Kiran BHUJUN
Phoenix,PW
Summary
Driven by a passion for strategic development and leadership, I've propelled institutions like the Mauritius National Commission for UNESCO to new heights, enhancing international collaborations and increasing student intake by 200%. My expertise in project management and resilient leadership has consistently delivered innovative solutions and operational excellence across various high-profile roles.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director - Tertiary Education and Scientific Research
Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research
10.2016 - Current
- Translate the Ministry’s vision into actionable strategies for an enhanced higher education hub through international collaboration, research proficiency, and the internationalisation of the Mauritian higher education sector.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate policies.
- Developed a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Framework, a higher education harmonisation plan, and a National Open Educational Resources (OER) Policy.
- Directed research on higher education matters to inform policies – examples are: harmonization of the Mauritian public higher education sector, funding mechanisms for public universities, and an internationalization strategy for the Mauritian higher education hub.
- Updated policies incorporating innovative practices.
- The current task is 'Implementing a Policy for AI in Higher Education in Mauritius.'
- Successfully implemented a policy on the Internationalisation of the Mauritian higher education sector, leading to enhanced international collaborations
- Brokered collaboration between public higher education institutions and international ones for a range of joint activities, including research, joint programmes and mobility of researchers and students
- Contributed to national strategies for attracting international higher education brand names to Mauritius
Secretary-General
Mauritius National Commission for UNESCO
02.2024 - Current
- Act as the main communication channel between the Government and UNESCO, ensuring clear and effective information exchange on projects, programmes and declarations
- Enhance the visibility of UNESCO’s activities, engaging civil society, parliamentarians, academicians, NGOs, UNESCO Clubs, and the business community in program development and implementation
- Mobilise support from specialised communities and assume operational responsibility for implementing UNESCO’s program activities, contributing to effective national program execution
Officer-in-Charge
Open University of Mauritius
10.2024 - 12.2024
- Acting as the principal academic officer of the University, as well as its chief executive officer, responsible for its daily and overall operations, finances and activities
- Spearheading a digital transformation of OU by proposing and implementing strategic policies to enhance students’ experience, technology-enabled learning, assessment and administration
- Streamlining processes through the development of new and enhanced procedures for a better operational flow
- Enhancing academic offering by ensuring alignment with accreditation regulatory requirements
- Leading discussions with internal stakeholders to evaluate existing procedures and policies with a view to undertaking a self-evaluation assessment for quality audit processes
Vice-Chancellor and Director
AMITY University (Mauritius)
01.2020 - 02.2022
- Acted as the principal academic officer of the University, as well as its chief executive officer, responsible for operations on the Mauritius campus, as well as overseeing activities of the Kenya and South Africa campuses
- Adopted new procedures for fully online lecture delivery and exams during lockdown, maintaining knowledge sharing and building, while developing policies for supporting the online delivery and assessment
- Acted on student proposals, introducing weekly guest lectures, relocating to a larger campus, and establishing a healthy lifestyle club
- Implemented policies and strategies during lockdown, increasing student intake by 200% from Feb 2020 to Jan 2022
- Realigned operations, nearing break-even with an increase in the number of accredited programmes by more than 300%
- Set up sound marketing and recruitment strategies to increase the enrolment of international students
Officer-in-Charge
University of Technology, Mauritius
07.2018 - 09.2019
- Acted as the principal academic officer of the University, as well as its chief executive officer, responsible for its daily and overall operations, finances and activities
- Spearheaded transformation by proposing and implementing strategic policies to enhance the University brand and align it with Mauritius' vision as a regional Higher Education hub
- Streamlined operational processes and research-related procedures
- Increased academic accountability by balancing new course introductions with business sustainability while enhancing high-demand courses
- Fostered a harmonious working environment, encouraging open communication and contribution
- Implemented plans to enhance university infrastructure and improve the student experience
- Implemented policies and strategies increasing student satisfaction and intake by 10% from July 2018 to August 2019
- Realigned academic operations with industry demands through dialogue and stakeholders’ meetings
- Enhanced the infrastructure of the University with sound planning, procurement activities follow-up and strict project management control
Project Manager
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
06.2014 - 10.2016
- Advised the Ministry on overseas infrastructure projects for Chanceries and Embassies
- Collaborated with the Ministry of Finance to prepare budget and cash flows
- Oversaw project progress, budgeting, cash flow, and strategic decisions
- Managed contract administration and certification of payments
- Led renovation projects for embassies/high commission buildings in London, Canberra, South Africa, and New Delhi, as well as construction projects in Ethiopia and New Delhi
- Managed Document Management System project, digitising records and reducing paper usage
- Maintained constant communication and coordination with consultants and public sector departments, ensuring seamless project execution
