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Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Karachi, Pakistan
Introduction
The Organisation
Aga Khan University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. Chartered in 1983, it is a private, non-profit, autonomous and self-governing international university and healthcare organisation with 13 teaching sites, 7 hospitals and 325 outreach and other health facilities located in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out a wide range of research and has campuses, programmes and teaching hospitals providing world-class healthcare services and educational opportunities in Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and UK with over 3,000 students and more than 17,000 staff. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of IQRA i.e. Impact, Quality, Relevance, and Access. AKU’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 and concerted investments in climate literacy demonstrate its determination to create a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Opportunity
In September 2023, the Aga Khan University (AKU) established a Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and enrolled its first cohort into its four-year Bachelor of Studies programme in the arts and sciences. The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences role is a unique opportunity for an academic entrepreneur to lead with vision and innovation. It offers the chance to foster integrated, transdisciplinary research and teaching that address complex global challenges. By championing collaboration across departments, schools, and external partners, the Dean can catalyze new academic ecosystems that break down traditional boundaries and elevate the institution’s impact. This is a platform for transformative leadership—where bold ideas, cross-entity collaboration, and scholarly excellence converge to shape the future of higher education.
In September 2023, the Aga Khan University (AKU) established a Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and enrolled its first cohort into its four-year Bachelor of Studies programme in the arts and sciences. The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences role is a unique opportunity for an academic entrepreneur to lead with vision and innovation. It offers the chance to foster integrated, transdisciplinary research and teaching that address complex global challenges. By championing collaboration across departments, schools, and external partners, the Dean can catalyze new academic ecosystems that break down traditional boundaries and elevate the institution’s impact. This is a platform for transformative leadership—where bold ideas, cross-entity collaboration, and scholarly excellence converge to shape the future of higher education.
Responsibilities
The Programme
As the first Faculty of Arts and Sciences of its kind in Pakistan, FAS combines a liberal arts tradition with AKU’s unique mission of social development, pluralism, and service. FAS Strategic Vision aligns with AKU’s Onwards Strategic Plan (2024–2028) and the AKU Research Strategic Plan. It reflects the belief that tomorrow’s leaders need more than technical expertise. They must be grounded in the arts, social sciences, humanities, sustainable development, environment, and data science. Interdisciplinary training across these domains shape graduates into critical thinkers, problem solvers, and ethical leaders equipped to address today’s complex societal challenges.
As the first Faculty of Arts and Sciences of its kind in Pakistan, FAS combines a liberal arts tradition with AKU’s unique mission of social development, pluralism, and service. FAS Strategic Vision aligns with AKU’s Onwards Strategic Plan (2024–2028) and the AKU Research Strategic Plan. It reflects the belief that tomorrow’s leaders need more than technical expertise. They must be grounded in the arts, social sciences, humanities, sustainable development, environment, and data science. Interdisciplinary training across these domains shape graduates into critical thinkers, problem solvers, and ethical leaders equipped to address today’s complex societal challenges.
Rooted in the values of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), FAS’ mission is to develop graduates who are critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and proactive contributors to societal well-being. FAS programmes are designed to respond to local and regional contexts while preparing graduates for global citizenship. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences prioritizes the following areas in education and research:
- Environment & Climate Change: Embedding environmental issues across curricula, research, and community initiatives to build resilience and strengthen approaches to experiential learning for students at AKU’s environmental campuses.
- Governance: Strengthening democratic principles, accountability, and policy analysis to enhance leadership effectiveness.
- Social Development: Promoting equitable access to healthcare, education, and social services through research, advocacy, and engagement.
- Culture & Society: Preserving cultural heritage, fostering intercultural dialogue, and encourag-ing artistic expression.
- Data Sciences & Digital Transformation: Advancing computational and analytical skills for data-driven decision-making, AI, and digital innovation.
The Role
Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)_is a member of the University’s senior academic team and serves as the primary ambassador for the Faculty in the community. This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in refining the strategy and overall direction for arts and sciences education at AKU whilst strengthening and elaborating current programmes and research.
