Director

Director – Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences

Job Overview

The Director position at the University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences (UCIARS) is a prestigious leadership opportunity for accomplished academics with outstanding research, administrative, and management experience. The successful candidate will serve as the Principal Executive Officer, Principal Academic Officer, and Accounting Officer of the Institute, providing strategic leadership to advance education, research, innovation, and community engagement in agro-technology and rural sciences. The appointment is for a three-year term or until the appointee reaches 65 years of age, whichever occurs first.

Position Details

Job Title: Director

Organization: University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences (UCIARS)

Job Category: Teaching & Education

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Location: Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Company Overview

The University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences (UCIARS), established in 2008 at Weligatta, Hambantota, is an affiliated institute of the University of Colombo. The Institute offers degree programmes in Agro-Technology while promoting research, consultancy, training, and community extension services in agro-technology, agribusiness, rural sciences, and related disciplines.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Must be a Sri Lankan citizen.
• Must be below 63 years of age at the closing date of applications.
• Possess a distinguished academic career with an excellent research publication record.
• Demonstrate proven leadership, managerial, and administrative experience.
• Have a high level of integrity, professional ethics, and interpersonal skills.
• Possess a clear understanding of higher education policy and institutional governance.
• Be able to provide strategic leadership for the development of the Institute.
• Be available to serve on a full-time basis at UCIARS, Weligatta, Hambantota.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Principal Executive Officer, Principal Academic Officer, and Accounting Officer of the Institute.
• Chair the Board of Management, Academic Syndicate, and Boards of Study.
• Serve as an Ex-officio member of the University Senate.
• Provide strategic academic and administrative leadership.
• Promote excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community outreach.
• Ensure effective governance and policy implementation.
• Maintain discipline within the Institute under the direction of the Vice Chancellor.
• Lead the Institute towards achieving its strategic goals and long-term development objectives.

Required Skills

• Outstanding academic leadership and management capabilities.
• Strong strategic planning and decision-making skills.
• Excellent research and publication record.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills.
• Financial and administrative management expertise.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary academic teams.
• Strong governance and policy implementation knowledge.
• Commitment to institutional excellence and continuous development.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary equivalent to that of a Professor.
• Additional allowances applicable to the post.
• Opportunity to lead a prestigious higher education institute affiliated with the University of Colombo.
• Professional recognition and leadership in academic administration.
• Opportunity to contribute to national development through higher education and research.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• Duly completed application form.
• Complete Curriculum Vitae (CV) including date of birth.
• Certified copy of the Birth Certificate.
• Statement of vision for the development of the Institute.
• Brief proposal outlining intended achievements if appointed.
• Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications.
• Evidence of leadership, research publications, appreciations, and administrative experience.
• Additional report of accomplishments (if applicable for current or former Directors).
• Applicants employed in the public sector should forward applications through the Head of their institution.

Applications should be addressed to:

Deputy Registrar
University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences
Weligatta
Hambantota

Email: dr@uciars.cmb.ac.lk

Please mention “Director – UCIARS” on the top left-hand corner of the envelope and in the email subject line.

Important Notes

• Application Closing Date: 28 July 2026.
• Applications must be submitted in both hard copy and soft copy (PDF format).
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
• Selection will be conducted in accordance with UGC Circular No. 01/2024.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

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