Position: AAU Representative and Coordinator in the Russian Federation

Duty Station: Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation

Host Institution: Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University

Employer-Funded Remuneration: Equivalent to US$30,000 net per annum

Appointment Type: Full-time, permanent-duty-station appointment, subject to an agreed contract period and terms of service

Application Deadline: 18th November, 2026

Expected Commencement Date: To be agreed

 

1. Background

The Association of African Universities (AAU), the continental organisation representing and advancing higher education in Africa, invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced and highly motivated professionals for the position of AAU Representative and Coordinator in the Russian Federation, based at Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The position arises from the proposed implementation of a tripartite agreement among the Association of African Universities, the National Center “Corps of Mining Engineers,” and the International Competence Center for Mining Engineering Education under the auspices of UNESCO. The agreement provides for the establishment of an AAU Representative Office in the Russian Federation.

The successful candidate will serve as the principal coordinating link between the AAU Secretariat, the Mining University, relevant Russian institutions, and African universities and higher education stakeholders. The position is intended to strengthen academic cooperation, facilitate institutional partnerships, and promote collaborative programmes in mining engineering education, research, innovation and related areas of mutual interest.

2. Purpose of the Position

The AAU Representative and Coordinator will facilitate the implementation of AAU’s cooperation with Russian higher education and research institutions, coordinate activities under the tripartite agreement, and support the development of mutually beneficial academic, scientific and institutional partnerships between Africa and the Russian Federation.

The postholder will operate under the strategic direction of the AAU Secretary-General and work closely with the designated authorities of the Mining University and other partners.

3. Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the following responsibilities:

A. Representation and institutional coordination

1. Represent the AAU in approved engagements with the Mining University, Russian universities, research institutions and relevant partner organisations.

2. Serve as the principal coordination point between the AAU Secretariat and the Russian partner institutions.

3. Facilitate regular communication, consultations and follow-up on agreed collaborative activities.

4. Promote the visibility, mandate, priorities and strategic interests of the AAU within the Russian higher education and research community.

5. Maintain effective working relationships with African diplomatic missions, universities and other relevant institutions in Russia, as appropriate.

 

B. Implementation of the tripartite agreement

6. Coordinate the implementation of agreed activities under the tripartite agreement establishing the AAU Representative Office in the Russian Federation.

7. Develop annual and periodic work plans in consultation with the AAU Secretariat and designated Russian partners.

8. Monitor implementation progress, identify operational challenges and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

9. Ensure that activities undertaken in the name of the AAU are consistent with approved plans, institutional policies and agreed partnership objectives.

10. Maintain records of decisions, commitments, activities and deliverables arising from the partnership.

 

C. Academic cooperation and partnership development

11. Facilitate partnerships between African universities and Russian universities in mining engineering, mineral resources, engineering education and other mutually agreed fields.

12. Identify opportunities for joint research, academic exchanges, staff and student mobility, postgraduate training, doctoral education and capacity development.

13. Support the development of joint academic programmes, research projects, conferences, workshops and scholarly exchanges.

14. Facilitate dialogue on curriculum development, quality assurance, research collaboration and innovation in areas relevant to the partnership.

15. Identify potential sources of funding and support the preparation of collaborative proposals for consideration by the AAU and its partners.

16. Promote opportunities for African universities to access relevant Russian expertise, facilities, research networks and technical knowledge.

 

D. Stakeholder engagement and communication

17. Organise and support meetings, seminars, technical consultations, conferences and other approved partnership activities.

18. Prepare briefings, correspondence, presentations and institutional reports on relevant developments in Russian higher education and research cooperation.

19. Facilitate communication between partner institutions and ensure timely follow-up on agreed actions.

20. Promote awareness of AAU programmes, activities and partnership opportunities among relevant Russian stakeholders.

 

E. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

21. Establish and maintain a partnership activity tracker against agreed objectives, milestones and deliverables.

22. Submit regular progress reports to the AAU Secretary-General in accordance with an agreed reporting schedule.

23. Document partnership outcomes, including agreements developed, projects initiated, institutions engaged, exchanges facilitated and funding opportunities identified.

24. Provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening AAU’s engagement with Russian universities and research institutions.

25. Maintain an organised repository of relevant partnership documents, reports, correspondence and activity records, subject to applicable data-protection and institutional requirements.

 

F. Administrative and other responsibilities

26. Coordinate approved logistical and administrative arrangements necessary for the effective operation of the representative function.

27. Manage assigned resources responsibly and comply with the relevant administrative, financial, ethical and operational requirements of the AAU and host institution.