- Managed contract administration and certified payments, ensuring compliance and timely financial transactions
Registrar, Secretary and Treasurer
Council of Registered Professional Engineers of Mauritius
02.2004 - 06.2014
- Carried out the everyday administration of Council matters
- This included giving talks to Professional Engineers, lectures and counselling to students and aspiring Professional Engineers
- Represented the Council to official meetings at the level of the Ministry of Education and the then Ministry of Tertiary Education
- Was on the forefront in matters of accreditation of University degree programmes and the recognition of foreign degrees
- Brought about several innovations in the way Council operates
- Contributed to the drafting of the new Engineering Council of Mauritius Bill, to align the practice in Mauritius with the worldwide trends
- Spearheaded the introduction of a new objective process for the assessment of applicants, by making the process transparent, and the assessors accountable for their recommendations
Project Manager
Prime Minister’s Office
05.2010 - 01.2012
- Advised the Ministry on overseas infrastructure projects for Chanceries and Embassies
- Collaborated with the Ministry of Finance to prepare budget and cash flows
- Oversaw project progress, budgeting, cash flow, and strategic decisions
- Managed contract administration and certification of payments
- Led renovation projects for embassies/high commission buildings in London, Canberra, South Africa, and New Delhi, as well as construction projects in Ethiopia and New Delhi
- Managed Document Management System project, digitising records and reducing paper usage
- Maintained constant communication and coordination with consultants and public sector departments, ensuring seamless project execution
- Managed contract administration and certified payments, ensuring compliance and timely financial transactions
Deputy Director and Registrar
Mauritius Qualifications Authority
03.2009 - 05.2010
- Served as Secretary of the MQA Board, ensuring policy implementation and decision adherence
- Led projects and strategies for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), championing good governance
- Chaired inter-ministerial and inter-industry Committees on Accreditation of Programs and Recognition of Qualifications
- Contributed to strategic policy development and staff motivation initiatives
- Developed strategies promoting TVET and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Authored internationally recognised documents, earning accolades from the United Nations and the International Federation of Training and Development Organizations
Education
PhD - Higher Education Governance
MURDOCH UNIVERSITY
AUSTRALIA01.2022
Bachelor of Laws -
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
UK01.2014
Master’s of Business Administration -
UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS
01.2007
Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
KANPUR01.1997
Skills
- Project Management
- Strategic Development
- Time management
- Leadership
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Self-Motivated Approach
- Strong Organisational Abilities
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Effective Interpersonal Communication
- Microsoft Office
- Excellent communication
- Resilient in High-Stress Situations
Languages
French
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Hindi
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
References
References available upon request.
Certification
- PMP - Project Management Professional
- Professional Civil Engineer - since 1999
- Chartered Engineer - Since 2009
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
The brightest smile starts within... Live and let live.
Interests
Nature photography
Amateur hiking
Software
MS Office Suite
Photo editing softwares
Online meeting platforms
Publications
· Bhujun, K. (2018). Proposals, Issues and Challenges for a funding mechanism for the public higher education sector.
· Bhujun, K. (2018). Rationalisation of Higher Education - Issues, challenges and recommendations for harmonisation of the public higher education sector.
· Bhujun, Kiran S. “Should the Mauritian Public Higher Education Sector Be Harmonised?” Murdoch University, 2022. Web.
· Bhujun, K., Perry, L. (2024). Finding Harmony in Diversity—The Mauritian Public Higher Education Sector. In: Oojorah, V.A., Udhin, W. (eds) Imagining the Futures of Higher Education in Southern Africa. Future Education and Learning Spaces. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-6473-0_3
· Bhujun, K., Mohee, R., Makoe, M., Salmi, J. (2024). The Next Chapter: Futures of Higher Education in Mauritius. In: Oojorah, V.A., Udhin, W. (eds) Imagining the Futures of Higher Education in Southern Africa. Future Education and Learning Spaces. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-6473-0_4
· Bhujun, K. (2024). Bridging Policy and Practice: Advancing Competency-Based Education through Innovation, Assessment, and Quality Assurance for 2030. In S. M. C. Atchia, A. Ramjaun, S. Gobhurdun, P. Auckloo, R. Korlapu-Bungaree, T. Mohabeer, & Y. Mahadeo (Eds.), MIE Educational Conference 2024 (p. 2). Mauritius Institute of Education. www.mie.ac.mu
Timeline
Officer-in-Charge
Open University of Mauritius
10.2024 - 12.2024
Secretary-General
Mauritius National Commission for UNESCO
02.2024 - Current
Vice-Chancellor and Director
AMITY University (Mauritius)
01.2020 - 02.2022
Officer-in-Charge
University of Technology, Mauritius
07.2018 - 09.2019
Director - Tertiary Education and Scientific Research
Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research
10.2016 - Current
Project Manager
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
06.2014 - 10.2016
Project Manager
Prime Minister’s Office
05.2010 - 01.2012
Deputy Director and Registrar
Mauritius Qualifications Authority
03.2009 - 05.2010
Registrar, Secretary and Treasurer
Council of Registered Professional Engineers of Mauritius
02.2004 - 06.2014
PhD - Higher Education Governance
MURDOCH UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Laws -
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
Master’s of Business Administration -
UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS
Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
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