Head of Academics at Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKESK)

Based in Nairobi Kenya reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and the AKS Global Head of Academic Programs, the incumbent will be a key member of the Senior Leadership team responsible for supporting school leaders, providing programmatic and instructional leadership for the quality of teaching and learning, improvement of processes and driving the change agenda to raise the profile and performance of the schools and programmes to improve student achievement.

To this extent, the Head of Academics will

• Lead the development and realisation of a shared vision of good teaching and learning in all AKESK schools
• Review the academic policies in place at the schools, and work collaboratively with the schools to modify these to improve the students’ experience and outcomes
• Review and propose improvements to school operations, policies and procedures, in consultation with school leadership and appropriate support office departments, continuously
• Assess the capacities, skills and competencies of all Headteachers and develop and implement differentiated development plans to enhance their capacity as school leaders on an ongoing basis.
• Support school leaders to implement safeguarding policy and practices across all schools
• Lead the realisation of the AKES Quality Standards for Schools at the national curriculum schools
• Guide the rigorous implementation of the new Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum at the national curriculum schools
• Lead the enhancement of student achievements and outcomes at the national curriculum schools
• Guide the development of appropriate strategic and programme development for the IB school
• Manage the Human Resources at the schools in liaison with the Head of HR & CEO
• Drive the development of comprehensive School Improvement Plans (including budgets)
• Drive the student Learning Support and Education Technology plans
• Manage internal & external stakeholder engagement and relationships
• Line manage school leaders as required

The requirements

The preferred candidate will have:

• Master’s or higher degree in Education or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in successfully managing and leading K-12 schools (for example, Head of Academics/Education, Academic Director, Principal, Head of School
• Experience in the Kenyan, East African or similar context is highly desirable
• Experience with the IB curriculum, as well as other national/international curricula
• Experience in the mentoring and supervision of senior school leaders
• Excellent understanding of, and successful experience in working with school leaders in improving students’ learning
• Understanding of effective frameworks for school improvement planning and self-evaluation
• Ability to work in partnership with and influence school staff, students, parents and other stakeholders
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• A high degree of professionalism, commitment and integrity
• Well-versed in the use of the latest technology in education
• Good computer skills and understanding of budgeting
• Strong interpersonal skills and people management skills, and the ability to contribute as a member of the senior management team

In addition, the preferred candidate should:

• Be a self-starter and creative problem-solver, out-of-the-box thinker
• Be both detailed and results-oriented,
• Be a data-driven decision-maker. 
• Have strong project management skills and excellent organizational skills,
• Be able to empower team members to take ownership over programmes of work
• Be an effective, articulate communicator who can represent AKESK to external audiences, including government partners
• Be humble and ready to “roll up your sleeves” to get things done
• Take responsibility for their continued professional development, engaging critically with educational research
• Be passionate about delivering high-quality services to children and their families.