5 Academic job positions at Carnegie Mellon University: (Deadline 30-08-2026)

 

Impact Storytelling and Outreach Manager - EdTech Project  at Carnegie Mellon University: (Deadline 30-08-2026)

Job title  Impact Storytelling and Outreach Manager - EdTech Project Reports to  CMU-Africa Director Start Date  ASAP Location  Kigali, Rwanda

About the Job 

CMU-Africa seeks a passionate and experienced Impact Storytelling and Outreach Manager to join our Learning Science for Innovators (LSFI) team, working with EdTech Hubs to manage and implement storytelling projects about education technology and research. The EdTech Project, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aims to enhance educational technology products for Africa by training EdTech entrepreneurs and their staff in learning sciences and learning experience design. The Impact Storytelling and Outreach Manager will be responsible for articulating and sharing successes and experiences of project stakeholders who are creating technology products for the African educational context. Additionally, this person will support Carnegie Mellon University teams at CMU-Africa and our Pittsburgh campus in the production of high-quality learning experiences using multimedia and writing projects to elevate learning tools. This role will report to the CMU-Africa Manager. 

About Carnegie Mellon University

Since its founding in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has been a birthplace of innovation. Ranked #1 in Computer Science and #4 in Engineering by U.S. News & World Report, CMU is dedicated to producing creative and technically strong engineers who have a meaningful impact on their communities and accelerate positive technological change in the world. In 2011, CMU extended its global footprint into Africa as the Regional Center of Excellence for ICT based in Rwanda and the anchor tenant of Kigali Innovation City. In a region booming with opportunities, CMU is the only U.S.-based research university offering its master’s degrees with a full-time faculty, staff, and operations in Africa.

About the EdTech Project 

This project aims to enable demand-driven technology innovations that close the gap in access, quality, and relevant learning for the most underserved learners across populations on the African continent. The Mastercard Foundation is collaborating with a set of 12 Tech Hubs who will grow an innovation ecosystem by hosting and supporting educational technology entrepreneurs from across the continent. In this program, there is a unique and timely opportunity for world-renowned learning science faculty at Carnegie Mellon University to help to increase the quality and relevance of those educational technology innovations by supporting the Tech Hubs and their EdTech entrepreneurs fellows in deepening the skills and knowledge of the science behind learning through a set of coordinated training and mentoring activities, including 

1. In-person and online deep dive workshops with EdTech Hubs 
2. Online certificate program in a variety of Learning Sciences topics 
3. Online mentoring and office hours with CMU faculty in Africa and Pittsburgh
4. Novel research and knowledge creation together with Hub staff and entrepreneurs

As the project scales, 12 Tech Hubs will enroll 12 EdTech Fellows and their teams every year for 3 years in an acceleration program that supports entrepreneurs to improve the learning outcomes of their EdTech products and other aspects of their business. Data will be collected throughout the program to be analyzed to produce informative research. The novel research and knowledge dissemination will contribute to the learning science in Edtech and importantly to the improvement of EdTech products that deliver high quality education on the African continent.

The Role 

As Impact Storytelling and Outreach Manager, you will work closely with the LSFI team to ensure high quality internal and external outreach through storytelling, media production and compelling narrative development. While specific responsibilities vary, they will include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Lead the content development of the LSFI project website, social media channels, project stories/ blog, as well as other marketing and branding materials.
• Collaborate across EdTech Hubs to promote LSFI offerings as key supports for the development of successful learning tools that are culturally relevant in African educational contexts. This includes supporting the production of evidence-based reports for project participants and funders. 
• Manage promotion for events, learning opportunities, meetups, and storytelling campaigns. This includes collaborating with Hubs, Fellows, and the Mastercard Foundation, as well as other critical stakeholders on the project. 
• Produce branded, professional video, motion graphics, and interviews for marketing and capturing program impact.
• Manage external narratives on channels like project websites, LinkedIn, and handle media relations, writing copy for company newsletters or memos and adhering to brand guidelines when publishing content and marketing materials. 
• Create an outreach strategy and implement timely and professional internal and external initiatives. 
• Liaise with Learning Engineers to help produce and manage digital assets by request, including course visuals, audio, video recordings, podcasts; obtain media releases as needed. 
• Meet accessibility guidelines and language localization requirements across assets and channels. 
• Maintain the CMU and project’s brand reputation, as well as the brands of collaborators, including overseeing marketing materials, coordinating campaigns, and tracking success.  Evaluate outreach initiatives and campaigns to determine their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
• Develop reporting strategies to measure outreach and narrative impacts, including engagement, reach, and impressions 

