Senior Manager Administration and Educational Programmes at Aga Khan University (AKU)

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous and self-governing international University, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents (www.aku.edu). An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), AKU provides higher education inseveral disciplines, carries out research relevant to the countries, and operates 7 hospitals and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has close to 4,000 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

An excellent opportunity exists for you to join the Arusha Climate & Environmental Research Centre (ACER), The Aga Khan University, in the position of Senior Manager – Administration and Educational Programmes. This is a full-time position based in Arusha, Tanzania.

The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic direction for administrative and operational matters at AKU-ACER and the Principal Campus Arsha. The role will support the Centre’s research mission, ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, and strengthen coordination between researchers, partners and administrative teams.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of educational programmes and related administrative functions.
• Lead, coach, and develop administrative staff to foster a high-performance and service-oriented culture.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
• Lead the effective administration and delivery of educational programmes by ensuring programme quality, operational excellence, compliance, stakeholder satisfaction, and alignment with the University's strategic priorities.
• Lead field schools, research visits, and academic activities
• Manage logistical arrangements for visiting researchers, academic delegations, and institutional events.
• Support the preparation and submission of grant proposals and coordinate grant administration processes.
• Monitor research project budgets and ensure compliance with donor and university financial policies.
• Work closely with the AKU Grants Support Office to support proposal submission, grant tracking, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee the maintenance of records for research outputs, publications, and project reports for institutional reporting.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of AKU-ACER facilities and infrastructure including accommodation units, tents, demonstration plots, and other research assets.
• Ensure that research facilities and equipment are properly maintained, secure, and operational.
• Coordinate ICT resources and administrative systems that support research and operational functions. Develop and maintain partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, development organizations, and members of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
• Support communication and dissemination of research outputs through events, publications, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Organize scientific meetings, conferences, and outreach activities related to climate and environmental research.
• Support communications activities including newsletters, website updates, and digital content highlighting ACER research activities.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and coordination of administrative staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Facilitate staff performance processes and promote a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Ensure adherence to workplace safety policies and institutional HR procedures.

Professional Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Masters in Business Administration, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Project Management, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Climate Science, or a related field. PhD is an added advantage.
• Five to seven years of relevant professional experience in administration, operations, or project management within a university, research institution, or environmental organization.
• Experience in grant management, financial oversight, and research administration.
• Familiarity with research compliance processes and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills in managing administrative and operational systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to coordinate complex activities involving researchers, students, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Capacity to manage multiple responsibilities and work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining collaborative working relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other administrative or project management tools.
• Attention to detail and a high level of professionalism and integrity.
• Willingness to support institutional events and activities outside normal working hours when necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English; knowledge of Kiswahili is an added advantage.
• Commitment to contributing to the development and growth of AKU-ACER as a leading environmental research centre.

How to Apply

If you meet the requirements of this position, please send your application package, which should include an application letter and an updated CV, to [email protected]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information, please visit http://www.aku.edu.

Application Deadline, 14 August 2026