Background: 

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) is a strategic position within the administrative and academic structure of the University and responsible for developing and implementing the University’s strategic research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, in accordance with the FNU Strategic Plan and contribution to national development.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation will be responsible for implementing associated recommendations for improvement identified through the University’s external and internal audit processes. The post-holder is expected to lead the university’s research programme, and generate, embed and sustain an institutional research culture that values challenge-based research with demonstrable impact and innovation alongside learning and teaching, recognizing that both are essential for national and regional development.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) will lead the development of the University’s efforts in securing relevant partnerships (with universities, governments, NGOs, employers and funders); develop and implement research policies to deliver consistent improvements in the University’s research quality and its innovation and knowledge exchange activities; lead and support enhanced bidding and winning of research grants; oversee the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research (FIPHR) and other emerging Research centers associated with the colleges. The post-holder will promote and support research excellence, and ensure and enhance ongoing research, innovation and knowledge production and exchange capacity and confidence of FNU academic staff.

The post-holder is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Senate and works closely with the College Associate Deans for Research, the Professoriate, The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) chairs the University Research Committee, the Centre for Graduate Studies and other committees, working groups, project groups as agreed with the Vice-Chancellor. The post-holder may be asked to deputies for the Vice-Chancellor on occasions.

Person Specification: 

Essential

• An earned doctorate (PhD or equivalent) from a recognised university.
• Professorial or equivalent standing, with a research reputation and profile commensurate with a senior academic leadership role.
• More than 15-20years’ experience in higher education with significant experience leading, managing and administering institution-wide research portfolios.
• Evidence of sustained success in attracting competitive external research funding.
• Demonstrated leadership in research quality enhancement, external evaluation, and research governance.
• Strong financial, human resources, and organisational management skills.

Desirable

• Membership of relevant learned and/or professional societies would be an advantage.
• Experience establishing or leading research centres, institutes, or interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build partnerships across government, industry, communities, and international organisations.
• A strong commitment to research ethics, integrity, equity, diversity, and the mission and values of Fiji National University.

Salary: An attractive salary commensurate with qualifications, experience and abilities would be negotiated with the successful applicant.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may contact:

Name: Joshna Paayal

Email: joshna.paayal@fnu.ac.fj

Application Details

All applications are to include:
 
• A letter of application addressing each of the criterion listed under the Person Specification more specifically the Essential and Desirable criteria. This application letter will form the main basis for shortlisting. Failure to provide the application letter will result in your application not being considered. 

• A detailed CV with three referees full contact details (telephone numbers and email addresses). Candidate should state their relationship with each referee (e.g. line manager, former postgraduate supervisor). 

• Copies of academic transcripts and certificates that are of relevance to the qualification requirements of the advertised position.

All applications must be submitted online using the University’s online job applications system which can be accessed at this address: https://careers.fnu.ac.fj .

Applications sent via email or manually for all positions will not be accepted.

Should you have any queries on the advertised opportunity or face difficulty in submitting the application online, please email the following:

1. Director Human Resources or Senior Specialist Human Resource Partnerships (email ID stated in the advertisement): For any queries regarding the advertised position.
2. hrat@fnu.ac.fj : For any assistance with the online application or technical issues.


Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not been contacted by Fiji National University, then your application has not been successful.

FNU is an equal opportunity employer. Preference is given to applicants holding Fiji citizenship. International applicants may be considered.