Education and experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in writing, media production, advertising/ marketing, journalism, education, or other related fields. 
• Strong portfolio demonstrating culturally relevant writing and outreach examples. 
• Media production skills including film, motion graphics, audio and video editing. 
• Graphic design experience with a visual command of color use, typography, iconography and information visualization techniques 
• Experience working in outreach and education in the African context. 
• Experience working on multicultural and multilingual teams 
• English fluency; excellent written and verbal English skills. Knowledge of additional languages is an added value. 
• Proficiency in front-end technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript) and production tools (Figma, Framer) a plus 

To apply 

If you are an experienced Impact Storytelling and Outreach Manager with a strong commitment to enhancing educational technology across Africa, we encourage you to use this link to send your application through the below link by August 31, 2026. Applications should include a cover letter with your motivation for applying, a comprehensive resume/CV, and a portfolio showcasing your work. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Application Link: https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/about/careers.html 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

Data and Analytics Specialist  at Carnegie Mellon University: (Deadline 30-08-2026)

Job title  Data and Analytics Specialist Reports to  Associate Director of Impact Start Date  ASAP Location  Kigali, Rwanda

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is Carnegie Mellon University's global location in Africa, based in Kigali, Rwanda. Established in 2011, CMU-Africa is advancing engineering, technology, research, and innovation across the continent through world class graduate education, applied research, and strategic partnerships. 

With students from more than 25 African countries and a growing portfolio of sponsored programs, research initiatives, and talent development activities, CMU-Africa is helping develop the next generation of technology leaders while contributing to Africa's digital transformation. 

The Opportunity

CMU-Africa is seeking an experienced and highly analytical Data and Analytics Specialist to strengthen the institution's data capabilities and support evidence-based decision making across its educational, research, and sponsored programs. 

This role will play a critical part in developing and maintaining the data systems, reporting infrastructure, analytics capabilities, and business intelligence tools that enable CMU Africa and its partner institutions to effectively monitor performance, track outcomes, identify trends, and make informed decisions. 

Working closely with institutional leadership, program teams, partner institutions, and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist, the successful candidate will transform complex datasets into meaningful insights that support institutional effectiveness, program performance, accountability, and strategic planning. 

This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape data and analytics practices across a growing network of leading African universities and innovation ecosystems. 

The scope of responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Key Responsibilities

Data Architecture and Systems 

• Partner with CMU’s Institutional Research and Analysis teams to support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of data architectures, systems, and workflows that enable effective collection, storage, integration, analysis, and reporting of institutional and program data. 
• Develop and maintain scalable data pipelines, databases, reporting processes, and analytical environments that consolidate data from multiple programs, partners, and platforms. 
• Promote data governance standards, data quality protocols, documentation practices, and interoperability across systems and institutions. 
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability through automation, process improvement, and technology adoption. 
• Develop and maintain data dictionaries, metadata standards, and technical documentation. 

Data Management and Quality Assurance 

• Oversee processes for data validation, cleaning, transformation, and quality assurance across multiple data sources. 
• Monitor data completeness, consistency, and accuracy, and work with stakeholders to resolve data quality issues. 
• Establish and maintain processes that ensure data integrity, security, confidentiality, and compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulations. 
• Support the development and implementation of standardized data collection and reporting practices across programs and partner institutions. 

Analytics and Insight Generation 

• Conduct quantitative analyses to identify trends, patterns, opportunities, risks, and performance drivers across programs and institutional activities. 
• Develop analytical products that support operational effectiveness, strategic planning, and organizational decision-making. 
• Produce technical analyses, data briefs, and analytical reports that communicate findings in a clear and accessible manner. 
• Respond to ad hoc analytical requests from institutional leadership, program teams, and other stakeholders. 
• Work closely with the MEL Specialist to ensure analytical outputs support monitoring, evaluation, learning, reporting, and strategic decision-making needs.

Reporting, Visualization, and Business Intelligence 

• Collaborate with CMU-Africa leadership to design, develop, and maintain dashboards, scorecards, visualizations, and reporting tools that provide timely and actionable insights to stakeholders. 
• Automate recurring reports and reporting processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and accessibility of information. 
• Present analytical findings through effective visualizations and reporting products tailored to technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Support institutional and program reporting requirements through the provision of validated datasets, reporting outputs, and technical documentation. 

