The Arab Open University (AOU) invites applications, nominations, and expression of interest for several jobs that will follow. All advertised jobs are full time under a three year renewable contract and are located at the AOU – HQ in Kuwait.
The AOU has its Headquarters in Kuwait with branches in Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Oman with a total enrolment of 30.000 students in four faculties (Business Studies, Computer Studies, Education and English language and Literature) offering bachelor programs. Five master level programs are expected to come on line very soon: MBA, M.Ed. Leadership, M. Ed Instructional Technology, Software Development, and an MA in English Literature. The portfolio of bachelor programs is expected to be expanded, The AOU has a technical agreement with the Open University - UK and receives validation services through OUVS.
1. University Librarian
The University Librarian is responsible for the leadership and management of the AOU's Library system to support all academic programs that use a blended learning approach. He/she will oversee strategic planning and development, and have fiscal and operational responsibilities for all aspects of library print and electronic collections, services, and facilities.
Reporting to the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, the University Librarian is a member of the AOU senior leadership, and the academic and administrative leader of the AOU library system.
The successful candidate will be fundamental to shaping the vision and leading the evolution of the AOU library system into the next generation of information access and services for the AOU community.
The candidate for the University Librarian position will possess a , graduate level degree in library and information science or a related filed, coupled with management level experience in higher education library services. He/she will have outstanding leadership capabilities, coupled with the ability to maintain effective relationships with faculty, students, and technical partners
2. University Registrar
The University Registrar has the following responsibilities:
· Assure that course offerings are consistent with academic degree plans,
· Facilitate registration processes in all the AOU branches,
· Assure integrity of students academic records
· Assure adherence to academic calendar,
· Assure accuracy and integrity of students' final grades before final posting into their records .
· Assure satisfaction of all degree requirements prior to certification of student graduation.
· Assure availability of backup copies of student records database and a high capability of disaster recovery,
Reporting to the AOU Rector, the University Registrar is a member of the AOU senior management and is expected to provide leadership and guidance for registrar activities throughout all the AOU branches,
The University Registrar will possess a graduate degree in a related field coupled with extensive relevant experience in institutions of higher education. He/she will have outstanding leadership, management, communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to maintain effective relationships with colleagues, faculty, and students,
3. Quality Assurance (QA) Director
The Quality Assurance (QA) Director will be responsible for:
. Leading the development, maintenance, and promotion of quality standards of academic programs and processes.
· Assuring effective compliance with quality standards.
· Assuring preparedness of the AOU academic programs for accreditation and re-accreditation audits by local and international bodies.
. Conducting quality awareness workshops and providing guidance on quality issues to administrators of academic programs.
Reporting to the Vice Rector for Research, Planning, and Development, the QA Director is a member of the AOU senior management team and is expected to provide leadership and guidance to these subordinates.
The QA Director will possess a doctoral degree in a relevant field or equivalent and a knowledge of, and commitment to, teaching.
learning and quality assurance in higher education. Excellent writing and verbal and project management skills are essential. coupled with the ability to maintain effective relationships with administration, faculty, staff, and students.
4. Administration Affairs Director
The Administrative Affairs Director will be responsible for operational and fiscal control of all aspects of administrative activities including facilities maintenance. security. office services, travel and transportation services, accommodation services, government relations, human resources services. and assuring quality of all administrative services.
Reporting to the Vice Rector for Administrative and Financial Affairs, the Administrative Affairs Director is a member of the AOU senior management and is expected to provide his subordinates with leadership and guidance.
The Administrative Affairs Director will possess a relevant degree at postgraduate level or equivalent with administrative experience in (preferably) higher education, with an outstanding record of organizational and resources management, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with academic colleagues and senior staff in shaping and implementing policy and strategy. Strong communication. management and leadership skills are essential.
5. Human Resources (HR) Director
The Humans Resources (HR) Director will be responsible for:
· Assuring effectiveness of recruitment activities.
· Assuring availability, accuracy, and relevance of job descriptions, development.
· Development of job ladders and career paths for all technical jobs. ,
· The design of training and continuing professional development programs in coordination with employees' departments.
· Assuring alignment of HR strategic plans with the AOU's vision, mission, and strategy.
· Design and administration of pertorn1ance appraisal systems.
· Design and update of HR policies and procedures
· Design and administration of employees' satisfaction surveys.
· Assisting all responsibility centers in developing manpower plans.
· Assuring effective compliance with recruitment due processes.
Reporting to the Vice Rector for Administrative and Financial Affairs, the Human Resources Director is a member of the AOU senior management and is expected to provide leadership and guidance to his subordinates.
Relevant degree at postgraduate level is required, significant relevant experience, well developed interpersonal skills, presentation and communication skills, and proven record of delivery are essential.
6. MBA Director
The MBA Director reports to the Dean of Business Studies and will provide strategic leadership to build and maintain the MBA program as a flagship of the AOU graduate programs. The MBA director will ,be responsible for overseeing curriculum development, monitoring performance indicators, and quality outcomes. The MBA director will be actively involved in promoting the MBA program to the business and wider community locally, regionally, and internationality.
The MBA Director should possess a doctoral degree in a relevant field with previous experience as a director of an MBA program . or as a faculty member at the associate professor rank, at least, with teaching and leadership responsibilities. A high level of interpersonal and communication skills is essential.
7. Director – Planning Unit
The Director of the Planning Unit will be responsible for: · Effective contribution toward the AOU strategic planning.
· Follow-up of the implementation of the operating plans.
· Significant contribution in developing faculty members' capabilities in data statistical analysis and scientific research.
· Compilation and analysis of statistical data related to the AOU human resources and students.
The Director of the Planning Unit will possess a post graduate degree in a related field coupled with experience in an institution of higher education for at least five years.
Theoretical and applied knowledge in statistics is essential.
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
The Director of the Planning Unit will report to the Vice Rector for Research, Planning and Development.
8. Chief Information Officer
The Chief Information Officer will be responsible for:
· Heading an enterprise's Information Technology application development and integration as well as required tools.
· Determine the information technology solutions required by the organization and playa key role in the formulation of the AOU's overall ICT wide strategic goals and budget.
· Involvement in analyzing existing business processes, developing resources to use new technology, and capable of anticipating required infrastructure and necessary restructuring for successful implementation of solutions as well as play an advisory role to academics and other technical staff
· Lead efforts to setup SLAs and identification of KPI essentials for ICT services.
· Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice Rector for Educational and Information Technology.
The Chief Information Officer will possess a PhD or Masters degree in Information Technology, computer science or a related discipline, Industrial Certifications, and more than 10 years experience in IT and!
or application development.
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
The Chief Information Officer will report to the Vice Rector for Educational and Information Technology.
For all jobs, command of the English language is essential; knowledge of the Arabic language is preferred but not essential.
All jobs offer attractive compensation packages and fringe benefits including housing & transportation allowance, medical insurance for self and legal dependents, annual repatriation air tickets, and after service benefits.
Interested candidates can send in their letter of application together with a CV and copies of academic credentials in sealed envelopes through courier service, no later than June 1st 2011 to: The Rector, The Arab Open University, P.O. Box: 3322 Sa fat, 13033 Kuwait, Kuwait First stage interviews will be conducted on June 15, 2011, Second stage interviews will be conducted on June 30, 2011.
For more information, please visit our website, www.arabou.edu.kw or e-mail us at: vr.admfin@arabou.edu.kw
