Director, Research Directorate

About the role

Arba Minch University is seeking a competent and committed Ethiopian academic staff member to serve as Director of the Research Directorate, appointed on merit. The role covers planning, coordinating and overseeing research activities across the university's colleges, institutes and centers.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organize and lead research activities for all colleges, institutes and centers, and develop and implement policies and procedures for research affairs.
• Ensure proper allocation, implementation and administration of research funds, and monitor the Research and Outreach Management System.
• Establish and supervise research workstations, and facilitate interdisciplinary research programs in consultation with relevant units.
• Coordinate internal and external assistance for research projects, identify and prioritize projects of national and regional importance, and prepare the research strategic plan and annual plans.
• Evaluate research capacity, identify gaps and priority areas for capacity building, and follow up on the research coordination structure and capacity-building plans.
• Support research for PhD students and selected self-sponsored MA/MSc students, and organize annual research symposia, seminars and conferences.
• Link completed research outputs with the UILTT/EDIC Directorate, and oversee workloads, incentives, recognitions and the handling of research breaches and misconduct.
• Work with finance and procurement directorates to clear administrative processes and release project funds, enforce anti-plagiarism screening and peer review, and design capacity-building programs and grant schemes for junior researchers and early-career staff.
• Prepare quarterly work reports and periodic reports on research activities, and discharge other duties assigned by the Vice President for Research and Development.

Required profile

• At least a rank of lecturer.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an appreciation of teamwork.
• Demonstrated competence in coordinating research and innovation activities.
• Strong understanding of research reform, a positive mindset, and no conflicts of interest.
• Possibly other related work experience and training.

Applicants must submit full credentials, a detailed CV and a letter of motivation in a sealed envelope to the Office of Competency and HR Core Process by 31 July 2026, 6:00 p.m., along with other documents required by the selection guidelines.