Advanced Analytics and Forecasting 

• Apply advanced analytical methods to support forecasting, trend analysis, scenario planning, and predictive modeling. 
• Explore innovative approaches for leveraging data to improve program performance, resource allocation, and strategic planning. 
• Identify opportunities to strengthen data utilization through emerging technologies, analytical methodologies, and business intelligence solutions. 

Partner Data Capacity Strengthening 

• Provide technical support to partner institutions on data systems, reporting infrastructure, data management practices, and analytics tools. 
• Support the adoption of common data standards, reporting processes, and data quality practices across partner networks. 
• Deliver training, coaching, and technical assistance on data collection systems, business intelligence platforms, dashboard development, and analytical methodologies. 
• Contribute to communities of practice and peer-learning initiatives focused on strengthening data and analytics capabilities across partner institutions. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration 

• Collaborate closely with the MEL Specialist to ensure alignment between data systems, analytical outputs, monitoring frameworks, and reporting requirements. 
• Work with program teams, researchers, faculty, institutional leadership, and partner institutions to understand business needs and develop appropriate analytical solutions. 
• Build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen data-driven decision-making and organizational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with technology teams, vendors, and other partners to enhance institutional data infrastructure and analytical capabilities.

Other Responsibilities 

• Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned in support of CMU-Africa's mission and strategic priorities. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree in data science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Analytics, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, or another highly quantitative field. 
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. 
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics, business intelligence, data management, data science, or a related field. 
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing complex data systems, reporting infrastructures, or business intelligence environments. 
• Experience working with large and complex datasets from multiple sources.
• Experience developing dashboards, automated reporting systems, and analytical products for decision-makers. 
• Experience supporting multi-partner, multi-institutional, or multi-country initiatives is highly desirable. 
• Experience in higher education, research, international development, nonprofit, or social impact environments is an advantage. 
• Experience supporting externally funded programs and stakeholder reporting requirements is desirable. 

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies 

The successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Strong expertise in data analytics, business intelligence, data management, and reporting systems. 
• Advanced proficiency in Power BI, Tableau, Looker Studio, or comparable business intelligence platforms. 
• Strong skills in SQL and at least one programming language such as Python or R. 
• Experience working with databases, APIs, data integration tools, cloud-based data environments, and data automation technologies. 
• Strong understanding of data governance, data quality management, privacy, security, and documentation practices. 
• Ability to translate complex data into meaningful and actionable insights for diverse audiences. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. 
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and evidence-based decision-making. 

Why Join CMU-Africa? 

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the data and analytics capabilities of a world class technology and higher education institution operating on the African continent. You will work alongside distinguished faculty, researchers, program leaders, and partner institutions while helping to build the systems, insights, and analytical capabilities that support transformative education, research, innovation, and workforce development initiatives across the continent. 

If you are passionate about data, technology, and using analytics to solve complex challenges at scale, we encourage you submit your application and resume by August 30, 2026 through this link: https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/about/careers.html

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

Program Manager, Online Certificate Programs  at Carnegie Mellon University: (Deadline 30-08-2026)

Job title  Program Manager, Online Certificate Programs Reports to  Associate Director of Teaching and Learning Start Date  ASAP Location  Kigali, Rwanda

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is Carnegie Mellon University's global location in Africa, based in Kigali, Rwanda. Established in 2011, CMU-Africa is advancing engineering, technology, research, and innovation across the continent through world class graduate education, applied research, and strategic partnerships. 

Through the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa (The Center) and the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), CMU-Africa works with leading universities, governments, industry and other strategic partner organizations to strengthen engineering education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Africa. 

The Opportunity

CMU-Africa is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and service-oriented Program Manager to support the delivery, growth, and continuous improvement of The Center 's Online Certificate Programs. 

Working closely with the Associate Director of Teaching & Learning, the Program Manager serves as the operational hub for a portfolio of online certificate offerings designed to address critical digital skills and talent development needs across Africa. The role supports the full learner lifecycle—from skills-gap identification and course development through recruitment, admissions, enrollment, learner support, credential completion, and stakeholder engagement. 

The successful candidate will help coordinate a growing portfolio of short online courses, modules, and workshops designed to equip learners with in-demand technology skills and support career advancement in the digital economy. Success in this role requires strong program coordination skills, attention to detail, a commitment to learner success, and the 

ability to work effectively with faculty, learners, industry partners, government stakeholders, Afretec institutions, and internal support teams. 

