Times Higher Education ranked NU in the top 30 percent in the 2024 World Universities Ranking. NU is ranked first in Central Asia and in the top 10 among ASEAN universities.

Established in 2010, we are the flagship research-intensive University for Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The capital city of Astana is linked to both Asia and Europe and has a mission to develop a knowledge economy, based on strong and robust institutions.

NU is an autonomous English-Language university with a mandate for world-class research, teaching, and innovation. We have international faculty from 61 countries and international students from 35 countries who create a strong and ambitious scholarly community and are willing to take leadership roles.

The VPABP performs the following duties and responsibilities:

1. To act as the university’s focal point on all matters related to School academic budgets, in order to implement the University’s Strategic Plan 2030 and the approved Strategic Plans for each School.
2. To chair appropriate Committees, at the request of the Provost.
3. To review and update appropriate NU regulations.
4. To enhance the overall quality of academic budget planning across the University, including dissemination of best practices.
5. To provide specific assistance to Schools in planning their budgets for academic purposes.
6. To provide academic budget planning and advice to Deans, Vice Deans and school Chief Administration Officers.
7. To mentor, train and develop relevant staff in Schools and the Office of the Provost.
8. To coordinate sharing of experience and outreach within the higher education system of Kazakhstan.
9. To enhance coordination with and between Schools on university-wide strategic initiatives.
10. To facilitate the formulation and oversee the execution of School Strategic Plans, ensuring they are in line with University objectives and financial sustainability requirements.
11. To collaborate with both international and local universities on the creation and execution of shared academic initiatives and programs.
12. Support Schools in their international endeavours related to implementation of joint and dual-degree programs and similar partnerships.
13. To conduct scholarly activity and research as appropriate to the position.

Additional duties and responsibilities: 

• Develop own research interests.
• Undertake professional development consistent with the role.
• To actively uphold and communicate the values of the university, including Conflict of Interest and other university policies.
• Work effectively with Deans and the Office of the Provost, especially the Provost, Vice Provosts for Research, Academic Affairs, and Industry Engagement, to encourage collaboration across and between NU Schools and research centers.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Provost, including occasional trips to international strategic partners and professional conferences, both within Kazakhstan and internationally.
• Properly executes the tasks of the line manager and the University`s management;
• Observes the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Employer`s internal documents;
• Is responsible for appropriate performance of duties of his/her staff;
• is responsible for ensuring the integrity of official documents, and prevention of the disclosure or leakage of confidential and business information, as well as information of restricted access in accordance with the legislation, Charter and internal documents of the Employer;  
• in case of dismissal, is responsible for timely transfer of all paper documentation, digital information, inventory to another employee as instructed by the line manager (to be certified by the act of acceptance-transfer).

Education: 

A doctorate degree from an accredited university (PhD or equivalent in STEM or non-STEM).

Work experience:

• Has achieved the academic rank of Associate or Full Professor in one of the NU Schools or in an highly ranked international or Kazakhstani university; and/or
• Three or more years in a leadership role, for example, as a Vice-Dean or Dean.

Knowledge:

• Distinguished record as a scholar.
• Knowledge of Kazakhstan financial regulations relating to higher education.

Skills: 

• Collaborative and collegial approach to creating and implementing University policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in collaborating with Deans, Vice Deans and Chief Administration Officers and other University leaders.

Other requirements:

• Although this role is designed as a full-time role, the VPABP may keep an appointment within an NU School, subject to the approval of the Provost.
• This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and, as duties and responsibilities develop, the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.
• The University upholds a Code of Ethics and actively supports international standards in academic and research integrity.
• The VPAPB appointed from an NU School may be eligible to return to their substantive academic role after a period of three years, subject to approval of the Provost.

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities, aptitude, personality, work samples, in-basket exercises, and informal interviews), and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values