Associate Director, Knowledge Creation - College of Engineering, Rwanda

About Carnegie Mellon University Africa

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), located in Kigali, Rwanda, is the African branch of Carnegie Mellon University, a globally recognized private research university. Founded in 2011, CMU-Africa promotes engineering, technology, and innovation on the continent through graduate education, applied research, and strategic collaborations with universities, governments, and industry.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Associate Director of Knowledge Creation to steer the Center's research agenda in collaboration with CMU and partner institutions within the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec). This leadership role will implement and continuously evolve strategies that support applied research, foster collaboration, develop researchers, and engage stakeholders to advance digital transformation in Africa.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Center Director to create and implement strategic plans for the Knowledge Creation pillar aligned with inclusive digital transformation goals.
• Drive a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem by nurturing partnerships between universities, researchers, policymakers, and industry across the Afretec network.
• Enhance institutional research capacities including administration, grant oversight, governance, and sustainable infrastructure across partner universities.
• Promote research excellence in key areas such as AI, cybersecurity, digital health, climate technologies, fintech, technology policy, and related disciplines.
• Design and supervise programs to mentor and develop emerging African researchers including postdoctoral and faculty initiatives.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing through conferences, workshops, publications, and communities of practice to raise the profile of African research.
• Integrate research activities with teaching and entrepreneurship efforts to translate findings into educational and economic impact.
• Establish strategic alliances and support funding acquisition to expand and sustain knowledge creation efforts.
• Collaborate with Monitoring and Evaluation teams to document research outcomes, capacity improvements, and contributions to Africa's digital transformation.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and operational priorities in coordination with leadership and operational teams.
• Represent CMU-Africa and the Center as a thought leader in research and innovation across African digital transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in fields such as Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Technology or Public Policy, Economics, Innovation, Digital Transformation, or related disciplines.
• At least 8 years of increasing responsibility in research leadership, academic administration, or innovation ecosystem development.
• Proven experience managing complex multi-institutional research or innovation programs, especially in African contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to develop research strategies, build institutional capacity, and manage external funding.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining diverse partnerships with academic, governmental, industry, and development entities.
• Experience mentoring researchers and fostering collaborative high-performance research environments.
• Competence in managing professional teams, budgets, and operational resources within multi-stakeholder environments.
• Familiarity with research governance, ethics, intellectual property, and dissemination practices.
• Outstanding leadership, strategic planning, communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Commitment to inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence in advancing Africa's digital transformation.

Additional Information

This position requires adaptability and integrity in working with diverse internal and external partners. The candidate should share the university’s values and contribute to its mission through impactful work.

Benefits

Eligible employees receive extensive benefits including comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans with employer contributions, tuition benefits, paid time off, life and disability insurance, transit support, concierge services for family needs, fitness center access, and more.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Location

Kigali, Rwanda

Employment Type

Full-time, onsite