Apply for the Academic Director position, AIMS Ghana
Applications Open
We’re transforming Africa through innovative scientific training, technical advances and breakthrough discoveries!
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pioneering institution transforming STEM education and research in Africa. Founded in 2003, AIMS has grown into the continent’s largest network of centres of excellence for training, research, and public engagement in mathematical sciences. With six centres across Africa, AIMS provide a world class, pan-African, and interdisciplinary learning environment that equips young Africans with skills to address critical challenges such as climate change, food security, and pandemics.
To date, AIMS has trained over 3,500 graduates from 45 African countries, with 35% being women. The majority (approximately 70%) have remained in Africa and are driving change in fields like healthcare, education, renewable education, and digital innovation. Through its unique model and inclusive approach, AIMS empower the next generation of African innovators and leaders, fostering sustainable socio-economic development across the continent.
If you bring a collaborative spirit with a passion to effect change, consider this opportunity:
Job Title: Academic Director, AIMS Ghana
Reports Directly to: Centre President, AIMS Ghana
Reports Indirectly to: Chief Academic Officer, AIMS Global Network
Direct Reports: 1 to 15
Status: Full Time – 3 Year Contract
Duty Station: Accra, Ghana
Overview of the position
Reporting to the Centre President, you will spearhead the management of all academic aspects of the Centre – one of five international settings that conduct teaching, research, and outreach in the mathematical sciences. Serving a roster of students from across Africa and under the direction of the Centre President, you will manage and contribute to an innovative and international-class academic programme at the Master’s level in the Mathematical Sciences.
In close collaboration with the Academic Manager, the Centre President and Academic Council, you will lead the proper functioning of the academic programmes, including the selection of students, the structure of the curriculum, the selection of courses and lecturers, and give leadership to a diverse team of tutors and world-class visiting lecturers. Additionally, it is anticipated that you will be an active contributor and catalyst to research and outreach initiatives—ultimately to facilitate and set the groundwork for the Centre’s continued growth.
Key Functions
- Curriculum Development & Management
Collaborate with network-wide academic peers to contribute to the ongoing growth
of academic offerings
Provide support (academically) to the Centre President and the CAO during the
project proposal writing and fundraising activities, or the development of related
documentation
Give direction and oversight to the academic team, including students, lecturers and
tutors, actively leading the selection process of each category of team members
(involving partner universities and other actors)
Daily manage the established curriculum, including scheduling, interaction with
lecturers, interaction with students, interaction with tutors, the student
development officer and other colleagues who will have the opportunity to influence
the learning environment
Ensure quality assurance while implementing the established curriculum. - Research
Coordination of the research essay phase of the Master’s programme
Ensuring a good level of research for the Academic Director and the tutors under
supervision
Developing other research and workshop programmes in coordination with the
centre’s Leadership - Stakeholder Relations & Partnerships
Together with the Centre President, identify, establish and nurture relationships with
national and international universities, that yield mutually beneficial and sustainable
partnerships - Operations Management
As a senior manager at the Centre, participate in and contribute to the development of the Centre’s operational plan and budget process
Be a visible ambassador of organizational policies and practices taking corrective action with students and academic staff/volunteers as may be necessary
Liaise closely with the operations team to ensure essential tools and resources are effectively in place to support the learning objectives
Do you have what we need?
A Doctorate in Mathematical Sciences (Mathematics and its applications)
Minimum 5 years’ research/ teaching experience with a proven track record of publication and
teaching at the graduate and postgraduate level
Minimum 2 years’ experience managing academic professionals in an international setting, with
particular expertise in African academia
Candidates who do not meet the minimum experience, but who have relevant experience that
provided significant exposure in mathematical sciences, will be considered possibly for an Academic
Manager Position to start with.
Minimum grade of Associate Professor would be an asset
Superb relationship management skills to lead, manage and mentor a diverse team of academic
professionals
A proven track record of entrepreneurial and innovative approaches to build sustainable growth
A genuine passion to heighten the development of mathematical sciences in Africa
Fluency in English is essential; French is an asset
Working knowledge of scientific computational (Python, computer algebra software,…etc) and
editing software such as LaTeX. Acquaintance with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel,
PowerPoint, Word and Internet applications (Dropbox, Skype, Gmail, etc.)
Are you ready to be a part of the transformation?
Click here to apply. Applications will be accepted until December 1, 2025. AIMS is an equal opportunity employer. Should you not receive feedback from AIMS Ghana within five weeks of the deadline, kindly accept that your application will not be further pursued. AIMS reserves
the right not to make an appointment at its sole discretion.
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