Noke (Dean of Research and Strategic Partnerships)

Summary

Position: Noke (Dean of Research and Strategic Partnerships)

Placement: Executive Position

Duration: A term of 4-years, renewable for only 1 term

Strategic goal: Develop and ensure the university’s exceptional quality and high credibility of its research culture; its local, national, regional, and international research partnerships; and the exceptional quality of its publications, and external communications. In part, the cultivation of the university’s reputation and standing, as a highly credible and an exceptional research institution of higher learning depends on the quality and relevancy of its research culture, purpose, focus and goals. This is the strategic goal of this position.

Key tasks:

  • Develop and strengthen the university’s research culture, its purpose, focus and goals. Central to this is the pursuit of the university’s ‘whole of life’ research narrative and education vision.
  • Oversee all research activities of the university, and initiate forums such as conferences, seminars, colloquiums, trainings for ‘whole of life’ research development and consciousness.
  • Oversee the management and administration of the Centre of Research for New Pasifika Consciousness (CERNPAC).
  • Manage and strengthen the university’s international relations and source new international partnerships to advance the university’s ‘whole of life’ vision and its research mandate. This includes the management of partnership agreements and MOUs.
  • Fundraise and ensure that a quota of scholarships is available each year for institutional and FOL and toloa research, community research and research exchange or placements with research partners.
  • Chair the scholarship committee of the university.
  • Oversee the coordination of the Communities learning centres network, in particular the ‘Communities Research Framework,’ the communities research activities of the university, and communities base learning.
  • Develop and nurture the university’s alumni network and their contribution to the university.
  • Strengthen the university’s PCU Press and publications by ensuring that the university has a quota of listings for publications each year, and to ensure the regional and international reputation of the PCU press as a credible and quality publication arm of the university.
  • Oversee the management and coordination of the university’s Media, Communications and Marketing. This will greatly assist with the nurturing of university’s reputation of a quality and highly credible higher learning institution.
  • Chair the Ethics Kilaak (committee) of the university and ensure the ethical compliance of university research work with the ‘whole of life’ vision and mission.
  • IMPORTANT: Ensure that all of the research proposals and the office’s systems are framed in the spirit of the ‘whole of life’ vision and the vakamareqeti na i yau bula philosophy of care[1].

 

Required Qualifications & Experience:

  • Holds a PhD from an internationally recognised higher education institution
  • Well-grounded in values-based education, and community traditions and knowledge.
  • Minimum ten (10) years in senior management positions in a higher learning institution.
  • Proof of successful grants applications of at least $350,000.00
  • Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in research and research grant writing; and in creating and reviewing research policies, proposals and projects.
  • Proof of work in the fields of decolonial studies and/or indigenous studies and methodologies
  • Proof of work in holistic communities-based approaches to learning with some emphasis on justice-oriented pedagogies and transformative education
  • Good and quality track record of research and publication with international recognition.
  • Commitment towards disadvantaged people and grassroot indigenous
  • Passionate to promote the ‘Whole of Life’ vision of the

Aspired:

  • Readiness to work in an ecumenical environment with multiple denominational and faith traditions and diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Open minded and flexible to cultural difference in particular to indigenous cultures.
  • Good knowledge about the following:
  • Ecumenism in the Pacific
  • Diverse Pacific cultures and traditions
  • Issues in the Pacific region.
  • Advocacy for justice in the Pacific region
  • Readiness to work in a team with people of different cultural and religious background and nationalities.

Probationary period:
A twelve (12) months probationary period applies, and it includes the candidate’s completion of a community cultural immersion programme, and participates in the Pasifika Philosophies course and the Leadership and Diplomacy training. A ‘staff competency assessment’ will take place before the twelve (12) months is over to determine the confirmation of position.

Salary Package:
$95,094.44 Fiji dollars with accommodation provided in the university campus valued at $60,000.00 per annum.

Details

JOB DESCRIPTION – DEAN OF RESEARCH AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

 

Position No[1]

SS4

Position Title

Dean of Research and Strategic Partnerships

Position Holder

 

Position Category

Executive Position

Immediate Supervisor

Rev. Professor Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai

Position Title of Immediate Supervisor

Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor)

Position Salary Band

Band 8 S2

Executive/School/Institute/Centre/Department

Executive

Executive Division[2]

Office of the Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor)

 Position Description

The position is about ensuring development of the university’s research culture, and the partnerships needed to support this essential component of the university’s academic life. To be able to nurture the university’s purposeful ‘whole of life’ narrative and vision of education, it requires a vibrant, creative and contextual research culture that gives much credence to this vision and narrative in its various and diverse expressions in the many diverse traditions in the Pasifika region.

