Associate Director, Knowledge Creation - College of Engineering - Rwanda
On-siteKigali, Kigali, Rwanda
Job Summary
Lead the strategic direction and operational oversight of the Knowledge Creation pillar across CMU-Africa and the Afretec network. Partner with the Center Director and faculty to develop an implementation plan that operationalizes strategic objectives for advancing inclusive digital transformation. Co-create a vibrant research ecosystem by fostering collaboration among universities, policymakers, industry partners, and development organizations. Coordinate initiatives strengthening institutional research capacity, including research administration, grant management, and governance. Advance research excellence in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital health while designing programs to cultivate the next generation of African researchers. Promote knowledge exchange through conferences, publications, and communities of practice. Build strategic partnerships to support resource mobilization and ensure activities integrate with Teaching & Learning and Entrepreneurship pillars. Manage pillar budgets, annual work plans, and staffing resources in partnership with operational teams.
Required Qualifications
- PhD required in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Technology Policy, Public Policy, Economics, Innovation Studies, Digital Transformation, Social Sciences, or another discipline relevant to the Center's research priorities
- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in research leadership, academic administration, research program management, innovation ecosystem development, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience leading complex research, innovation, or knowledge creation initiatives involving multiple institutions, stakeholders, funding partners, and geographies, preferably within Africa
- Proven track record of developing and implementing research strategies, building institutional research capacity, and securing or managing externally funded research programs and strategic partnerships
- Experience building and sustaining collaborative networks involving universities, research institutes, industry, governments, foundations, and development organizations
- Demonstrated success mentoring researchers, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career academics while fostering collaborative and high-performing research environments
- Experience managing professional staff, consultants, budgets, and operational resources within complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Experience working effectively across diverse institutional, cultural, and geographic contexts, preferably in Africa or other emerging markets
- Deep understanding of research ecosystems, research capacity development, and research management in higher education environments
- Strong knowledge of emerging technology domains and their role in advancing inclusive digital transformation
- Understanding of research funding landscapes, grant development, and partnership cultivation
- Familiarity with research governance, ethics, intellectual property, research administration, and knowledge dissemination practices
- Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change-management capabilities
- Ability to build and sustain relationships with senior academic leaders, researchers, policymakers, industry partners, and funding organizations
- Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary and multi-institutional initiatives
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate research into actionable insights and societal impact
- Commitment to inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence
- Passion for advancing research, innovation, and digital transformation across Africa
- Location Kigali, Rwanda
Desired Qualifications
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
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