Associate Director, Knowledge Creation

About the role

The Associate Director of Knowledge Creation will lead the strategic direction, implementation, and evolution of the Knowledge Creation pillar for Carnegie Mellon University Africa and the Afretec network. This senior position works closely with the Center Director, CMU‑Africa leadership, faculty, and partner institutions to advance inclusive digital transformation across Africa.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and operationalize an implementation plan for the Knowledge Creation pillar, aligning it with the Center’s mission.
• Co‑create a vibrant research ecosystem across the Afretec network, fostering collaboration among universities, policymakers, industry partners, and development organizations.
• Coordinate initiatives that strengthen research capacity, including grant management, research governance, and sustainable support systems.
• Design and oversee programs that develop the next generation of African researchers, such as post‑doctoral and mentorship initiatives.
• Promote knowledge exchange through conferences, workshops, publications, and other dissemination platforms.
• Build strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization with sponsors, foundations, governments, and international organizations.
• Manage pillar budgets, work plans, staffing resources, and operational priorities in partnership with the Center Director.

Required profile

• PhD in a discipline relevant to the Center’s research priorities (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Technology Policy, Economics, Social Sciences).
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in research leadership, academic administration, or innovation ecosystem development.
• Proven track record of leading multi‑institutional research initiatives, securing external funding, and building collaborative networks.
• Experience mentoring researchers, faculty, and early‑career academics.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cultural and geographic contexts, preferably in Africa.

Required skills

• Research strategy development and implementation
• Grant development and management
• Research administration and governance
• Stakeholder partnership cultivation
• Budget and operational resource management