28. Perform other related duties assigned by the AAU Secretary-General that are consistent with the purpose of the position.

 

4. Expected Deliverables

The successful candidate will be expected to produce the following outputs, subject to an agreed work plan:

· An annual work plan aligned with the tripartite agreement and AAU strategic priorities.

· A stakeholder and institutional partnership map covering relevant Russian and African institutions.

· A structured database of partnership opportunities and priority institutions.

· Regular progress reports detailing activities, achievements, challenges and proposed next steps.

· A pipeline of potential joint research, training, academic mobility and institutional collaboration initiatives.

· Documented outcomes of meetings, consultations, conferences and partnership engagements.

· Periodic assessments of progress against agreed performance indicators.

· An annual report with recommendations for sustaining and expanding AAU–Russia cooperation.

Specific targets, reporting timelines and performance indicators will be agreed with the AAU Secretariat and relevant partners upon appointment.

 

5. Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

Essential requirements

1. A postgraduate degree in higher education, international relations, education, engineering, science, research management, development studies, public administration or a related discipline. A doctoral degree will be an advantage.

2. Substantial professional experience in higher education, university administration, international academic cooperation, research management, institutional partnerships or a related field.

3. Demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-institutional programmes, projects or partnerships.

4. Strong communication, negotiation, stakeholder-engagement and relationship-management skills.

5. Excellent report-writing, analytical, organisational and project-coordination abilities.

6. Ability to work independently in a multicultural and international environment while maintaining effective communication with the AAU Secretariat.

7. High standards of professional integrity, discretion, accountability and respect for institutional procedures.

8. Proficiency in written and spoken Russian Language.

 

Desirable requirements

9. Experience working with African universities, regional higher education organisations or international academic networks.

10. Knowledge of mining engineering education, engineering sciences, natural resources, research and innovation, or related areas.

11. Experience developing international academic partnerships, research proposals or capacity-building initiatives.

12. Knowledge of Russian, or demonstrated willingness and capacity to acquire sufficient Russian-language skills for professional engagement.

13. Previous experience working or living in Russia or another international setting.

14. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation, partnership reporting and results-based management.

 

6. Required Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

· Strategic thinking and an understanding of international higher education cooperation.

· Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

· Diplomacy, tact and sound professional judgement.

· Initiative, adaptability and problem-solving ability.

· Effective planning, coordination and delivery of agreed results.

· Ability to build trust and sustain relationships across institutions and countries.

· Commitment to African higher education development and the AAU’s continental mandate.

 

7. Remuneration and Benefits

The Russian partner has proposed the following employment package:

· Salary: Net annual remuneration equivalent to US$30,000, indicated in the offer as approximately RUB 250,000 per month after tax.

· Taxes: Applicable employment taxes to be covered by the employer.

· Accommodation: Accommodation on the Mining University campus, with the stated rental cost of RUB 50,000 per month to be covered by the employer.

· Medical insurance: To be provided by the employer.

· Travel: One-time airfare to Saint Petersburg at the commencement of employment and return airfare upon completion of the contract.

The final contract will specify the salary currency, payment arrangements, accommodation conditions, insurance coverage, contract duration and applicable employment conditions.

 

8. Reporting and Working Relationships

The postholder will report to the Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities on AAU-related priorities, activities, performance and deliverables.

The postholder will maintain close working relationships with the designated authorities of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University and other institutions involved in implementing the tripartite agreement.

The position will require a collaborative working arrangement that respects the AAU’s institutional mandate, the host university’s applicable workplace procedures and the responsibilities agreed by the partners.

 

9. Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents:

1. An application letter explaining their suitability for the position.

2. A detailed curriculum vitae, including relevant academic qualifications and professional experience.

3. A statement of interest outlining their proposed approach to strengthening academic cooperation between African and Russian universities.

4. Names and contact details of three professional referees.

5. Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications.

 

Applications should be submitted electronically to: via this link: https://www.research.net/r/RusCoor26 

Application Deadline: 18th November, 2026

 

10. Selection Process

Applications will be assessed against the stated qualifications, professional experience, relevant competencies and demonstrated capacity to coordinate international academic partnerships. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview and asked to present a brief proposal for implementing the objectives of the position.

The AAU reserves the right to verify applicants’ qualifications, experience and professional references before making a recommendation or appointment.

 

11. Important Notice

The appointment is intended to advance the AAU’s institutional cooperation with Russian higher education and research institutions. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate professionalism,

impartiality, accountability and a sustained commitment to the objectives of the partnership.

The appointment and commencement of duties will be subject to final confirmation of the applicable contractual arrangements, work plan, reporting lines, immigration and work authorisations, and other relevant requirements.

