Jobs

African University of Science and Technology (AUST) Academic Staff recruitment, September 2013


African University of Science and Technology (AUST) is a private, pan-African co-educational, graduate research university located in Abuja, Nigeria. It is the first of world class institutions established by Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI) for knowledge building and advancement of science and technology in the
sub-Saharan Africa. Its principal objective is to contribute to the training and development of a critical mass of world-class scientists and engineers that will become technology leaders, industry captains, dedicated to developing solutions to African problems. The University is supported by donor agencies and development partners, namely the World Bank group, African Development bank, African Capacity Building Foundation, United Nation University, ECOWAS, the Federal Government of Nigeria, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Petroleum Technology Trust Fund, Nigerian top Banks, top Nigerian Telecom Companies and International Organizations and universities worldwide.
In pursuance of this objective, our clients, African University of Science and Technology and Nelson Mandela Institutions have contracted us, Brandais Associates, Human Resources and Training and Management consultants, to search and recruit from across Nigeria, Africa and the world for immediate employment, the best and brightest faculty persons – Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and full Professors in the fields of Material Science and Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, Pure and Applied Mathematics and theoretical Physics.
Other vacant positions that need to be filled are: Accountants, Internal auditor, Laboratory Manager and Assistant, Program Officers, Communication and outreach Officers, and a driver.
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) have granted the two institutions, AUST AND NMI, the sum of USD 3.6 million towards the support for capacity building initiative of AUST in Science and Technology, and the University intend to apply part of this amount to cover the recruitment and remuneration of the persons and positions stated above.

