HERI-Africa Project Research Chair in Languages Education at Kisii University, Kenya.

About HERI-Africa Project

The Harnessing Education Research for Impact in Africa (HERI-Africa) is a Pan-African initiative bringing together collaborators from government, universities, and civil society research organizations. HERI-Africa aims to increase the productivity and impact of education research on the continent—from the current 3% to 30% by 2050—and ensure that research meaningfully improves learning outcomes, student transitions, and lifelong opportunities.

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 (KSU), 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

I.     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.

II.    Graduate Training and Supervision

•     Strengthen postgraduate training programs at Kisii University.

•     Develop a pipeline of early-career scholars through training, workshops, and mentorship.

III.  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.

IV. 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 Language Education or a related discipline.

•     Strong publication record in Language education, foundational learning literacy, or early-grade learning.

•     Demonstrated ability to attract and manage research grants and funding, including multi-institutional or collaborative projects.

•     At least 10 years of experience in education research, teacher education, or pedagogical innovation.

•     Strong methodological expertise (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).

•     Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage policymakers and practitioners.

•     Demonstrated integrity, leadership, and commitment to improving learning outcomes.

How to apply:

1.    Visit Kisii University website; www.kisiiuniversity.ac.ke, select the Careers Portal and fill in your details as guided; and

2.    Submit your application package including;

1. Application letter;
2. Detailed curriculum vitae signed on all pages. The CV must include contact details of three (3) referees;
3. Copies of certified academic and professional certificates;
4. A copy of the National Identification Card or Passport;
5. A copy of the current pay slip (if any); and
6. Other relevant testimonials.

The Application Package (soft copy) should reach the undersigned not later than mid-night on Thursday, 26 March 2026 on heriafrica.ksuproject@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke

The Vice-Chancellor,             

Kisii University,

P.O. Box 408-40200, Kisii,

Kenya.

Note:

i.          Only qualified and shortlisted applicants will be contacted;

ii.        Successful candidates will be required to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010;

iii.       Persons abled differently are encouraged to apply; and

iv.       Kisii University does not levy any fees for job application

Kisii University is an equal opportunity employer.