Teaching and Learning Specialist

​Aga Khan University 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.  As an international institution, the University has 11 campuses and teaching sites spread over 8 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe.  AKU is a non-denominational institution open to all, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender or national origin.  It has a diversified workforce of over 10,000 employees worldwide. The  Network of Teaching and Learning aims to promote excellence in teaching at AKU through professional educational development of faculty in order to engage students and enhance their learning experience.   Over the next 5 years, the TL_net will identify expertise in education development across AKU and develop a network to share these resources beyond the entity level; develop a teaching and learning framework for AKU; ensure that assessment of faculty teaching practices occurs at the time of hiring; introduce induction for new and part-time faculty on student-centred, engaged, active teaching practices, including concept-based rather than content-heavy curricula; provide opportunities for continuing education and mentoring to support faculty to enhance their teaching and course design and promote student engagement in learning; recognize and reward excellent teaching; promote research on teaching and learning and disseminate evidence-based information regarding best practices in pedagogy, curriculum and assessment; facilitate faculty learning communities such as teaching squares, reading circles, etc.; develop signature pedagogical expertise in blended and digital learning and case based learning and build faculty expertise in these areas; internationalize the curriculum and pedagogy to ensure that all students across AKU benefit from the richness of the experience of learning in a truly international context; review our assessment practices to encourage appropriate and timely feedback to students to assure a sound foundation for improvement; and ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of the progress made in fulfillment of our aims for excellence in learning and teaching across AKU. Responsibilities ​We are currently seeking a Specialist in Teaching and Learning for the AKU Network of Teaching and Learning (TL_net).  Working closely with the Director of the TL_net, you will have a commitment to excellence in higher education.  You will plan, coordinate and facilitate professional development workshops, conferences and retreats.  In addition you will support the Director in the development and implementation of initiatives of the TL_net across AKU. You will have an excellent track record in engaged pedagogy, curriculum development, course design and facilitating adult education.  Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, a strategic focus and an awareness of pedagogical trends in higher education, including assessment, are also important.  Main Responsibilities 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 working with the Assistant Director of the Network of Blended and Digital Learning (BDL_net), assist in the development, implementation and assessment of educational technology initiatives for faculty educational development work closely with the resource persons and other educational development units within the University. Other Duties be responsible for any delegated budgets related to the post work closely with the Assistant Director of the BDL_net undertake any other reasonable duties that may be required or assigned by the Director. ​Candidates should have: applicable graduate degree (masters level or higher) in education, instructional and/or faculty development or a related field five or more years of experience in a higher education environment, or an appropriate combination of relevant professional and higher education experience knowledge of the integration and pedagogy of education technology is an asset high level of independent thinking and creative ability in dealing with diverse groups of people ability to assess situation quickly, gather needed information and to prioritize multiple demands, problem solve and trouble shoot with minimal direct supervision excellent interpersonal oral and written communications skills as well as a broad background in teaching methodologies and experiences experience working in adult education professional development facilitation experience innovative engaged teaching experience in school and/or higher education settings proven record in the scholarship of teaching and learning (publications) proven ability to engage in applied research willingness to travel as needed strong IT skills ability to provide deliverables on time efficient time management skills strong attention to detail and accuracy excellent organisational and administrative skills ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with a range of colleagues in different areas within an organisation. Personal Characteristics collaborative team player/excellent inter-personal skills ability to coordinate staff effectively ability to set priorities and work proactively the ability to work well under pressure and find solutions to problems in a timely manner the ability to deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information commitment to continuing professional development commitment to equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity. To Apply Interested candidates should send their cover letter (addressed to Dr. Tashmin Khamis, Director, TL_net) and detailed CVs by email only to mindy.gordon@aku.edu and mention the position applied for in the subject line.  Salary will be commensurate with experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be held in early February. Applications should be submitted latest by January 31, 2014.