Key Responsibilities

The scope of responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: 

• Support the implementation and day-to-day management of The Center's Online Certificate Programs, ensuring effective coordination of activities, timelines, operational processes, and learner-facing services. 
• Partner with the Associate Director of Teaching & Learning to coordinate stakeholder consultations with employers, government agencies, Afretec institutions, and other partners to help identify emerging skills needs and support the ongoing relevance of the certificate portfolio. 
• Assist with the development, launch, review, and continuous improvement of online certificate offerings, supporting the creation of a scalable portfolio of stackable, employer-recognized credentials aligned with technology talent development needs. 
• Coordinate learner recruitment and outreach activities in partnership with industry partners, NGOs, and Afretec institutions to support enrollment goals and program visibility. 
• Work closely with marketing and communications teams to support program branding, learner outreach, and the accuracy of websites, promotional materials, and public-facing information. 
• Manage admissions processes, including application management, applicant communications, review coordination, selection processes, enrollment tracking, and learner onboarding. 
• Coordinate with CMU’s Eberly Center to manage the operational administration of online programs, including course setup, enrollment management, learner records, Canvas LMS administration, learner communications, and participant support. 
• Coordinate with faculty, instructors, and subject matter experts to support high quality learning experiences and ensure timely resolution of academic, technical, and operational issues. 
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, learner experience, and program scalability through process improvements, automation, and the effective use of technology and AI-enabled tools.
• Contribute to budget tracking, reporting, procurement activities, consultant coordination, and other administrative functions required to support successful program delivery. 
• Work closely with the Teaching & Learning Program Manager, MEL Specialist and Data and Analytics Specialist to support evidence generation, reporting, learning, and accountability requirements, including the documentation of outcomes, lessons learned, and program impact. 
• Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Center’s strategic objectives and CMU-Africa's mission. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Education, Higher Education Administration, Educational Technology, Business Administration, Project Management, Technology Management, Information Systems, Communications, or a related field. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in program management, online learning, professional education, continuing education, skills development, learner services, admissions, or related fields in Africa. 
• Experience supporting the delivery or administration of online learning programs, certificate programs, executive education, professional development, or technology talent development initiatives. 
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple projects, stakeholders, and operational activities simultaneously. 
• Experience working with learning management systems and digital learning technologies. 
• Experience supporting admissions, enrollment management, learner engagement, or participant support functions is highly desirable. 
• Experience working with universities, employers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or development partners in Africa is required. 
• Experience supporting externally funded programs is desirable. 

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies 

The successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Strong program coordination and operational management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Understanding of online learning, professional education, digital skills development, credentialing ecosystems, and learner success practices.
• Experience working with learning management systems and digital learning platforms. 
• Strong customer service and learner-support orientation. 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement. 
• Comfort working with data, reporting systems, and technology-enabled processes. 
• Commitment to learner success, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Why Join CMU-Africa? 

This is an opportunity to help expand access to high-quality technology education, digital skills development, and career advancement opportunities across Africa. Working alongside faculty, employers, government partners, and leading universities, you will contribute to programs that equip learners with in-demand skills, recognized credentials, and pathways to meaningful employment and professional growth in the digital economy. 

If you are passionate about online learning, learner success, technology talent development, and educational innovation, we encourage you to apply by August 30, 2026 through this link: https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/about/careers.html 
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

Program Manager, Teaching & Learning Programs  at Carnegie Mellon University: (Deadline 30-08-2026)

Job title  Program Manager, Teaching & Learning Programs Reports to  Associate Director of Teaching and Learning Start Date  ASAP Location  Kigali, Rwanda

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is Carnegie Mellon University's global location in Africa, based in Kigali, Rwanda. Established in 2011, CMU-Africa is advancing engineering, technology, research, and innovation across the continent through world class graduate education, applied research, and strategic partnerships. 

Through the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa (The Center) and the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), CMU-Africa works with leading universities, governments, industry and other strategic partner organizations to strengthen engineering education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Africa. 

The Opportunity

CMU-Africa is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and results-oriented Program Manager to support the implementation of The Center's Teaching & Learning portfolio. This role will be responsible for coordinating the operational execution of a diverse portfolio of initiatives and ensuring activities are delivered effectively, on schedule, and in alignment with program objectives. 

This role requires a disciplined and systems-oriented professional who is comfortable managing multiple workstreams, coordinating activities across institutions and stakeholders, and maintaining strong operational oversight in a complex, multi institutional environment. The Program Manager will work closely with faculty, academic leaders, program teams, partner institutions, and operational colleagues to ensure that Teaching & Learning activities are well-coordinated, effectively monitored, and positioned for long-term impact. 

