The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research and healthcare delivery. AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, primarily in Asia and Africa. It generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The University is a private, not-for-profit institution and part of the Aga Khan Development Network. 

The Brain & Mind Institute (BMI) seeks to build capacity and provide leadership in the domains of brain health (mental health and neuroscience), across regions served by the Aga Khan University. A significant area of interest is the implementation of transdisciplinary science-based knowledge in community-based settings as well as programing in hospital and community settings that translate new discoveries into promotion, prevention and early mental health interventions.

The Aga Khan University, invites applications for the position of Associate Director, Operations at the Brain and Mind Institute. 

Reporting to the Brain and Mind Institute’s (BMI) Founding Director and working collaboratively with BMI’s team distributed across hubs in Kenya (for East Africa) and Pakistan (for South and Central Asia). This position is responsible for all financial and operational aspects of the BMI, including budgeting and finance, human resources, facilities planning, information technology, marketing, and compliance. This position thus focuses on operational excellence, resource management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive the Institute’s success in the implementation of its core strategic goals across its four thematic areas (Research, Education, Innovation (implementation/transformation science), and Engagement.)

• Liaise with the Director in shaping BMI’s strategic plans and aligning goals to achieve the Institute’s objectives;
• Ensure BMI’s infrastructure (tools, channels, and processes) is in place for successful implementation of its strategic plans;
• Plan, prioritize and manage work programs of BMI’s personnel and teams, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching, as needed.

• Collaboratively work with the Director (and the Chief Advancement Officer, when needed) in developing and executing fundraising strategies; seek funding and establish and grow an endowment fund for short- and long-term sustainability. This will require fostering of ongoing relationships with donors, providing updates, or checking in with regular or recurring supporters as well as planning and hosting fundraising events;
• Lead the development of annual operating and capital budgets as well as monitor budgets, manpower, operating expenditure, and capital purchases;
• Manage current and projected space requirements, including fitups and renovations;
• Lead the Institute in achieving cost efficiencies.  

• Lead goal setting process for the Institute and its staff;
• Oversee planning, development, and management of all aspects related to human resources to ensure alignment with BMI’s and AKU’s goals;
• Direct staff recruitment, retention, engagement, and conduct performance appraisals;
• Identify training needs and promote appropriate staff development.

• Ensure research processes are compliant with AKU’s research practices.

• Help broaden the educational outreach of BMI courses;
• Develop financial models for cost recovery and expansion of teaching;

• Lead the Institute’s efforts in cultivating and nurturing relationships with relevant stakeholders, particularly philanthropists, locally and internationally;
• Drive collaboration with internal and external partners to promote long-term sustainability of the BMI.

• Initial responsibilities and deliverables may evolve as the Brain and Mind Institute evolves.