The University of Sharjah (UoS) in the United Arab Emirates seeks applications from qualified individuals for the position of the Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to begin in the Academic Year 2024-2025.
UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW
The University of Sharjah (UOS), established in 1997, occupies a distinguished position among the world’s prestigious and comprehensive universities, thanks to its excellence in teaching, learning and scientific research, and its sustainable and quality academic and professional programs that provide the community with distinguished services and contribute to achieving its well-being by preparing its students to assume leadership roles in it. It is currently ranked in the top 350 academic institutions worldwide (THE ranking for 2023),. The University of Sharjah is considered one of the leading institutions of higher education in the Arab Gulf region and Middle East. It offers academic programs in a number of specializations, including arts, humanities and social sciences, the medical specialties, health sciences, engineering, applied sciences, business administration, communication, law, sharia and Islamic studies, and fine arts and design, and Computing and Informatics.
The University offers a prime location and state-of-the-art facilities where it is located in Sharjah University City, close to Sharjah City Center and the pristine coastal areas of Sharjah and the Emirates of Dubai and Ajman. The University of Sharjah attracts outstanding students from the UAE, GCC countries and a number of other Arab and foreign countries.
UOS is a comprehensive university, the largest in the UAE, with 15 academic colleges, 127 accredited degrees, over 18,500 students, and about 40,000 alumni. There are over 100 nationalities represented in the community of faculty, students and staff.
COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES PROFILE
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences offers five full-time Bachelor programs in Arabic Language and Literature, Foreign Languages, History and Islamic Civilization (with two tracks: History and Islamic Civilization and Tourist Guide), Sociology and Early Childhood Education. At the graduate level, the College offers four MA programs in Arabic Language and Literature, Translation, History and Islamic Civilization, Applied Sociology, in addition to a Professional Diploma in Teaching. The College also offers three Ph.D. programs: Applied Sociology, Arabic Language and Literature, Linguistics and Translation, and History and Islamic Civilization.
All these programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education. In addition, preparations are underway to offer an M.A. program in Criminology and Criminal Justice and ta Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
The College houses a number of smart classrooms, auditoriums and labs including the criminology scene lab, the English language and translation labs and computer labs which are adequately equipped with modern educational technologies. The number of students currently registered in the college stands at (2680) of which (463) are enrolled in graduate programs. As such, the college is considered the largest in the University of Sharjah in terms of number of graduate students..
CITY OF SHARJAH
Sharjah is the third largest city in the UAE and is its cultural capital. Under the rule of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and first President of the University of Sharjah, Sharjah has received numerous regional and international accolades, including from the UNESCO, including:
- World Book Capital (2016)
- Islamic Cultural Capital (2014)
- Arab World Cultural Capital (1998)
SCOPE OF WORK
The Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is in charge of all academic aspects related to the College and reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The Dean assumes a leadership role in the College and administers, directs, and coordinates all training, teaching, and research activities in which the College engages. The Dean also provides guidance for implementing the College Strategic Plan and ensures that the College activities coincide with the mission and objectives of the University within the socio-cultural framework of the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Gulf region.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Dean is expected to:
- Create and sustain a strong network outside the College with the aim of facilitating the process of education and training and research activities.
- Establish strategic directives, aims and policies related to the educational process and research activities within the College and its departments and oversee the implementation of these objectives.
- Represent the University in all matters related to the College at various conferences and symposiums outside the University.
- Propose recommendations related to developing and implementing the College Annual Budget and conduct analyses of productivity and effectiveness on a regular basis.
- Create a network of experts and visiting professors to support the educational and research activities of the College and its sustainability.
- Propose recommendations related to developing University policies and procedures and participate in this process.
- Coordinate agreements with ministries and relevant bodies within the UAE and abroad.
- Possess knowledge of human resources and management concepts as well as higher education practices, policies, and procedures.
- Propose research projects relevant to the region and its development.
- Possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and diverse community.
- Possess experience in communicating and networking with relevant institutions with the aim of promoting education and research.
- Be an expert in matters dealing with external institutions and organizations as well as international accreditation bodies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate shall demonstrate work experience in professional and academic positions as well a rich record in teaching and outstanding academic efforts at the international level. The candidate will demonstrate his/her effective and ongoing contributions in the fields of his/her specialization in terms of published research in recognized international scientific journals and participation in exhibitions, conferences and symposiums in addition to possessing the following degrees, qualifications, and professional experience:
- A PhD from a recognized university.
- The rank of professor in one of the College's specializations.
- A record of excellence in teaching and research appropriate to the rank of professor.
- Bi-lingual proficiency in English and Arabic conversation and writing.
- Leadership qualities and proven research background in one of the College's specializations.
- A clear vision for developing higher education in general and for the College in particular.
- Full familiarity with the credit hour and academic year (semester) system.
- Distinguished managerial experience in the affairs of higher education, preferably at the level of a college dean in a reputable university.
- Experience with the standards of program accreditation by specialized commissions at national education institutions.
- Acumen in the area of human resources and administrative and financial concepts, practices, policies, and procedures.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with large sectors of a diverse community.
- Experience in communicating with universities, professional and academic institutions, associations, unions, companies and law institutions, and other institutions within the field of education and research.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Priority will be given to applicants with the following qualifications:
- Managerial experience and the skills necessary to launch pioneering projects.
- Multi-cultural skills.
- Active participation in reputable organizations.
- Knowledge of the methods of evaluation and related matters.
- Documentation demonstrating support for the achievements of teachers and students.
- Understanding of the latest teaching methods, including the use of technology in the teaching process.
- Demonstration of a commitment to enriching the educational experience of students.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Interested candidates possessing the required experience and qualifications are invited to apply the the University of Sharjah Job Opportunities Portal
(https://newhr.sharjah.ac.ae/en/Pages/JobOpportunities.aspx)
Please include with your CV the names, phone numbers and email addresses of at least four professional references.
Or by postal mail to:
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
University of Sharjah
P.O. Box 27272
Sharjah - U.A.E.
Review of applications will begin in of February 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. It is preferred for the successful candidate to commence work in August 2024.