The current programme offers majors in (1) Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, (2) Environmental Studies, (3) Social Development Studies, and (4) Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. The goal is to expand science capacity and build a new major in Data Sciences. The Dean will recruit faculty and students that demonstrate the University’s commitment to equity and quality.
The Dean advises the Provost, works collaboratively with and supports other leaders to achieve the University goals, uses influence to align the Faculty with University priorities, and models institutional values and competencies. The Dean is responsible for education and scholarships, as well as ensuring the quality and integrity of the Faculty in research, teaching, outreach and community engagement activities. The Dean is accountable for the creation and implementation of the Faculty’s strategic plans, including comprehensive budget and financial management to ensure outcomes are achieved. The Dean is the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the Faculty and promotes the Faculty through visibility at local, regional, national, and international events. In collaboration with senior colleagues, he/she oversees fundraising, communication, alumni engagement activities, and collaborates and consults with both internal and external stakeholders.
The Dean will ensure that the various dimensions of the Faculty of Arts and Science are achieved through:
Working to realise the vision and guidance of the AKU Chancellor and Board of Trustees, embodied in the mission and founding principles established for FAS.
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Developing an institutional culture within FAS and AKU, defined by innovation, sensitivity, flexibility, creativity, academic excellence, professionalism, ethics, social responsibility, synergy, confidence, and energy.
- Collaborating with AKU’s East Africa campuses and the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations based in London.
Building an open student-centered culture, including enhancing academic and extracurrirular activities, mentorship and inclusivity for a diverse student body, student mental health and wellness, and opportunities for work-integrated learning.
Operating efficiently within specified time frames and budgets, with rigorous attention to ensuring long-term financial sustainability, including through philanthropy.
Internationally strengthening the wider reputation, reach and priorities of the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Development Network to which it belongs, including building high-level exchanges for faculty and opportunities for students.
Requirements
The Person
The ideal candidate will bring outstanding academic qualifications, a record of scholarly achievement in a relevant field, significant administrative and leadership experience, as well as a passion for advancing education, research and scholarship. Experience or exposure to countries with developing economies is an asset. A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field is required, with preference given to candidates eligible for appointment at the rank of Professor upon selection.
The ideal candidate will bring outstanding academic qualifications, a record of scholarly achievement in a relevant field, significant administrative and leadership experience, as well as a passion for advancing education, research and scholarship. Experience or exposure to countries with developing economies is an asset. A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field is required, with preference given to candidates eligible for appointment at the rank of Professor upon selection.
Scope of Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Vision: Demonstrated success as a leader in higher education, with the ability to inspire and mobilise others to achieve exemplary performance and outcomes in education, research, and scholarship.
- Research Excellence: Foster a vibrant research culture in FAS for faculty and students that is relevant to AKU regions and impactful for communities.
- Governance and Administration: Experience in establishing and applying principles of good governance and leading the management of an entity within a complex and dynamic academic environment, including recruiting and mentoring faculty for success through the tenure and promotion process, focused on research, education, and service.
- Student-Centered Culture: Commitment to building a student-focused culture that promotes excellence in student learning, graduate student training, and the overall student experience, including mental health and extracurricular opportunities.
- External, Donor, and Alumni Relations: Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with external organisations and to effectively represent the faculty’s interests regionally and internationally. Commitment to fund-raising activities that support the growth of both the Fac-ulty and the University’s resource base.
To Apply
For further information on the role including a candidate briefing document, or a confidential discussion about the position and details of how to apply, please email hanan.majari@kornferry.com.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications from November 30th, 2025; however, the position will remain open until filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Comprehensive employment reference checks for the finalists will be conducted.
AKU is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding and maintaining appropriate standards for promoting respectful relationships with and among all faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults. It expects all employees, trainees, and partners to share this commitment.
By committing to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, AKU is demonstrating leadership in addressing climate change as the most urgent issue of our time.
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