Dean
African School of Governance
Kigali - Rwanda
The African School of Governance (ASG) is seeking to appoint a Founding Dean for the overall institution.
ASG is a newly established, independent, pan-African graduate professional school situated in Kigali, Rwanda, seeking to offer a unique blend of world-class public policy and leadership education, research, and policy engagement that embraces its distinctive African identity.
Established in 2024, ASG was born from the vision of African leaders seeking to cultivate the next generation of scholars, professionals and leaders. The school aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills and mindset to tackle the major governance challenges facing Africa and the world in the 21st century and beyond.
The Dean will serve as the highest-ranking executive and leader of the institution, responsible for setting its strategic direction, vision and goals. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the School’s operations, promoting educational and research excellence as well as fostering faculty and student development. Furthermore, they will provide leadership to all areas of the School and represent the institution to internal and external stakeholders.
Interacting with the ASG Board, the Dean will develop and execute the university’s strategic plan, ensure financial sustainability and report on the institution’s progress. Furthermore, the position must provide strategic guidance to the executive leadership of the school in addition to working with faculty and staff to ensure the school is operating effectively at all levels. Moreover, it is vital that the appointee cultivates relationships externally with alumni, donors and strategic partners so to enhance and spread awareness of ASG’s mission, progress and positive impact.
The ideal candidate should possess a substantial history of progressively responsible, successful experience in senior administrative roles within higher education or a relevant industry, including government, think-tanks, and multilateral organizations. Additionally, they will have previous professional experience in Africa, including experience interacting with governments, policy makers and implementers and be familiar with the specific leadership, economic, and policy challenges of the continent.
Demonstratable experience in applying their knowledge and expertise to tackle and/or shape public policy and governance in an African context is especially favourable.
Individuals who are able to work fluidly in a start-up environment will excel in this position.
The position would require full, on campus presence in Kigali, Rwanda.
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited and can be made, in confidence, to Natalie Derry at nderry@wittkieffer.com.