The ideal candidate combines strong program management expertise with excellent organizational and relationship-management skills, a commitment to educational 

excellence, and a passion for expanding access to high-quality engineering and technology education across Africa. 

The scope of responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: 

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Associate Director of Teaching & Learning to translate strategic priorities into coordinated implementation plans, annual work plans, budgets, timelines, and operational activities across the Teaching & Learning portfolio. 
• Collaborate with program leads to ensure the day-to-day coordination and delivery of Teaching & Learning initiatives, ensuring activities are implemented effectively, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with program objectives and funding partner commitments. 
• Coordinate faculty development, teaching innovation, and professional learning initiatives, including faculty fellowships, communities of practice, training programs, and activities associated with the Teaching Innovation Center. 
• Support the implementation of bridge programs, graduate readiness initiatives, online learning activities, and other programs designed to strengthen pathways into advanced engineering and technology education. 
• Coordinate Teaching & Learning contributions to experiential learning initiatives, including practica, internships, project-based learning, and other activities that strengthen student readiness for graduate study and employment. 
• Manage the operational planning and logistics required to deliver workshops, trainings, exchanges, events, fellowships, consultant engagements, and other Teaching & Learning activities across the portfolio. 
• Work closely with the MEL Specialist and Senior Data and Analytics Specialist to support evidence generation, reporting, learning, and accountability requirements, including the documentation of outcomes, lessons learned, and program impact. 
• Support the integration of inclusive excellence objectives across Teaching & Learning initiatives by promoting equitable participation, maintaining appropriate program records, and contributing to the collection and reporting of disaggregated data. 
• Build strong collaborative relationships with faculty, academic leaders, program teams, partner institutions, and operational colleagues to ensure effective program delivery and contribute to a collegial, solutions-oriented culture across the Teaching & Learning portfolio.
• Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Center’s strategic objectives and CMU-Africa's mission. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Higher Education Administration, International Development, Public Policy, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, Technology, or a related field. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience managing complex education, workforce development, higher education, or international development programs. 
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple projects, stakeholders, and implementation workstreams simultaneously. 
• Experience managing externally funded programs and supporting donor reporting requirements. 
• Experience working with universities, educational institutions, faculty development programs, or professional learning initiatives is highly desirable. 
• Experience operating in multi-country or multi-institutional environments is an advantage. 

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies 

The successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Strong program and project management expertise. 
• Excellent planning, organizational, and operational management skills. 
• Strong budget management and financial oversight capabilities. 
• Experience coordinating educational programs, faculty development initiatives, or learning-focused interventions. 
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Strong problem-solving and relationship-management abilities. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a dynamic environment. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams, institutions, cultures, and time zones.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
• Commitment to educational innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Why Join CMU-Africa? 

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of engineering and technology education across Africa. Working alongside leading faculty, educators, researchers, and program leaders, you will contribute to initiatives that strengthen teaching quality, expand educational opportunity, support student success, and develop the next generation of African technology and innovation leaders. 

If you are energized by educational impact, program leadership, and working in a highly collaborative and mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply by August 30, 2026 through this link: https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/about/careers.html 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

Associate Director Knowledge Creation at Carnegie Mellon University: (Deadline 30-08-2026)

Job title  Associate Director Knowledge Creation Reports to  Director of The Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa Start Date  ASAP Location  Kigali, Rwanda

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is Carnegie Mellon University's global location in Africa, based in Kigali, Rwanda. Established in 2011, CMU-Africa is advancing engineering, technology, research, and innovation across the continent through world class graduate education, applied research, and strategic partnerships. 

Through The Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa (The Center) and the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), CMU-Africa works with leading universities, governments, industry and other strategic partner organizations to strengthen engineering education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Africa. 

The Opportunity

As Associate Director of Knowledge Creation, you will lead the strategic direction, implementation, and continuous evolution of the Center's Knowledge Creation pillar across CMU-Africa and the Afretec network. 

Working closely with the Center Director, CMU-Africa Director, CMU faculty, and faculty across partner institutions, you will develop and execute a research and innovation agenda that advances inclusive digital transformation through applied research, cross institutional collaboration, researcher development, and engagement with policymakers, industry, and other strategic partners. 

