmes and activities for African HE institutions.
• Undertake and advise HEIs on regular systematic implementation of various quality assurance processes, programme audits, reviews, accreditation and credit transfer systems at regional and national levels.
• Act as the focal point for relations with the African Union Commission in matters relating to QA as well as liaise between the AAU and the regional and sub-regional QA bodies and national regulatory and accreditation agencies in meeting their capacity development needs and institutional development;
• Prepare and administer the annual budget, prepare annual reports and long term financial projections for review and approval by the QA Project Steering Committee and AAU Executive Board;
• Actively participate in the strategic management of the AAU as a member of the senior management team.

Profile

• At least a Doctorate Degree or equivalent academic qualification. Specialisation in QA, Evaluation, Assessment, Monitoring, or Educational Planning and Statistics will be an advantage.
• Having held senior academic position (Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Director of Institute, Dean of Faculty, Head of Department, or equivalent), with experience in QA, project management, project appraisal, policy brief writing and financial management.
• Familiarity with INQAAHE, GIQAC, AfriQAN and the African higher education environment and higher education regional and sub-regional bodies.
• Ability to prepare and manage project budgets and produce project reports.
• Ability to supervise programme staff and undertake special assignments.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English or French, and a working knowledge of Arabic or Portuguese will be an advantage.
  

Desirable Additionals

• At least 5 years experience working in Africa, outside home country
• Good computer and Internet skills and familiarity with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Project, all major QA Tool kits in operation globally.

Term
The contract will be for a period of three (3) years, subject to a probationary period of one (1) year. The position requires extensive travel outside Ghana.

Conditions of Employment

• The AAU offers an attractive remuneration package calculated and paid in US dollars.
• Annual leave of twenty-one (21) working days
• Other attractive benefits include a monthly post-adjustment allowance and rent subsidy.

How to Apply
The AAU is an equal opportunity employer. As part of a conscious effort of the Association always to reflect the diversity of the African academy, women and non-Anglophone candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications should comprise:

• A statement of interest and fitness for the position
• An indication of the date of availability to assume duty
• A detailed curriculum vitae describing applicant’s professional experience and qualification for the position
• Three (3) reference letters, one of which should be outside the candidate’s home country

The application letters and supporting documents of candidates should be submitted by (i) e-mail, and (ii) hard copy in a sealed envelope marked “Application Documents”.

Each of the three reference letters should be sent direct from the referee, by (i) e-mail, and (ii) in a sealed envelope and marked “Confidential Reference”.

Both sets of documents should be addressed to:

The Secretary General
Association of African Universities,
African Universities House,
Aviation Road Extension,
P.O. Box AN 5744,
Accra-North, GHANA
Tel: (233) 21 774495/761588
Fax: (233) 21 774821
Email: secgen@aau.org
Website: www.aau.org

Closing Date

• Closing date for receipt of applications is 15 September 2011.The Association reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed necessary, and the right to make no appointment.
• The AAU will respond to short-listed candidates only.

Interview

• Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview in Accra, Ghana, on dates to be advised during the week of 25-30 September, 2011.