A) FACULTY POSITIONS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING:
(Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors)
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS – QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • All applicants for the above faculty positions are expected to have Ph.D in a science or engineering field that is relevant to the discipline applied for.
  • Must have strong commitment to teaching excellence at the graduate level,
  • Must show clear capacity to for development of well-funded independent research program while publishing in leading internationally-recognized scholarly journals,
  • Must be capable of mentoring M.Sc, and Ph.D Students,
  • Applicants will be evaluated based on current credentials and potentials of future impact,
  • Exceptional candidates with high impact publication and a strong interest in teaching and research at the graduate level are encouraged to apply.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
  • Assistant Professor, candidates are expected to have published a number of high impact research papers in peer-reviewed international journals,
  • Have bright new ideas for teaching and research, as well as having potential for service in professional societies,
  • Associate Professors, candidates in addition to the above, must have a notional five (5) years’ experience in academia and/or industry.
  • They must have a national reputation for high impact research.
Full professional positions, candidates must have an international reputation for high impact research and strong record of mentoring graduate students and post-doctoral researchers that must have gone to high level position in industry and/or academia, while engaging in sponsored research and outreach activities.
All associate and full professors are expected to have successfully supervised a significant number of Ph.Dtheses, However, in the case of candidates from industry, the expectation is that they must have lead a large number of research and development projects.
Evidence of patented and formation of new technology-oriented companies will be added advantage, especially for candidates applying from industry. The selection panel will definitely look favorably on any interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research.
(B) ACCOUNTING POSITION – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
The accounts units of both institutions are responsible for the complete, appropriate, timely and accurate reporting of all transactions of each institution, in accordance with International financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and financial procedures of both AUST & NMI. They provide reports that are useful for decision-making by the board of trustees and outside partners. Under the guidance of a supervisor the incumbent will perform the following functions:
  • Ensure proper treatment of all Institutions’ financial transactions,
  • Verify all journal and accounting entries and maintain fixed asset register.
QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND SELECTION CRITERIA
  • At least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field. Candidate must be a chartered accountant (ICAN or ACCA certified). A masters degree in accounting, in business administration or finance will be an added advantage,
  •  At least six (6) years’ working experience and a proven ability in financial management and accounting is required.
  • Must be competent in the use of, and/or ability to learn and master established accounting software such as Tally,
  • Must be able to work, effectively in teams and committees, and have strong, clear oral and written communication skills,
(C) INTERNAL AUDIT POSITION – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The internal Auditor will, in accordance with the two Institutions’ financial regulations, provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the operations of both institutions. The Internal Auditor will provide all levels of management with periodic, independent and objective appraisals and audits of financial, accounting, operational, administrative and other activities, including identifying possible means of improving accountability, efficiency of operations and economy in the use of resources, internally and externally. The Internal Auditor will also perform the following functions:
  • Developing and managing a flexible annual audit plan using appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risk or control concerns identified by management, and submitting that plan to audit committee for review and approval
  • Implementing annual plan, as approved, including any special tasks or projects requested by management and audit committee and reporting periodically on the status and results of the annual audit plan as well as the adequacy of the department’s resources.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SELECTION CRITERIA
  • Masters degree or equivalence in Accounting, Finance, Business administration and/or any Internationally recognized professional qualifications (e.g. C.A, CPA, ACA)
  • At least 5-6 years of relevant experience in the profession,
  • Substantial experience in auditing of a well-established company/institution or in external auditing environments of an internal audit firm or international exposure,
  • Established reputation for integrity, good judgment, fairness, tact and discretion in dealing with top management staff and external parties,
  • Ability to communicate clearly in written and oral English, present and defend audit findings and recommendations,
  • • Ability to work in teams and committees.
(D) LABORATORY MANAGER – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Laboratory Manager will, in accordance with international best practice, ensure the overall implementation of quality assurance, safety and security procedures in the laboratory in line with the mandate and aspirations of AUST. The Laboratory Manager shall take advantage of such activities as internal and external quality audits, inter-laboratory comparisons, proficiency tests, surveillance visits, assessments by an accreditation body, or feedback and complaints from users and customers to provide advice to AUST Management on the measures/strategies that can be adopted to advance the quality of the entire operations of all the laboratories in AUST. Also, she/he will be responsible for stockroom upkeep, ordering and inventory, waste and safety records, routine equipment maintenance, and managing the work study of students.
Qualifications/Experience/Selection Criteria (including skills, knowledge):
• Masters Degree or Equivalent in Engineering, Physical Sciences or Science Laboratory Technology. Affiliation to any relevant Professional Body is an added advantage.
• At least 7-8 years of relevant experience in the profession
• Track record in providing laboratory services in a manner which maximizes organizational efficiency and ensures justifiable expenditure of resources and personnel.
• Ability to work in a team.
(E) LABORATORY TECHNICIAN – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Laboratory Technician will assist the Laboratory manager in the day to day repairs and maintenance of all Laboratories of the University.
Qualifications/Experience/Selection Criteria (including skills, knowledge):
• A minimum of master Degree in Laboratory Technology. 5-6 years’ experience in a University of Company Laboratory is required.
(F) PROGRAM OFFICER – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are looking for a program officer to help in the planning, development and implementation of the different tasks related to the program financed by an ACBF grant
Under the responsibility of his/her supervisor:
  • Support the implementation, supervision and monitoring of the ACBF funded projects and other incidental activities of the Multilateral Project Unit of AUST participate in the preparation of the ion of t work plan and budget for the implementation of the project or program control program/project expenditure to ensure they are done in compliance with the rules and procedures of the institution and those of the funding agency.
Qualifications/Experience/Selection Criteria (including skills, knowledge):
• Masters Degree or equivalent in Economics, Finance, or Business Administration. Background in Science or Engineering will be an added advantage
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in project management in general and in particular 3 years in project management of development agencies funded schemes.
(G) COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH OFFICER – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communication and outreach officer will be responsible for managing and implementing the communication policies of the two institutions (AUST & NMI) to achieve best possible understanding of the institutions’ policies and programs by host communities, relevant stakeholders, students, African and Nigeria governments, donor agencies, customers, international communities and all those that can influence positively the growth and development of the institutions. Duties and responsibilities include developing the communication policies and strategies that will project and protect good image of the institutions. Harmonize the institutions with their environments, manage and maintain the institutional identities through effective public communication.
Qualifications/Experience/Selection Criteria (including skills, knowledge):
• Must possess a minimum of Master’s Degree in Mass Communications, English Language or Public Relations
• Minimum of five (5) years’ Experience in Print or Electronic Media Organization, Public Relations firm, Public Communication Department of University.
(H) DRIVER – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The driver will work with the chief driver and ensure safe driving, neatness, management and regular maintenance of any vehicle assigned to him to drive on a daily bases.
Qualifications/Experience/Selection Criteria (including skills, knowledge):
• Minimum of WASSCE or NECO certificate
• At least 5-10 years’ experience in driving in University, Government establishment or reputable company.


SALARY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ARE VERY ATTRACTIVE AND COMPARABLE WITH OTHER UNIVERSITIES OF SIMILAR INTERNATIONALA STATUS IN NIGERIA. IT ATTRACTS BENEFITS TO LIVE IN ABUJA.
DURATION:Three years. The first year is probation period, after which the contract will be renewed for a minimum of another two years for all positions except professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor.

METHOD OF APPLICATION
• All applicants should send a formal application letter
• A copy of their CV
• Copies of FIVE (5) of their best publication and research written statement (for faculty position only)

Visit  http://brandaisassociates.com/?p=155 to apply