Success in this role will require leveraging Carnegie Mellon University's research strengths while cultivating a vibrant research ecosystem that generates high-quality scholarship, attracts external funding, informs policy and practice, and develops the next generation of African researchers. 

The Associate Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Knowledge Creation pillar, strengthening research capacity across the network and accelerating the translation of research into educational, economic, and societal impact.

You will help position CMU-Africa and the Afretec network as leading contributors to research, innovation, and evidence generation that advance Africa's digital transformation agenda. 

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Director will have multiple responsibilities including: 

• Partner with The Center Director to develop an implementation plan to operationalize the strategic objectives for The Center’s Knowledge Creation pillar, ensuring its contribution to the Center's mission of advancing inclusive digital transformation across Africa. 
• Working closely with CMU and Afretec Facuty, co-create and drive a vibrant research and innovation ecosystem across the Afretec network by fostering collaboration among universities, researchers, policymakers, industry partners, and development organizations. 
• Coordinate initiatives that strengthen institutional research capacity across partner universities, including research administration, grant management, research governance, and the development of sustainable research support systems. 
• Advance research excellence and collaboration in areas critical to Africa's digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital health, climate technologies, technology policy, inclusive fintech, and related fields. 
• Partner with other Afretec Knowledge Creation Pillar Leads to design and oversee programs that cultivate the next generation of African researchers, including postdoctoral programs, mentorship initiatives, and other researcher development opportunities. 
• Promote knowledge exchange and dissemination across the Afretec network and beyond through conferences, symposia, workshops, communities of practice, publications, and other platforms that elevate the visibility and influence of African research. 
• Ensure Knowledge Creation activities are integrated with The Center’s Teaching & Learning and Entrepreneurship pillars, translating research outputs into educational innovation, entrepreneurship, and broader ecosystem impact. 
• Build strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization efforts with research sponsors, foundations, industry partners, governments, and international organizations to expand the scale, sustainability, and impact of the Knowledge Creation portfolio.
• Work closely with the MEL Specialist and Data & Analytics Specialist to ensure the Knowledge Creation pillar generates robust evidence of research excellence, institutional capacity development, collaboration, knowledge dissemination, funding outcomes, and broader contributions to Africa's digital transformation agenda. 
• Manage pillar budgets, annual work plans, staffing resources, and operational priorities in partnership with The Center Director and CMU-Africa operational teams. 
• Represent The Center and CMU-Africa as a thought leader in research, innovation, and digital transformation across Africa. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• PhD required in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Technology Policy, Public Policy, Economics, Innovation Studies, Digital Transformation, Social Sciences, or another discipline relevant to the Center's research priorities. 
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in research leadership, academic administration, research program management, innovation ecosystem development, or a related field. 
• Demonstrated experience leading complex research, innovation, or knowledge creation initiatives involving multiple institutions, stakeholders, funding partners, and geographies, preferably within Africa. 
• Proven track record of developing and implementing research strategies, building institutional research capacity, and securing or managing externally funded research programs and strategic partnerships. 
• Experience building and sustaining collaborative networks involving universities, research institutes, industry, governments, foundations, and development organizations. 
• Demonstrated success mentoring researchers, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career academics while fostering collaborative and high-performing research environments. 
• Experience managing professional staff, consultants, budgets, and operational resources within complex, multi-stakeholder environments. 
• Experience working effectively across diverse institutional, cultural, and geographic contexts, preferably in Africa or other emerging markets.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies 

The successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Deep understanding of research ecosystems, research capacity development, and research management in higher education environments. 
• Strong knowledge of emerging technology domains and their role in advancing inclusive digital transformation. 
• Understanding of research funding landscapes, grant development, and partnership cultivation. 
• Familiarity with research governance, ethics, intellectual property, research administration, and knowledge dissemination practices. 
• Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change-management capabilities. 
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with senior academic leaders, researchers, policymakers, industry partners, and funding organizations. 
• Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary and multi-institutional initiatives. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate research into actionable insights and societal impact. 
• Commitment to inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence. 
• Passion for advancing research, innovation, and digital transformation across Africa. 

Why Join CMU-Africa? 

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the data and analytics capabilities of a world class technology and higher education institution operating on the African continent. You will work alongside distinguished faculty, researchers, program leaders, and partner institutions while helping to build the systems, insights, and analytical capabilities that support transformative education, research, innovation, and workforce development initiatives across the continent.

If you are interested in this position, you are encouraged to submit your application and resume by August 30, 2026 through this link: https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/about/careers.html 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

 

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