Research Chair (Languages Education)

Role Overview

Kisii University (KSU), in partnership with HERI-Africa, is establishing a Research Chair in Languages Education to lead high-impact research, capacity development, and innovation in Language Education in Kenya and across Africa. The Chair will be based at Kisii University, with collaboration across the HERI-Africa network which will require occasional travel.

Key Result Areas

The Research Chair will:

• Provide intellectual and scholarly leadership in foundational languages research
• Lead multi-country and multi-institutional research programs aligned with HERI-Africa's mission
• Strengthen research capacity through mentorship, postgraduate training, and institutional collaboration
• Build strong networks across universities and other stakeholders
• Ensure research findings are translated into policy and practice to enhance learning outcomes
• Participate in resource mobilization efforts to support research in Languages education

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership and Strategy Development

• Develop and lead a multi-year research agenda focused on foundational Language education
• Establish systems to ensure research quality, ethical compliance, and effective dissemination

Graduate Training and Supervision

• Strengthen postgraduate training programs at Kisii University
• Develop a pipeline of early-career scholars through training, workshops, and mentorship

Collaboration, Partnerships & Knowledge Mobilization

• Strengthen partnerships with universities, government agencies, and research organizations across Africa
• Translate research findings into policy briefs, teaching tools, and evidence-based guidance

Resource Mobilization & Grants Management

• Lead and contribute to fundraising efforts for languages education research

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Professor or Associate Professor, or equivalent senior academic rank, in Languages or related field