Head of Research

IBSUNIVERSITY

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• ROLE TITLE : Head of Research
• ROLE ID : HOR-001
• DEPARTMENT : RESEARCH
• DIVISION : IBSUniversity
• ROLE TERM : 24 MONTHS
• ROLE TYPE : FULLTIME
• EFFECTIVE DATE: : TBA
• REPORTING TO : PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (Academic)

ORGANATIONAL CONTEXT

The Institute of Business Studies (IBS), from its humble beginning in 1987 as an arm of Nades & Associates, primarily providing revision classes for the needs of Papua New Guinea Institute of Accountants (now CPA PNG), has evolved into a private university-level Institution over the last thirty-four years. It was elevated as a University in January 2017 and offers its own degree programmes in the fields of Accounting & Finance, Business & Management, Economics & Development Studies, and Information Technology.

Today, we are one of the largest business schools in the country and continue to grow into the future. These successes are the fruits of our dedicated team members’ commitment to making a
difference in Papua New Guinea through their efforts in helping educate fellow citizens.

The University has been affiliated with the Southern Cross University (SCU) of Australia since 1999
and offers its degree programmes in Accounting, Business, and Information Technology. The
affiliation with Southern Cross University has made IBS the first and only Institution to offer
internationally recognised Bachelor programmes face-to-face in Papua New Guinea.

We strive to be the pioneer institution for business education in PNG. Some of our accomplishments to date are listed below:

• Only educational Institution to operate a Career Centre.
• Only the organisation has a “Centre of Excellence” for Leadership & Management Development.
• Only private University established as per the decision of NEC and Gazettal.
• Only private Institution to hold the status of “Study Centre – for the University of Papua New Guinea.” Till 2016, for 22 years.
• Examination Centre for the majority of Australian & NZ Universities.
• Test Centre for ICDL, CISCO, Pearson VUE & Prometric.
• Established partnerships with Oracle Academy, Red Hat Academy, and the All-India Management Association (AIMA), among others.
• To bridge the gap between academia and industry, facilitated Memoranda of Understanding with organisations such as BSP, Telikom, CPL, Vodafone, Women’s Micro Bank, Theodist, Barlow Industries, and CEFI.
• First, publish bi-annual Journal of Business & Research in Papua New Guinea.
• Accredited professional bodies in PNG & Australia and ISO 9001:2015 certified University.

As a private tertiary institution, our survival and growth depend heavily on high-quality teaching,
learning, and impactful research that strengthens our reputation and attracts students and
partners. The role of the Head of Research needs to be modern, innovative, and strategically
positioned.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Head of Research will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to promote a
research culture of excellence, innovation, and integrity at IBSUniversity. This role is central to
strengthening the University’s research systems, advancing staff capacity, fostering student
research engagement, and ensuring alignment with national higher education priorities.

The role includes academic engagement through teaching two units - one each from
IBSUniversity and Southern Cross University - to strengthen the connection between teaching
and research, and to better understand student expectations and academic progression.

The Director of Research will also support the broader institutional strategy by ensuring that all
research activities are in harmony with the expectations of the Department of Higher Education,
Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), contribute to the University’s strategic goals, and
uphold the Vision, Mission, Values, and non-negotiable IBS Culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.1. Strategic Research Leadership

1. Implement the University’s research strategy, policies, and annual research plan.
2. Promote a culture of research excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration across schools and faculties aligning research priorities with Papua New Guinea’s national development goals.

2.2. Academic Contribution through Teaching

1. Undertake two units per semester (one IBSU, one SCU) to maintain academic connection and student engagement.
2. Use teaching to identify talent and cultivate a research mindset among students and faculty.

2.3. Research Management and Capacity Building

1. Oversee the planning, execution, and dissemination of research projects.
2. Organize and conduct of National and International Conference.
3. Continue to publish “IBSU Journal of Business and Research” biannual journal.
4. Support faculty and postgraduate students (Commencement of master’s Programme from 2026) in developing research proposals, securing grants, and publishing in reputable journals.
5. Student Satisfaction – Support University with regular surveys on teaching quality, campus facilities, learning resources, and career support and employee satisfaction.
6. New program recommendations-Support university to identify the requirements for future programs/courses.
7. Analysis & Reporting – Consolidating findings into actionable recommendations for curriculum design, student services, and industry engagement. Organize training, workshops, and seminars to strengthen research skills and capacity within the University.

2.4. Research Partnerships and Funding

1. Establish and maintain collaborations with local and international universities, industry partners, government agencies, and NGOs.
2. Lead efforts to secure research grants and external funding to support institutional projects.
3. Represent IBSUniversity at national and international research forums.

2.5. Research Governance and Quality Assurance

1. Chair the University Research Committee and oversee research ethics and compliance processes for the publication by the faculty members.
2. Monitor research outputs, impact, and performance indicators to ensure continuous
   improvement.

2.6. Administration and Documentation

1. Prepare research reports, policy briefs, and publications for internal and external stakeholders.
2. Manage the research budget and allocate resources effectively.
3. Contribute to the University’s accreditation and quality assurance processes.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

The following criteria are considered to be ESSENTIAL:

• Master’s degree or higher in Research, Education, Social Sciences, Business, or a related field (PhD preferred).
• Proven track record in research leadership, academic publishing, or managing research projects.
• Strong ability to analyze and synthesize complex data into clear, evidence-based insights.
• Demonstrated capacity to secure research funding, develop proposals, and manage grants.
• Excellent academic writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate research findings to diverse audiences.
• Proven critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design and implement innovative research strategies.
• Ability to foster and maintain effective collaborative relationships with colleagues, research partners, funding agencies, and external stakeholders.
• High standards of research ethics, integrity, and professionalism, with a proactive and positive attitude.
• Strong project management and time management skills, with the ability to deliver outputs within tight deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail in research design, analysis, and reporting.

The following criteria are considered to be DESIRABLE:

• Experience working in a tertiary education or higher education research environment.
• Experience in mentoring, supervising, or coaching academic staff and/or student researchers.
• Demonstrated skills in developing research policies, frameworks, and institutional strategies.
• Experience in community-based research, applied research, or projects with measurable social impact.

OTHER ROLE RELATED INFORMATION

• The role is based at IBS Mt Eriama Campus but is required and support the responsive delivery of services and to maintain liaison with all key stakeholders.
• The role is also required to liaise with external regulatory authorities at their place of business outside University premises.
• Some attendance outside normal working hours may be required from time to time for effective performance of the position.