Provost and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Academic Search

Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA), a newly formed comprehensive institution located in Baku, Azerbaijan, invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs (VRAA). Azerbaijan is a strategically important nation that is a key geopolitical power on the Caspian Sea. As chief academic officer, the Provost reports to the Rector, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, and serves the Office of the Rector.  ADA seeks a dynamic and inspirational academic leader who will lead the institution to national and international prominence through a sustained commitment to excellence.  It is anticipated that the Provost will assume duties by May 2013, with a strong preference for an earlier start.

ADA has grown rapidly in the six years since its inception. It is evolving into three schools already offering both graduate and undergraduate degree programs. ADA has achieved extraordinary enrollment growth and academic distinction during its short history. In the past few years, the institution has endeavored to develop high quality academic programs, a strong technology infrastructure, financial sustainability, steady enrollment growth, and has effectively begun to recruit high caliber faculty and staff.  Although ADA began its higher education offerings as a School of Public and International Affairs, its recent launch of its School of Business and its School of Humanities and Sciences, showcase the rapid growth and development of this remarkable institution.

The institution seeks to provide an outstanding education for Azerbaijanis, and to deliver first-class international education and leadership training for the Caucasus region and beyond. ADA has the aspiration to be a true “world class” institution.  In September 2012, a sparkling new “green” and “smart” campus was officially opened in Baku’s thriving downtown. In just a short time, the institution has grown from a small office into a state-of-the-art campus, while establishing itself internationally by attracting renowned scholars, accomplished practitioners and talented students from around the world.  

The Provost will serve as the institution’s chief academic officer working closely with other members of the cabinet. The Provost will be responsible for the development of ADA’s undergraduate and graduate educational programs; will have the authority to shape that development through the selection of deans and approval of department heads; will support and encourage the research function; will be responsible for high standards in the appointment and promotion of faculty, as well as for faculty development; will establish clear academic policies and procedures for the institution; will nurture supportive relationships with academic and industry partners; and, working with the Executive Vice Rector, will manage academic budgets and facilities. The library, academic computing, academic planning and assessment functions all report to the Provost.

For more information about this search, please review the position profile under “Current Searches” atwww.academic-search.com. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by Friday, November 30 2012. A formal review of applications by the search committee is scheduled for early December 2012, and the position will remain open until filled. Additional information about the institution can be found at:  www.ada.edu.az.

Send application materials as an e-mail attachment in Word to: ADAProvost@academic-search.com

This search is assisted by Ms. Maya Ranchod Kirkhope of Academic Search, Inc., a Washington-based higher education executive search firm. Ms. Kirkhope can be reached on her cell phone (001 703 380 9195 – U.S. central time) and via email at mrk@academic-search.com.