Deputy Provost

An outstanding opportunity is now available to join our growing Dubai Campus as our new Deputy Provost. This appointment will be available for 3 years with a possible extension of a further two years.

The Deputy Provost Dubai plays a key role in the effective operation of the Dubai campus and contributes to the in-country delivery of the overarching University strategy and is the most senior academic in the campus. The role-holder reports directly to the Provost and Head of Heriot-Watt Dubai, Professor Dame Heather McGregor. Areas of focus include research, industrial collaboration, learning and teaching and innovative education strategies, and enhancing the student experience.

Specific responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

• Leading and managing in-country academic activities (teaching, learning and research), in collaboration with the UK-based Executive Deans and the Heads on the Dubai campus, and the relevant Deputy Principals;
• Deputising for the Provost as required, both on campus and at meetings with external stakeholders and partners;
• Working with the Provost on high-priority strategic projects and targeted initiatives;
• Driving growth in externally-funded research and research student numbers, and fostering a supportive environment that enables colleagues to pursue and obtain their own research income;
• Developing external networks to support teaching and research collaborations;
• Ensuring continued improvement in research and research-related metrics, and developing campus-wise strategic initiatives to support these;
• Generating additional third-stream income;
• Ensuring that the student experience – both academic and social – is of the highest quality and closely aligned with that delivered across the University’s global operations, whilst ensuring it meets local needs;
• Working in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer of the Dubai campus to assure the operational management of the campus in support of its academic portfolio;
• Managing on-campus academic planning and policy, and supporting in-country recruitment;
• Overseeing quality assurance as it relates to internal University processes and to external approval from UAE government departments, government agencies, and professional institutions;
• Line management of the Director of Education and Student life and their team;
• Chairing the Dubai campus Research Management Committee and supporting colleagues in delivery of School-based research implementation plans;
• Participation in key committees such as the Global Operations Executive (GOE);
  University Committee for Research and Innovation (UCRI) and the Programme Management Board (PMB).

It is also expected that the Deputy Provost will have a University-wide role, leading key initiatives that will impact on all campuses, including but not restricted to other TNE activity in the region (e.g. in Kazakhstan where we have an active and growing partnership with K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University).

Experience and Knowledge

• An experienced academic, with a track record of leading and delivering (ideally) within engineering, technology, business, or one of the other disciplines offered at the Dubai campus; an engineering or STEM-based subject area is preferred;
• Senior management experience gained in a University context, perhaps as a Dean or Head of School; this should include managing people, budgets and projects, as well as the academic activities of teaching, research and student experience;
• A demonstrable track record of operating in a complex and culturally sensitive environment;
• Proven research expertise and team leadership;
• Experience of partnerships; both teaching and research-related;
• Good knowledge of, or an ability to get up to speed quickly with, the HE policy, quality assurance and funding landscape in the UAE; candidates will be prioritised who also have knowledge and experience of the HE policy, quality assurance and funding landscape in Scotland or the UK;
• Experience or familiarity in internationalisation/transnational education and, ideally, experience of living and working internationally.

Proficiency in the Arabic language (not essential, but preferred)

For the extensive job description, please click apply.