Associate Dean and Professor of Law

Reports to: Dean

About Us:

KIMEP University's School of Law is a Western-style law school dedicated to teaching, research and service second to none in Central Asia. Our faculty and staff strive to impart deep knowledge of Law and Procedure using new technologies, to train lawyering skills and to develop students' professional identities, integrity and ethics. Our faculty engages in rigorous scholarship with substantial and innovative intellectual and / or legal practice contributions which are recognized as such by academic and professional peers. We strive to contribute to the local legal profession and contribute to the ongoing development of the Rule of Law in Central Asia. Instruction is primarily in English but Russian and Kazakh are used strategically for practical applications.

Position Overview:

We seek an engaged Associate Dean and Professor of Law at open rank to join our faculty. As a faculty member you will teach courses and conduct your scholarship half time. In keeping with our international approach to Law, you will have wide discretion in setting your own research agenda.

The Associate Dean will be a strategic and proactive leader with a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and fostering a collaborative environment. This individual will be responsible for overseeing faculty development, curriculum enhancement, and advancing the Law School's position within the rapidly evolving legal landscape, particularly with reference to including all students and faculty members in Experiential Learning- Legal Clinic, Ask-A-Lawyer Program, internships, mentorships, mooting competitions and in-class simulations. The ideal candidate will have experience applying international standards, introducing advanced pedagogy, and articulating global perspectives and standards in a changing academic culture.

Professional Development:

In the future, if the Associate Dean role does not align with the successful candidate's goals or her / his service as such is no longer required by KIMEP, and assuming satisfactory evaluations as to faculty functions, they may revert to full-time faculty status rank with standard teaching, research and service obligations, enjoying full credit for time served as an administrator. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated leadership skills and experience, as well as an interest in serving the university in the future as Dean or in some other administrative role.

Faculty Responsibilities:

• Teaching: Deliver high-quality instruction in various law subjects.

Develop experientially oriented course materials and assessments.

• Research: May conduct and publish original research and / or engage in law reform and related work. Contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship and engage with contemporary legal issues, especially those advancing improvement of local practice or the regional Rule of Law.

Participate in conferences and workshops.

• Service: Participate in faculty meetings, curriculum development, university governance, and school improvement. Mentor students and support student organizations. Engage in community service and outreach, alumni relations and student recruitment.
• Additional related duties assigned by the Dean.

Associate Dean Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Faculty Development:

• Help to lead and inspire a diverse faculty to embrace contemporary academic practices, research innovations, and new pedagogical approaches.
• Implement strategies to engage, motivate, and foster a culture of continuous professional development.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty members to support their research, teaching, and professional growth.
• Develop initiatives to address faculty challenges, enhance morale, and encourage collaboration across departments.
• Assist with workshops, seminars, and conferences that promote research activities and foster collaboration among faculty and external scholars.

2. Curriculum and Academic Program Oversight:

• Assist in the assessment, revision, and modernization of the law school's curriculum to ensure it is relevant, rigorous, and aligned with global best practices.
• Oversee the integration of new legal topics, technologies, and methodologies into course offerings, ensuring students are prepared for evolving legal environments.
• Promote the integration of global legal trends and issues into academic programming.
• Work closely with the Dean and faculty to foster innovation in teaching and to adopt advanced tools and pedagogy.
• Assist with a student advising, student progress, retention and student disciplinary issues.

3. Strategic Vision and Institutional Advancement:

• Collaborate with the Dean to develop and implement the law school's mission and strategic vision.
• Identify and address opportunities for faculty collaboration with other educational institutions, governmental organizations, and international legal bodies.
• Advocate for the importance of purposeful change within the law school and work to create buy-in from all stakeholders.
• Build relationships with legal practitioners, policymakers, and other academic institutions to enhance research collaborations and funding opportunities.

4. Strategic Vision and Institutional Advancement:

• Collaborate with the Dean to develop and implement the law school's mission and strategic vision.
• Identify and address opportunities for faculty collaboration with other educational institutions, governmental organizations, and international legal bodies.
• Advocate for the importance of purposeful change within the law school and work to create buy-in from all stakeholders.
• Build relationships with legal practitioners, policymakers, and other academic institutions to enhance research collaborations and funding opportunities.

5. Faculty Recruitment and Retention:

• Assist in the recruitment of new faculty, ensuring the selection of candidates who bring fresh perspectives, expertise, and enthusiasm for innovation in legal education.
• Promote an inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking academic environment that attracts top-tier talent and retains high-performing faculty members.

6. Quality Assurance and Accreditation:

• Ensure that the Law School adheres to university, national, and international accreditation and evaluation standards, demonstrating a commitment to high academic standards and continual improvement.
• Lead the preparation for data collection, evaluation, accreditation reviews, and ensure compliance with academic policies and procedures.

7. Other duties assigned by the Dean

Qualifications:

• Terminal or final professional degree in Law
• Ideally at least 3 years of teaching experience and ideally 3 years of licensed legal practice (a different combination thereof combining 6 years of academic and professional experience may be considered) plus ideally an additional 3 years in academic administration (Chair or above) preferred
• Proven leadership and organizational skills, with experience in managing international and / or multicultural teams
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence others effectively
• Resourcefulness, self-sufficiency, willingness to embrace change, and ability to think creatively
• Visionary and forward-thinking, with a passion for law and education
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex institutional challenges
• Kazakhstan government requirements for employment
• Preference for applicants with teaching experience and scholarship in business law and/or tax
• Fluency in English required; Fluency in Russian and / or Kazakh languages preferred

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter detailing interest in the position and relevant experience
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three references

Please submit the following documents to KIMEP University HR portal by clicking the 'Apply' button

Address any questions to: recruitment@kimep.kz 

Closing dates for submission of applications: October 31, 2025 (23.59 Almaty time)

Personal data provided by applicants will be kept confidential and used for recruitment purposes only. 

Unfortunately, only shortlisted candidates can be notified and invited for interviews.