4289BR

College and Career Counsellor

Aga Khan Academies

The position

 The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is an International Baccalaureate World School. It is the first in the network of Aga Khan Academies established by His Highness the Aga Khan.

The Academy features state-of-the-art facilities, a multicultural student body, and an experienced team of educators and staff. We provide students with education of the highest standard in order to prepare them for lives characterised by leadership and service. Admission to the Academy is means-blind and is based on merit. We consider all eligible students regardless of socio-economic status.

The College and Career Counsellor will be responsible for providing comprehensive academic, college, and career guidance to IB Diploma students, supporting their academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary development. The counsellor will also empower students and families to make informed decisions about higher education and career pathways, while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards as outlined by international associations such as the International Association for College Admission Counselling (IACAC).

Responsibilities

• Advise students on IB subject selection, academic planning, and alignment with university and career goals.
• Guide students and families through the global university application process, including country-specific requirements, essay writing, interview preparation, and standardized testing.
• Provide up-to-date, unbiased information on universities and programs worldwide, including scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
• Organize and lead university visits, college fairs, and career exploration events.
• Support students in identifying and pursuing relevant extracurriculars, internships, and job shadowing experiences.

Personal and Social-Emotional Support

• Offer individual and group counselling tailored to students’ developmental and social-emotional needs.
• Conduct early and crisis interventions as needed, and make appropriate referrals to external professionals.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for all students.
• Develop strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, and university representatives to ensure a smooth college application process.
• Maintain open, regular communication with parents through meetings, workshops, and written updates.
• Liaise with the IB Coordinator, teachers, and administration to support student success.
• Design, implement, and assess a comprehensive college and career counselling program aligned with IB philosophy and school mission.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data to assess program effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Prepare and update the school profile, college handbook, and relevant documentation for university applications.
• Write counsellor references and coordinate teacher recommendations for university applications.

Professionalism and Development

• Adhere to the ethical standards of the counselling profession and the principles of organizations such as IACAC and NACAC.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, attend conferences, and maintain active membership in relevant professional associations.
• Represent students and the institution honestly and openly, always prioritizing student well-being.

The requirements

• Master’s degree in Counseling or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Valid teaching certificate.
• Additional certification in school counseling is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a school counselor in an international school setting, preferably with IB Diploma Programme students.
• Professional membership in IACAC, NACAC, or similar associations.
• Demonstrated experience in college and career counseling, including familiarity with university admissions processes worldwide.
• Exemplary counseling, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and data management abilities2.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of international student needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written); additional languages are an asset.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with university application platforms.
• Experience as an IB Coordinator or in IB event management.
• Knowledge of and experience with global university admissions platforms (e.g., Common App, UCAS, Unifrog).

Sector

Social Development

About the Agency

The Aga Khan Academies is an integrated network of residential schools dedicated to expanding access to education of an international standard of excellence to exceptional young men and women regardless of their ability to pay. The Aga Khan Academies' foundational values include pluralism, meritocracy and civil society. Housed in spacious and attractive campuses with beautiful facilities, the Academies offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme and provide a rich opportunity for both teachers and students alike to grow both professionally and personally. The first Aga Khan Academy opened in Mombasa, Kenya in 2003. This was followed by an Academy in Hyderabad, India in 2011, Maputo, Mozambique in 2013 and Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2022. More information...

Region

Eastern Africa

Location

Kenya

Salary

Salary and package to attract the best candidate

Job Expires

20-May-2025