The Association of African Universities (AAU) has received World Bank financing for the Sahel Regional Engagement for Learning and Collaboration in Education Project (Sahel RELANCE, P180260, grants TF-C8931 & TF-C8932) and intends to use part of the funds to recruit an individual consultant as Director General of the EduSahel Institute, based in Mauritania (contract ref. GH-AAU-GHANA-571942-CS-INDV). Selection follows the Individual Consultant Selection method under the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.
Under the authority of the Board of Directors, the Director General provides strategic, academic, institutional, administrative and financial leadership of the Institute. The role covers implementing the Strategic Plan, building the Institute's academic reputation, mobilizing resources for its development and establishing high-level regional and international partnerships. The Director General is recruited for an initial five-year term, renewable once subject to a satisfactory performance evaluation.
Main responsibilities:
- Strategic leadership: steer the setting up and progressive development of the Institute and align its activities with Sahel education priorities.
- Academic development: oversee the design, development and quality assurance of training programmes and promote pedagogical innovation.
- Research and knowledge production: guide research activities, develop scientific partnerships and ensure knowledge dissemination to inform education policy.
- Technical assistance and regional cooperation: strengthen support to ministries of education through experience exchange and communities of practice.
- Institutional development: establish administrative structures and management systems, develop human resources and foster a culture of excellence, integrity and innovation.
- Resource mobilization: develop and implement financing and partnership strategies for financial sustainability.
- International relations: build strategic partnerships with universities, specialized bodies and international organizations.
Interested consultants must demonstrate the qualifications, relevant experience and skills required per the terms of reference. A doctoral degree is required. Women and candidates from across the Sahel region are strongly encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit the application letter and supporting documents online at https://www.research.net/r/SahelDG26 by Friday 30 October 2026, 23:59 GMT. Three recommendation letters must be sent directly by the referees online at https://www.research.net/r/SahelRefDG26 with the subject 'Référence confidentielle - Sahel RELANCE' by Friday 6 November 2026, 23:59 GMT. Application package: a short cover letter; a detailed CV; a list of main professional achievements; a copy of the doctoral diploma; three reference letters; and a strategic vision note (maximum 10 pages) on the candidate's vision for developing EduSahel over its first five years. Further information: smkandawire@aau.org and aysylla@aau.org (9:00-17:00, Monday to Friday). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.