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

Organization: Aga Khan University (AKU)
Position: Senior Manager – Administration and Educational Programmes
Location: Arusha, Tanzania
Department: Arusha Climate & Environmental Research Centre (ACER)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Aga Khan University

Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and international university with 13 teaching sites across six countries on three continents. As part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), AKU provides world-class higher education, conducts impactful research, and operates 7 hospitals and more than 325 outreach clinics. The University serves approximately 4,000 students and employs over 14,000 staff, promoting academic excellence, innovation, and social development.

About the Position

AKU is seeking a Senior Manager – Administration and Educational Programmes to join the Arusha Climate & Environmental Research Centre (ACER). The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for administrative and operational functions at AKU-ACER and the Principal Campus Arusha while supporting the Centre’s research mission, educational programmes, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Programme Management

• Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of educational programmes.
• Ensure programme quality, operational excellence, and compliance with university policies.
• Coordinate field schools, research visits, and academic activities.

Administration & Operations

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop administrative staff.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage logistics for visiting researchers, academic delegations, and institutional events.
• Coordinate ICT resources and administrative systems supporting research activities.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety and HR policies.

Research & Grant Administration

• Support preparation and submission of grant proposals.
• Coordinate grant administration and reporting.
• Monitor research project budgets and ensure compliance with donor and university financial policies.
• Work closely with the AKU Grants Support Office.
• Maintain records of research outputs, publications, and project reports.

Facilities Management

• Oversee maintenance of research facilities, accommodation units, tents, demonstration plots, and other research assets.
• Ensure research equipment and facilities remain secure and operational.

Partnerships & Communications

• Develop partnerships with government agencies, universities, development organizations, and members of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
• Support dissemination of research through workshops, conferences, publications, and outreach activities.
• Coordinate scientific meetings and stakeholder engagement events.
• Support newsletters, website updates, and digital communications highlighting ACER research.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in one of the following fields:
  • Business Administration
  • Environmental Science
  • Public Administration
  • Project Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Science
  • Related discipline
• PhD is an added advantage.

Experience

• 5–7 years of professional experience in:
  • Administration
  • Operations
  • Project Management
  • University, research institution, or environmental organization settings
• Experience in grant management, financial oversight, and research administration.
• Familiarity with research compliance and regulatory requirements.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate researchers, students, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Kiswahili is an added advantage.
• Willingness to support institutional activities outside normal working hours when required.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Application Letter
• Updated CV

Email: hr.tanzania@aku.edu

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information, visit the official Aga Khan University website.