Vacancies

Director/Associate Director, International Office

Department: International Office

Duty Station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Accountable to: Rector

Direct Reports: Strategic Support Officer / Manager

Application Deadline: 24 February 2026

Purpose

The Director / Associate Director of UCA’s small International Office (IO) leads UCA’s global, regional and national engagement efforts, ensuring the University’s international and partnership strategy aligns with institutional priorities and enhances UCA’s visibility, partnerships, and mobility programmes. The role requires a strong understanding of international higher education, strategic partnership development, risk management, and programme administration. The Director / Associate Director plays a key role in fostering international, regional and national collaborations, managing student and faculty exchange programmes, and mitigating risks associated with global engagement.

Why Join UCA?

• Impactful Teaching and Research: Contribute to an academic institution that is dedicated to fostering innovation and development in Central Asia and beyond.
• Collaboration and Growth: Be part of a diverse, interdisciplinary academic environment, with opportunities for collaboration and research across multiple fields of societal relevance.
• Regional Leadership: Lead the development of innovative solutions to regional challenges in climate adaptation, sustainable development, technology, data science, and digital policy.
• Support for Female Scholars: UCA is deeply committed to supporting female scholars in all fields, providing opportunities to further advance gender equity in academia.

Reporting

The Director / Associate Director reports directly to the Rector’s Office and works closely with University leadership, academic schools, and administrative units to integrate internationalisation and institutional partnership into UCA’s broader strategy. The role requires frequent engagement with external stakeholders, including partner universities, funding bodies, diplomatic representatives, and government agencies. 

Critical Accountabilities and Outcomes

International Partnerships and Engagement

• Develop and implement UCA’s global engagement strategy, ensuring alignment with the University’s academic and research priorities.
• Identify and establish strategic partnerships with leading universities, and research institutions.
• Oversee the negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of international agreements, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
• Represent UCA at international forums, conferences, and partnership meetings to promote collaboration and enhance institutional visibility.
• Strengthen UCA’s participation in academic networks and consortia, maximising opportunities for faculty and student mobility, joint research, and knowledge exchange.
• Lead diplomatic engagement efforts, liaising with embassies, international organisations, and funding agencies to advance UCA’s internationalisation objectives. 

Student and Faculty Mobility Programmes

• Be responsible for the administration of exchange programmes such as Erasmus+ and other international mobility initiatives.
• Develop policies and processes to support outbound and inbound student and faculty exchanges, ensuring smooth operations and a high-quality experience for participants.
• Collaborate with academic departments to integrate mobility programmes into UCA’s curriculum and research agenda.
• Track and report on the impact of mobility programmes, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and programme improvements. 

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify and assess risks associated with UCA’s international activities, maintaining a comprehensive risk register.
• Collaborate with the University’s risk management team to ensure compliance with international regulations, financial oversight, and partnership agreements.
• Develop mitigation strategies to address challenges related to international engagement, including regulatory barriers, financial risks, and geopolitical considerations.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards and best practices in international education and research collaborations. 

Scholarship and Funding Administration

• Oversee the administration of the Central Asia Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP) and other scholarship initiatives, ensuring effective selection, financial management, and impact assessment.
• Develop strategies to attract external funding for scholarships, faculty development, and international exchange programmes.
• Support the creation of mentorship programmes for CAFDP scholars, fostering professional development and knowledge-sharing within the UCA community. 

Institutional Governance and Strategic Planning

• Provide strategic direction to UCA’s leadership on internationalisation efforts, advising on policy development, partnership strategies, and emerging global trends.
• Lead the development of internationalisation policies, ensuring they are integrated into UCA’s overall strategic framework.
• Participate in institutional committees and governance structures, contributing to University-wide decision-making on international initiatives.
• Ensure effective coordination between the International Office and other University departments to facilitate a cohesive approach to global engagement.

Capacity Building and Professional Development

• Lead and mentor International Office staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Identify training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and expertise of team members.
• Promote international engagement across the University, encouraging faculty and staff to participate in global opportunities.
• Identify gaps in own abilities and actively work to strengthen competence.
• Maintain currency of skills and knowledge, continually deepening understanding, honing expertise, and growing as a researcher, educator and leader.

Independent and Collaborative Decision-Making

The position requires independent decision-making to:

• Develop and implement internationalisation and partnership strategies within the framework of UCA’s mission.
• Make independent decisions, concerning risk management, and operational priorities.
• Lead the development and implementation of international partnerships, mobility programmes, and strategic initiatives aligned with UCA’s global engagement priorities.
• Represent and promote UCA in international forums, within the scope of the University’s vision and mission. 

The incumbent will engage in collaborative decision-making within the team and across UCA through:

• Academic departments, to integrate mobility programmes and research partnerships.
• The Rector’s Office and senior leadership, to align internationalisation with institutional priorities.
• External partners, to facilitate joint initiatives and secure funding. 

The incumbent will engage in collaborative decision-making within the team and across UCA by:

• Assisting in the organisation of international and other delegations, partnership meetings, and events to strengthen UCA’s presence on the global stage.
• Ensuring that International Office activities align with institutional priorities and that meetings and engagements are productive and goal-oriented.
• Identifying professional development opportunities related to international higher education for both colleagues and students.
• Encouraging a collaborative and inclusive culture within the International Office and across the University’s academic and administrative units.

Consequences of Error

• Failure to establish and manage partnerships effectively may result in missed opportunities for research collaborations, funding, and academic exchanges.
• Non-compliance with regulatory requirements and risk management policies could expose UCA to financial, legal, and reputational risks.
• Ineffective mobility programme administration may lead to decreased student and faculty participation and diminished international engagement.
• Lack of funding for scholarships and global programmes could limit opportunities for students and faculty to engage in international experiences.
• Failure to maintain strong diplomatic and funding relationships may weaken UCA’s global position and limit institutional growth. 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or higher) in international relations, higher education management, or a related field. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Ability to manage international partnerships, student and faculty mobility programmes, and institutional agreements in a higher education setting.
• Experience in supporting the development and administration of international collaborations, including drafting agreements, coordinating events, and facilitating stakeholder engagement.
• Minimum five years of experience in international education, academic partnerships, or global engagement within a university or research institution.
• Proven ability to manage international programmes, partnerships, and agreements in a higher education setting.
• Strong experience in risk management, regulatory compliance, and financial oversight related to international operations.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse partners, including academic institutions, funding agencies, and government bodies. 

Languages

• Proficiency in Russian is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Kyrgyz, Tajik, and/or Kazakh languages is an asset.  

UCA Background

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV; ratified by their respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is the Chancellor.  UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education and becoming a leading research university in the region and internationally. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org 

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? We kindly invite you to submit your application for this position by clicking the Apply button on this page Карьерные возможности: Director / Associate Director, International Office (1223). To facilitate a smooth application process, please create an account on our website. Be assured that the account setup and application steps are straightforward.

Candidates from the founding countries of UCA: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply for the position. 

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities