Assistant Director, Network of Teaching and Learning

Aga Khan University (AKU) was established in 1983 as an international university with an objective to promote human welfare in general, and the welfare of the people in the countries in which it operates, by disseminating knowledge and providing instruction, training, research and service in the health sciences, education and such other branches of learning as the University may determine. 

AKU- Teaching and Learning Network (TL_net) aims to promote excellence in teaching to enhance the student learning experience by providing services, programmes and support to faculty to develop their teaching practice. The network has developed a Teaching and Learning Framework as well as a five year Teaching and Learning Strategic Plan that guides teaching and learning in AKU. Over the last two years, the network has reached approximately 40% of faculty through various professional development initiatives and programmes, with 80% returning for more support. TL_net’s work is focused on the following four major areas:

• provide teaching and learning support to faculty
• develop communities of practice around teaching excellence
• promote the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
• enable evaluation, accountability and outreach on teaching and learning that is “of and for the developing world”

 

We are currently seeking exceptional candidates for the post of Assistant Director, Network of Teaching and Learning. Reporting and working closely with the Director of the Quality, Teaching and Learning Networks, you will be an Education Developer with a commitment to excellence in higher education and scholarship of teaching and learning. You will plan, coordinate and facilitate professional development programmes and initiatives aligned to the teaching and learning framework and teaching and learning strategic plan. In addition, you will support the Director in the development and implementation of initiatives of the TL_net across AKU.

This position can be based in Nairobi, Kenya or Karachi, Pakistan.

 

Responsibilities

• provide leadership in the implementation of AKU Teaching and Learning Framework and Teaching and Learning Strategic Plan 
• assist in the development and coordination of faculty development programmes to improve faculty teaching skills, educational strategies, and educational leadership
• develop workshops and maintain workshop schedules on teaching and learning including integration of technology into teaching and learning
• provide leadership in the instructional delivery and enhancement of curriculum in order to ensure that best practices in education are reflected in teaching and learning at AKU
• provide collaborative leadership and guidance to faculty and instructional staff in developing and delivering courses
• plan and facilitate faculty workshops, training opportunities and instructional staff development
• help to develop internal assessment strategies for instructors and for the TL_net
• work with the Assistant Director, Network of Blended and Digital Learning (BDL_net) and assist in the development, implementation and assessment of educational technology initiatives for faculty educational development, including implementation of a Teaching with Technology Strategy
• work closely with the resource persons and other educational development units within the University and other universities, regionally and internationally.

 

Requirements

Candidates should have:

• Master’s degree in Education or in related discipline from a recognized university with minimum of five years of experience in a higher education environment, or an appropriate combination of relevant professional qualification and higher education experience
• excellent understanding of scholarship of teaching and learning field
• knowledge of the integration and pedagogy of education technology is an asset
• high level of independent thinking and creative ability in dealing with perse groups of people
• ability to assess situations quickly, gather needed information and prioritize multiple demands, resolve problems and trouble shoot with minimal direct supervision
• experience of working in adult education with broad background in teaching methodologies
• professional development facilitation and innovative engaged teaching experience in school and/or higher education settings
• proven record in the scholarship of teaching and learning (publications )with an  ability to engage in applied research
• willingness to travel as needed.

 

Personal Characteristics

• strong IT skills
• efficient time management skills
• excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with a range of colleagues in different areas within an organisation
• collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills
• ability to set priorities, work proactively and provide deliverables on time
• work well under pressure and find solutions to problems in a timely manner
• ability to deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information
• commitment to continuing professional development
• commitment to equal opportunities and the promotion of persity.