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Registrar, Kenya

Department

Office of the Registrar

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research and health-care delivery. AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, primarily in Asia and Africa. It generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The University is a private, not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network.

 

Chartered June 2021, the Aga Khan University Kenya is located opposite the Aga Khan University Hospital in Parklands, Nairobi. The University Centre is the main campus in Kenya and houses the Graduate School of Media and Communications, Medical College, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute for Human Development, Brain and Mind Institute and other programmes.

Position Summary

Reporting to the University Registrar, the Registrar, Kenya is responsible for leading and managing the academic administration and student records functions of the university. The role ensures the integrity, accuracy, security, and compliance of academic records and processes across the student lifecycle, including student recruitment, admissions support, registration, progression, graduation, and academic policy implementation.

 

The role is in addition responsible for driving the achievement of organizational objectives by identifying opportunities for growth, continuous learning, and operational improvement while fostering a high-performance culture.

 

The incumbent will work collaboratively with academic and administrative departments to provide efficient, student-centred services while maintaining institutional and regulatory compliance. They will serve as a member of the East Africa Executive Committee and be accountable for specific tasks assigned in consultation/information to the University Registrar.

Responsibilities

The Specific Responsibilities will include:

Academic Administration and Student Services

  • Create and analyse and report student admissions data to support academic committees’ work and decision making by the University leadership;
  • Identify the needs and analyse the internal and external environment and manage overall recruitment activities for programmes in Kenya;
  • Lead, direct, manage and oversee the production of advertisements and application information material for student recruitment and admission;
  • Develop, organize and manage student outreach services to augment entry-based efforts for the regional educational programmes;
  • Responsible for ensuring integrity of the application and admissions processes for the University’s academic programmes in Kenya;
  • Oversee academic operations related to registration, enrolment, course scheduling, progression, and graduation;
  • Ensure accurate maintenance and confidentiality of student academic records;
  • Develop and implement academic administrative policies, procedures, and workflows;
  • Coordinate academic calendar planning and institutional deadlines;
  • Ensure compliance with university regulations and accreditation requirements;
  • Manage student information systems (AKUROSS)and registration processes;
  • Supervise transcript issuance, degree verification, certification, and academic documentation;
  • Monitor student progression, academic standing, probation, and graduation eligibility.

Records Management

  • Ensure timely and accurate course registration and records updates;
  • Provide strategic and operational management support in the maintenance of student admissions data using the University’s student Inform and administration system (AKUROSS);
  • Provide guidance to students on academic regulations and procedures;
  • Ensure that contact information of graduating classes is provided to Resource development Office for advancement of University Alumni communication and relationship;
  • Analyse, interpret and ensure availability of relevant student data for quality assurance purposes;
  • Support institutional strategic initiatives related to student success and academic operations.

Governance and Compliance

  • Undertake needed reviews of new programme proposal as to be able to ascertain stipulated AKU standards and statutory compliance for purposes of internal and external accreditation;
  • Support implementation and interpretation of academic policies;
  • Serve as secretary or operational lead for academic committees where applicable;
  • Maintain institutional compliance with higher education standards and reporting requirements;
  • Coordinate degree audits and graduation clearance processes;
  • Ensure timely issuance of mandated letters of academic nature to students and alumni (such as requirement to withdraw, degree completion, Degree/Diploma Verification;
  • In conjunction with the University Registrar, lead the planning and execution of convocation ceremonies in Kenya;
  • Manage convocation-related academic verification and certification;
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives within registrar operations;
  • Optimize workflows using technology and automation;
  • Collaborate with IT teams on student information systems enhancements and data integrity;
  • Facilitate the development of dashboards and reports for academic operations monitoring;
  • Prepare reports, statistics, and academic data for leadership and regulatory bodies.

Stakeholder Satisfaction

  • Collaborate with faculty, admissions, finance, student affairs, and academic leadership.

Leadership and People Management

  • Lead and supervise registrar office staff and operational teams;
  • Build a culture of service excellence, accountability, and operational efficiency;
  • Conduct staff training and professional development initiatives.

Strategic Contribution

  • Develop SMART short- and medium -term plans for the department including the resources needed to execute the plan;
  • Contribute to the strategic planning of the University in Kenya as required;
  • Take responsibility in the implementation of plans that are developed through various strategies;
  • Designing strategies for dealing with high-risk initiatives;
  • Establish and monitor various planning parameters for effective resolution;
  • Work with the University Registrar to develop and monitor the budget in the areas of supervision.

Requirements

  • A PhD or equivalent. Candidate pursuing a PhD may also apply;
  • At least 5 years of relevant professional experience/transferable skills including 3 to 4 years in a leadership role;
  • Proven experience of planning, directing and supervising in a large multi-center organization;
  • Experience working within the East Africa higher education system;
  • Experience working with ERP software; PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, would be a great asset;
  • Experience working within the structures of regulatory and professional accreditation bodies;
  • Proficiency in written and oral English with excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population;
  • Work in an atmosphere of collegial decision making, demonstrate consensus-building skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
  • Proven record of administrative and organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and meet conflicting deadlines in a timely fashion and with accuracy

To Apply

Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications addressed to The Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition via email hr.recruitment@aku.edu with the position title Registrar, Kenya. Applications should include:

 

  • A cover letter outlining suitability for the role and vision for the leading and managing the academic administration and student records functions of the university;
  • An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae;
  • Names and contact details of three referees.

 

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to safeguarding and promoting respectful relationships with and between its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and wider communities. AKU expects all employees, trainees, and partners to share this commitment.

 

Comprehensive employment reference checks for finalists will be conducted with the candidate’s express permission.

 

Applications should be submitted latest by July 6, 2026