University of Birmingham Dubai

Having established ourselves in Dubai International Academic City in 2018 we have now moved to our new state-of-the-art campus which opened in2022. This post represents an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious World Top 100 University as we continue to grow our long-term strategic mission in Dubai, the UAE, and the wider region. Our campus reflects the very best of Birmingham through our presence in Dubai.

Effective leadership is a hallmark of the University of Birmingham. We have a global reputation as a rich and diverse institution known for inspirational thinking, financial stability, and strong local, national, and international partnerships.

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences comprises academic Schools working across the frontiers of science and engineering in education, research and translating knowledge. Our focus and contribution to society is based around three core themes of Science Frontiers; Advanced Manufacturing and Resilience; Energy and Sustainability.

The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences is committed to including Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity in our research and teaching, and to de-colonising the curriculum.

Role Summary

The University of Birmingham Dubai is seeking to appoint a Vice-Provost, reporting both to the Dubai Provost and to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Engineering and Physical Sciences of the University of Birmingham. The role of the Dubai Vice-Provost is to provide support to the leadership of the campus in specific subject areas and thematic priorities and to enhance cross-campus collaboration.

We are seeking an outstanding candidate who will provide significant strategic leadership which will positively enhance the profile of the institution in Dubai.

Main Duties

• Providing intellectual and academic leadership to the University of Birmingham Dubai across the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
• Providing academic leadership to one of two policy areas for the University of Birmingham Dubai - Learning and Teaching, or Research.
• Supporting the delivery of the University\'s vision for the Dubai campus, including the development of strategic relationships and partnerships, and of new income-generating opportunities.
• Supporting the development of leadership skills and capacity at the University of Birmingham Dubai.
• Representing the University as required and appropriate, particularly but not only within the UAE and the GCC region.
• Fostering an inclusive culture so that all communities within the Dubai campus feel fully engaged.

Person specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate significant leadership experience within a higher education institution, have a successful track record of building effective, long-term relationships and networks alongside a commitment to world-class pedagogy and/or research, and an internationally recognised contribution to scholarship. The post holder will be expected to have an excellent reputation for delivery in enterprise, engagement and impact which has had a major influence in the disciplinary area.

You will embody the values and culture of the University of Birmingham, possess a global outlook and the cultural competency to thrive in a diverse community, with the desire to positively and proactively engage with the local agenda.

Specific experience and achievements should include:

• A significant academic track record with distinction in research and teaching in Computer Science
• Significant experience of working in a large and complex organisation at a senior leadership level.
• A track record of managing change in a complex and culturally sensitive environment.
• Familiarity with the international higher education agenda.
• Commitment to the promotion of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion opportunities

The post holder should also be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to think strategically and develop a clear plan for the development of their College portfolio of activity within the Dubai campus, maximising the benefits of cross-campus collaboration and regional networks.
• Outstanding interpersonal and wider communication skills.
• A truly global outlook and the ability to represent the University externally.

Further details

The substantive post is based full-time in Dubai and is on standard University of Birmingham Dubai ten-year contractual terms and conditions, at Professorial level. The expectation is that the leadership component of the Vice-Provost role will account for the majority of workload, with the remainder to be allocated to research and teaching over this period. The Vice-Provost role is for four years in the first instance, with the option of either renewal or reversion to a Professorial position without Vice-Provost responsibilities.

Pre-employment

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquires may be addressed initially to: Professor David Sadler, University of Birmingham Dubai Provost, and/or Professor Mark Sterling, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Engineering and Physical Sciences via Yasmin Rani (Dubai Executive Office),

Please submit your application via the University\'s careers website. Previous candidates need not apply.

Times Higher Education