Job Description
Our Client
Our client is establishing a new college in the UAE with a strong focus on Banking and Finance. The institution is being built to meet the highest standards of academic governance, regulatory compliance, and international credibility, with a clear ambition to position itself as a respected player in the UAE higher education landscape.
Role Overview
This is a founding academic leadership role responsible for building and leading the institution’s academic infrastructure from the ground up. As Academic Head, you will own the accreditation journey, faculty structure, and academic governance framework, ensuring full alignment with CAA and UAE regulatory requirements while shaping the academic direction of the institution.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the CAA institutional licensure process, including documentation, self-study reports, and site visit preparation
- Develop and implement academic governance structures, quality assurance frameworks, and policy documentation aligned with CAA and MoHESR standards
- Ensure ongoing compliance with UAE federal and Dubai (KHDA) regulatory requirements
- Act as the primary liaison with accreditation bodies and regulatory authorities
- Design and launch undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Banking, Finance, and Business
- Develop curriculum frameworks, learning outcomes, and assessment policies aligned with global standards
- Lead programme validation and approval through relevant regulatory channels
- Explore and establish international accreditations and partnerships (AACSB, EFMD, ACCA, CFA, etc.)
- Establish faculty hiring criteria, academic structures, and recruitment frameworks
- Lead recruitment and development of faculty in line with regulatory standards
- Build academic governance bodies including Academic Council and key committees
- Develop policies covering admissions, academic integrity, student progression, and grading
- Oversee the student academic experience including advising and support structures
- Build and manage strategic academic partnerships, articulation agreements, and dual degree programmes
- Represent the institution in academic forums and strengthen its regional and international positioning
Must-Have
- PhD or professional doctorate in Business, Finance, Education, or related field
- 10–15 years in higher education, with at least 5 years in a senior academic leadership role
- Proven hands-on experience with CAA accreditation processes
- Demonstrated experience building or launching academic programmes from scratch
- Familiarity with international accreditation bodies such as AACSB, EFMD, BGA, or professional institutions (ACCA, CIMA, CFA)
- Experience in the UAE or GCC higher education environment is strongly preferred
- Strong academic and professional network within regional or international education communities
- Ability to operate as a builder, combining strategic vision with execution discipline
Next Steps
Upload your resume via our ATS platform and ensure all form details are complete. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 5-7 working days for a more detailed discussion about the role. Please note, due to high application volumes, we will only respond to shortlisted profiles.