The Association of African Universities is an equal-opportunity organisation and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates.

 

ANNEX I: TERMS OF REFERENCE

AAU Representative and Coordinator in the Russian Federation

1. Assignment

To coordinate and facilitate the establishment and operation of the AAU’s representative function at Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University and support the implementation of the tripartite agreement between the AAU, the National Center “Corps of Mining Engineers,” and the International Competence Center for Mining Engineering Education under the auspices of UNESCO.

 

2. Overall Objective

To strengthen institutional collaboration between African and Russian universities through coordinated academic partnerships, research cooperation, capacity development, knowledge exchange and other mutually agreed higher education initiatives.

 

3. Specific Objectives

The assignment will pursue the following objectives:

1. Establish an effective coordination mechanism between the AAU Secretariat and the Russian partner institutions.

2. Translate the objectives of the tripartite agreement into implementable work plans and measurable activities.

3. Facilitate institutional partnerships between African universities and Russian higher education and research institutions.

4. Identify opportunities for joint research, academic mobility, postgraduate training and capacity development.

5. Promote the exchange of knowledge, expertise and good practices in mining engineering education and related fields.

6. Monitor implementation, document results and provide regular reports to the AAU Secretary-General.

7. Recommend sustainable approaches for strengthening AAU–Russia cooperation over the medium and long term.

 

4. Scope of Work

The Representative will be responsible for six principal workstreams:

Workstream 1: Institutional coordination

Maintain effective communication with the AAU Secretariat and Russian partners, coordinate meetings, document decisions and follow up on agreed actions.

Workstream 2: Partnership development

Identify relevant African universities, research centres and other stakeholders; facilitate introductions; and develop a pipeline of viable institutional partnerships.

Workstream 3: Academic and research collaboration

Facilitate opportunities for joint research, academic exchanges, doctoral education, staff development, student mobility and collaborative academic activities.

Workstream 4: Programme implementation

Prepare work plans, coordinate agreed activities, monitor milestones and identify implementation challenges requiring management attention.

Workstream 5: Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

Maintain accurate records, monitor agreed indicators, prepare periodic reports and recommend measures to improve partnership performance.

Workstream 6: Strategic advice

Provide the AAU Secretariat with information and recommendations on emerging opportunities, institutional developments and potential areas for expanding cooperation with Russian partners.

 

5. Reporting Requirements

The Representative will submit:

· Inception report: Within the first 30 days of assuming duty, setting out the proposed work plan, stakeholder-engagement strategy, priorities and reporting arrangements.

· Quarterly progress reports: Summarising activities undertaken, results achieved, partnerships advanced, challenges encountered and priorities for the next quarter.

· Annual performance report: Assessing progress against the approved work plan and performance indicators.

· Special reports: As requested by the AAU Secretary-General on significant developments, opportunities or issues requiring institutional attention.

All reports will follow templates and reporting timelines approved by the AAU Secretariat.

 

6. Performance Indicators

Performance will be assessed against indicators agreed at the beginning of the appointment, potentially including:

· Timely preparation and execution of approved work plans.

· Number and quality of institutional engagements facilitated.

· Number of viable academic and research partnerships advanced.

· Number of collaborative project concepts and funding proposals developed.

· Progress in facilitating academic exchanges, joint training and research initiatives.

· Timeliness, completeness and quality of reports.

· Evidence of progress against the objectives of the tripartite agreement.

· Quality of stakeholder relationships and partner feedback.

Performance targets will be set jointly with the AAU Secretariat, taking account of available resources, partner commitments and the agreed scope of the assignment.

 

7. Duration and Conditions of Service

The position will be based at Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, 15E Nakhimova Street, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation.

The appointment will be governed by a written contract specifying its duration, commencement date, remuneration, benefits, leave arrangements, reporting lines, performance-review procedures, termination provisions and other applicable conditions.

The precise duration of the appointment is not specified in the partner’s letter and must therefore be confirmed before recruitment is finalised.

 

8. Institutional Accountability

The Representative will be accountable to the AAU Secretary-General for the delivery of AAU-approved objectives, reporting and institutional representation. Activities requiring formal commitments, financial obligations or official AAU positions must receive the appropriate authorisation before implementation.

The Representative will also comply with the host institution’s applicable workplace requirements and the responsibilities agreed under the tripartite arrangement.

 

9. Review of the Terms of Reference

These Terms of Reference may be reviewed periodically by the AAU Secretariat in consultation with the relevant partners to ensure continued alignment with the tripartite agreement, AAU strategic priorities and the evolving needs of African–Russian higher education cooperation.

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