"Vice Provost Academic Affairs"

Job Details

Position: Vice Provost Academic Affairs, Nazarbayev University

Location: Kazakhstan

Application Deadline: 15th October 2025

Nazarbayev University (NU) is a modern institution that combines international standards with a distinctive Kazakh identity, dedicated to academic excellence and innovation. With a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, NU aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes, NU features world-class academic schools, rigorous and exciting curricula, and internationally competitive research that advances disciplines and contributes to the development of Kazakhstan and the wider region. NU boasts world class student experience and enjoys enviable estate and facilities, including outstanding research laboratories.

NU has made remarkable progress in its fifteen-year history, attracting students whose credentials match those required by top universities globally. With a strong foundation in research, teaching, and engagement, NU is now accelerating its journey toward global recognition. Our ambition is to be ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide by 2030.

To support this vision, NU’s President, Professor Waqar Ahmad, has recently appointed two distinguished leaders to the senior team: Professor Rehan Sadiq, who will be joining NU imminently as our new Provost from the University of British Columbia, where he served as Provost of the Okanagan Campus; and Professor Bjorn Birgisson, who brings senior leadership experience from Europe and North America, and will join as Vice Provost for Research and Innovation from the University of Georgia. Additionally, we are finalising the appointment of Vice President Medicine from an outstanding list of candidates. To complete this first-class leadership team NU is now seeking to appoint a new Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, of international calibre, to work closely with the Provost, fellow Vice Provosts, Deans, and other senior colleagues to lead the University’s strategy for academic excellence and student success. This includes developing a world-class, digitally enhanced programme portfolio, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding global partnerships in teaching and student exchange.

The role:

As Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic future of NU. You will lead the development and execution of innovative academic strategies that align with the University’s bold institutional goals, driving excellence in teaching and learning across all disciplines. A key part of your mission will be to elevate student success and experience, while attracting and retaining world-class faculty who share NU’s commitment to impact and innovation.

You will oversee curriculum design, academic policy and governance, and quality assurance, ensuring NU’s programmes remain globally competitive and locally relevant, championing interdisciplinary collaboration and spearheading the integration of cutting-edge pedagogies and digital learning technologies. Expanding NU’s global footprint through strategic partnerships in teaching and student exchange will be central to your role, as will representing the University at major academic conferences and policy forums worldwide.

The ideal candidate:

NU is seeking a distinguished academic with a proven track record in teaching and learning leadership and a substantial record of academic achievement. Experience in senior academic roles at leading research-intensive universities is essential. You should have a record of curriculum innovation, academic policy development, and quality assurance leadership. The ability to devise and implement strategies to improve teaching performance and student success, along with evidence of external academic leadership and collaboration with international partners, is highly desirable. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to represent NU at the highest levels are also required. A commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and nurturing academic talent is essential.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in a university that is not only advancing higher education in Kazakhstan but also contributing to regional development and global academic discourse. We welcome expressions of interest from candidates who share NU’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

Nazarbayev University has engaged the services of Odgers to assist with this appointment. For further information on the role, including a candidate briefing document, or for a confidential discussion about the position and details of how to apply please visit www.odgers.com/94542.