Associate Director, Knowledge Creation

About Carnegie Mellon University Africa

Founded in 2011, Carnegie Mellon University Africa is a pioneering U.S. research university operating fully on the African continent at its Kigali City, Rwanda campus. The university offers master’s programs through its highly ranked College of Engineering in Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Engineering Artificial Intelligence. The institution emphasizes rigorous technical education linked to innovation, practical problem-solving, and impact-driven research that addresses both regional and global challenges in collaboration with industry and government.

Role Overview

The position of Associate Director, Knowledge Creation is a full-time onsite role located in Kigali City, Rwanda. The primary responsibility is to lead and manage the development, coordination, and distribution of research outputs and knowledge assets throughout CMU Africa. This involves partnering closely with faculty, researchers, and students to guide research activities, support grant application and reporting processes, maintain knowledge repositories, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee research initiatives and projects, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Support the development and submission of grant proposals and assist with reporting requirements.
• Create and manage comprehensive knowledge repositories and curate publications to maximize dissemination.
• Organize and coordinate seminars, workshops, and conferences to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Establish and implement procedures for documenting best practices and research outcomes.
• Strengthen partnerships with industry, government, and academic stakeholders to enhance research visibility and impact.
• Contribute to strategic planning for research and innovation at the university.

Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing academic research projects and supporting grant development and administration.
• Proficiency in knowledge management, including repository development, publication coordination, and event management.
• Educational background in engineering, information technology, data science, or related fields, enabling support of technical research.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty members, students, industry partners, and government bodies.
• Strong command of English with excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of making complex research accessible to various audiences.
• Experience in mentoring or capacity building for early-career researchers and graduate students.
• Exceptional organizational and project management capabilities, able to handle multiple initiatives with attention to detail.
• Master’s degree is mandatory; a PhD or equivalent extensive research leadership experience is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Africa's higher education and research environments, with an interest in promoting innovation and impact on the continent.