Visiting Professor in Intercultural Communication

The University of Central Asia (UCA) is a private (not for profit), secular University whose charter has been signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, ratified by the parliaments of the founding states and registered with the United Nations. UCA is the first internationally chartered university in the world. The mission of UCA is to foster the socio-economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, while helping the peoples of the region preserve and draw upon their rich cultural heritages as assets for the future. UCA consists of the School of Arts and Sciences (undergraduate), the School of Professional and Continuing Education and its three research institutes including the Institute of Public Policy and Administration, the Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit and the Mountain Societies Research Institute. The University provides three additional initiatives to build teaching and scholarly capacity in the region through its Central Asian Faculty Development Programme, the Aga Khan Humanities Project, and its Research Programme. For more information, please visit http://www.ucentralasia.org.

Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities

The University of Central Asia is seeking a Visiting Faculty Member with a background in Intercultural Communications to teach in the Liberal Arts Year at the Naryn Campus in Kyrgyz Republic and Khorog Campus in Tajikistan. As a Faculty Member, you will be dedicated to helping students understand and analyse cultural difference and teach them how to communicate with people who come from cultures different from their own.

As a Faculty Member, you will also assist students to:

• Expand their view of the concept of culture by analysing definitions of culture in various disciplines;
• Realize how culture impacts people’s perception of the world and their communication style within a community;
• Learn why communication between people from differing cultures might lead to misunderstandings or conflicts;
• Develop their intercultural competence and skills, allowing them to avoid or find solutions to conflicts caused by cultural misunderstandings.

Central to the vision of UCA is to create an outstanding teaching and research institution that excels in the generation and application of knowledge. Academic programmes combine the student-centred environment of a liberal arts college with the intellectual excitement of being at the frontiers of knowledge offered by a research university. The language of instruction for undergraduate studies is English, with a requirement that all undergraduate students be fluent in their native language and Russian. As a Faculty Member, you will be dedicated to teaching in small classes and providing each student with personal academic attention to ensure they master and apply the material.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD from an internationally recognized university in intercultural communication or anthropology
• Familiarity with intercultural communication theory
• Substantial experience living and working outside one's home culture.

Teaching Experience

• A demonstrated commitment to teaching and students; preferably at least 3 years of experience at the undergraduate level
• Demonstrated understanding of pedagogy, i.e. developing new and interesting courses grounded in a discipline area and interdisciplinary in nature
• Experience using innovative teaching methods and evaluation methodologies
• Experience in developing and delivering training modules to teachers, tutors and mentors
• Experience in some form of leadership involving students, faculty and staff, i.e. managing faculty (department lead or chair), student research projects and/or theses
• Experience in teaching in Central Asia would be a valuable asset

Research Experience

• A proven ability to publish research in peer reviewed journals related to your areas of expertise
• Regular attendance and experience with presenting at international conferences
• Experience in conducting research in Central Asia would be a valuable asset

Timing and Location

You should be prepared to begin training in May/June 2017 or earlier for acculturation and to preparation for teaching. In the 2017-18 academic year, in accordance with your availability, you will teach classes at both campuses, and regional travel, therefore, is to be expected.

Language

• English is required, and some knowledge of Russian would be an asset

Salary and Package:

Salary and package to attract the best candidate. The job description is subject to change.