Executive Director at African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Location: Africa
Last Date: November 30, 2010

Executive Director Search

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS, http://www.aims.ac.za ) is a globally recognized centre of excellence for postgraduate education and research in Cape Town, South Africa. Its mission is to rapidly and cost-effectively expand Africa’s scientific and technological capacity by providing advanced training to exceptional African graduates. The AIMS-Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI, http://www.nexteinstein.org ) is an ambitious plan to create a coordinated network of 15 AIMS centres spanning the continent by 2020. So far, over $20M has been committed by the Government of Canada, as well as corporate and private sources, in support.


The AIMS-NEI Executive Director will lead the planning and implementation of the network of AIMS centres, leverage new funding, and develop systems and practices that ensure the highest standards of accountability and effectiveness across the AIMS-NEI organization. The first priority will be to ensure the creation of AIMS centres in Senegal, Ghana and Ethiopia, joining AIMS-South Africa and AIMS-Nigeria in a fully coordinated network of five AIMS centres, within the next three years.

The AIMS-NEI Executive Director will be appointed by the AIMS-NEI Foundation and based at the AIMS-NEI Secretariat at AIMS in Cape Town, South Africa, with travel as required to other AIMS centres and international partner institutions including the Perimeter Institute in Canada.

Required Capabilities and Attributes

- A track record of overseeing major projects in developing countries from start-up to fruition
- Extensive experience managing and leading teams combining people with diverse expertise, from academics and government officials to IT staff and construction managers
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills (oral and written) and cultural sensitivity
- A proven capacity to think strategically, to plan carefully, and to put ideas into practice
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing management, reporting and financial systems
- A proven ability to recruit and assemble teams able to work effectively in geographically distributed teams
- A passionate commitment to promoting the development of basic science in Africa

Qualifications

- At minimum, an MBA or equivalent degree and 5+ years experience in an executive role in either NGO/non-profit,
academic, government or private sectors
- Fluency in French will be considered a strong asset

Application

An internationally competitive salary and benefits package will be offered. AIMS-NEI is an equal opportunity employer, and applications from women and minorities are especially encouraged. Qualified and interested applicants are invited to apply by November 30, 2010.

A full curriculum vitae, including nationality and references, should be mailed to:

Prof. Neil Turok
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
6-8 Melrose Road
Muizenberg 7945
South Africa

Attn: AIMS-NEI Executive Director Search

Or submitted electronically to:

Prof. Neil Turok c/o Gudrun Schirge at: gudrun@aims.ac.za