Director of Human Resources

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA's mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org

Director of Human Resources

Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Rector
Duty Station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic (with travel throughout Central Asia)
Deadline: 31 August 2025

UCA consists of three schools including the School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Development, and the School of Professional and Continuing Education.

• The School of Arts and Sciences offers bachelor's degree programmes with majors in Computer Science, Communications and Media, Global Economics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences at its residential campuses in Khorog and Naryn.

• The Graduate School of Development serves as a hub for conducting multidisciplinary research. Its research institutes have established thematic, multidisciplinary expertise in the economies, societies, culture and environment of Central Asia and UCA's first master's programmes are planned for 2026.

• The School of Professional and Continuing Education is the region's leading provider of short cycle professional education courses designed to improve employment and income-generating opportunities. These courses are offered at 17 learning centres in Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan

Summary of Position
The Director of Human Resources will provide strategic and operational leadership of the human resources function at UCA. This includes working closely with the Rector, Chief Operating Officer, other members of the leadership team, and department heads to align UCA's human resources with the strategic needs of the University while also leading a team of human resource professionals to deliver a broad range of human resource services.
The position offers an unparalleled opportunity for a highly motivated candidate with experience in managing human resource functions in complex and diverse working environments. Experience of leading human resource functions in the higher education sector would be strongly preferred, as would an understanding of the cultural and educational context of Central Asia.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape HR strategy to support UCA's institutional goals; act as strategic partner for all units.

• Lead, modernise and oversee all HR policies, processes, systems (incl. SAP).

• Drive pay‑and‑grading reform, compensation, benefits and employee‑relations frameworks.

• Design and execute talent acquisition, succession planning, development and retention initiatives; position UCA as an employer of choice regionally and internationally.

• Foster an inclusive, safeguarding‑aware culture that encourages trust, accountability and innovation, and manages grievances / discipline fairly.

• Strengthen internal communications, engagement and a positive multi‑site workplace.

• Share best practices with AKDN and Central Asian HR peers; mentor and develop the HR team.

Relationships
The Director of Human Resources will:

• Report to the Rector.

• Be a member of the UCA Management Executive Committee

Required Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate for this position will possess:

• Advanced degree (preferably HRM)

• Proven senior‑level HR leadership; higher‑education experience strongly preferred.

• Strategic thinker who also handles day‑to‑day HR operations hands‑on.

• Skilled coach for senior leaders; record of developing HR professionals.

• Expertise in complex compensation & benefits, conflict management and multi‑jurisdiction compliance (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan).

• Fluent English; high cultural / gender sensitivity and ability to operate in Central Asian or other post‑Soviet contexts (experience there an advantage).

Languages:

• Advanced proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. Russian is preferred but not essential.

• Knowledge of other Central Asian languages (Kyrgyz, Tajik, Kazakh) would be beneficial.

The position will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic and would require regional and international travel.

Candidates from the founding countries of UCA i.e. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Salary and Package:
Salary and package to attract the best candidate.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? We kindly invite you to submit your application for this position by clicking the Apply button on this page. To facilitate a smooth application process, please create an account on our website. Be assured that the account setup and application steps are straightforward.

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.