1. Strategic goal
Develop and ensure the university’s exceptional quality and high credibility of its research culture; its local, national, regional, and international research partnerships; and the exceptional quality of its publications, and external communications. In part, the cultivation of the university’s reputation and standing, as a highly credible and an exceptional research institution of higher learning depends on the quality and relevancy of its research culture, purpose, focus and goals. This is the strategic goal of this position.

2. Strategic Responsibilities and Deliverables
The strategic responsibilities and deliverables are as follows
m) Develop and nurture the university’s research culture, its purpose, focus and goals. Central to this is the pursuit of the university’s ‘whole of life’ narrative and education vision.
n) Oversee the management and administration of the Centre of Research for New Pasifika Consciousness (CERNPAC).
o) Manage and strengthen the university’s current international relations and source new international partnerships to advance the university’s ‘whole of life’ vision and its research mandate. This includes the management of partnership agreements and MOUs.
p) Ensure that a quota of scholarships is available each year for institutional and FOL and toloa research, community research and research exchange or placements with research partners.
q) Oversee the coordination of the Communities learning centres network, in particular the community research activities of the university, and community base learning.
r) Develop and nurture the university’s alumni network.
s) Strengthen the university’s PCU Press and publications by ensuring that the university has a quota of listings for publications each year, and to ensure the regional and international reputation of the PCU press as a credible and quality publication arm of the university.
t) Oversee and the management and coordination of the university’s Media, Communications and Marketing. This will greatly assist with the nurturing of university’s reputation of a quality and highly credible higher learning institution.
u) IMPORTANT: Ensure that all of the research proposals and the office’s systems are framed in the spirit of the ‘whole of life’ vision and the vakamareqeti na i yau bula philosophy of care.

3. Operational Responsibilities
a) Developing and implementing the research strategy and of the University, oversight of funding applications and reporting, University consultancies, and research
b) Ensuring the constant aligning of all University research to the vision
c) Oversight of communities’ network and engagements, including all communities-based networking and activities
d) Oversee the development and implementation of the Communities-based Research Framework
e) Oversight of marketing and promotion of the University vision, mission, programmes, and initiatives.
f) Responsible for seeking new donor and development partnerships and seeking funds to fund such initiatives
g) Responsible for all University regional and international memberships, research fellowships, partnership memberships, MOU, and communities-based members.
h) Oversee all research courses, seminars, workshops, and the KORO platform to strengthen the research culture of the University
i) Responsible for facilitating and assisting Academic staff on their research grants and projects
j) Oversee the development and welfare of the Centre of Research for New Pasifika Consciousness (CERNPAC)
k) Oversight of Communications and Media service.
l) Responsible for developing and strengthening Alumni network
m) Responsible for fundraising to fund the University research strategy.
n) Responsible for fundraising to fund the CIPS or any other scholarships and managing of scholarships.
o) Fundraiser for other operational aspects of the University that relate to research and partnerships. The Centre of Research for New Pasifika Consciousness will be a direct report to the Dean of Research and Strategic Partnership.
p) Perform any other task required by the Vice Chancellor

4. Probationary period
A one (1) year probationary period until the candidate completes the communities’ cultural immersion, the Pasifika Philosophies course and leadership training. A ‘staff competency assessment’ will take place before the twelve (12) months is over to determine the confirmation of position.
5. Attributes
a) Analysis Excellence: A strong track record in research, including publications, grants, and contributions to the field, demonstrating credibility and expertise.
b) Visionary Leadership: Ability to create and communicate a clear strategic vision for the university that aligns with broader vision and missions.
c) Innovative Thinking: Openness to new ideas and approaches in research especially on whole of life and Pasifika philosophies.
d) Fundraising Skills: Proficiency in securing funding from government sources, private foundations, and industry partnerships to support research initiatives.
e) Collaborative Networking: Ability to foster collaboration within and outside the university, building partnerships with other research organizations, universities, and industry.
f) Administrative Skills: Skills in managing budgets, resources, and personnel effectively to ensure the smooth operation of the university.
g) Mentorship: Commitment to mentoring researchers, graduate students, and scientists, helping them develop their skills and careers.
h) Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to articulate research goals, results, and the institute’s impact to diverse audiences.
i) Adaptability: Ability to respond to changes in the research landscape, including funding trends, technological advancements, and societal needs.
j) Outreach: Skills in building relationships with stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the public, to promote the institute’s work and impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:

  • Curriculum vitae with at least two credible referees with their contacts details who will be contacted by the Appointments committee.
  • Cover letter.
  • Copies of all academic certificates certified by a JP officer or lawyer.

Applications to be emailed to appointments@pcu.ac.fj with the subject title: Application for Noke (Dean of Research and Strategic Partnerships) Position and copied to info@pcu.ac.fj by 14th October 2025. Alternatively, send via postal mail to the address: The Registrar, Pasifika Communities University, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands.

 

The Pasifika Communities University (PCU) is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.