- Nairobi, Kenya
- Full-time
- Opportunity Type: Current Opening
Company Description
Amref International University focuses on training, research and extension in health sciences, emphasizing promotive, preventive, rehabilitative and palliative health. AmIU is founded on the experience and intellect of Amref Health Africa, which is reputed for its over 60 years of quality and innovative public and community health interventions, training, and education. It is committed to progressively developing innovative programmes catering to the present and future African and global health needs. The University offers postgraduate, undergraduate, higher diploma, diploma· and certificate programmes and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that prepare human resources for health to serve throughout the health system. AmIU will become the Pan African University in Primary Health care and seeks to train transformational leaders who will Inspire Lasting Change. For more on Amref International University, please visit https://amref.ac.ke
Job Description
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Physiotherapy; Health Records; Nursing; Midwifery; Health Systems; Public Health; Bioethics; Health Professions Education; Sexual Medicine; and Community Health.
Main Purpose of the Job:
Reporting to the respective Head of Department, the primary purpose of this role is to provide academic leadership in the development, management, strategic direction, and quality assurance of postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in Public Health. This involves spearheading curriculum innovation, fostering excellence in teaching and research, and enhancing the accreditation and standing of academic programmes by relevant professional bodies and the Commission of University Education. The role requires strategic collaboration with the Head of Department to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of teaching and research, aligning with the University’s strategy, policies, and procedures. Furthermore, the incumbent will lead significant research activities, secure funding, and actively participate in departmental and institutional enterprise as well as outreach activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide distinguished academic leadership and vision in their area of expertise within Public Health.
- Champion and ensure the delivery of a high-quality student experience that maximizes student retention and progression and widens participation at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Lead the strategic enhancement of teaching, learning, and assessment in Public Health, particularly concerning innovative curriculum design and development to optimize student learning and outcomes.
- Spearhead the review, design, and development of new and existing curricula to promote the department and the university’s growth and academic excellence.
- Establish and maintain high-level engagement with relevant external stakeholders, including professional bodies and regulatory agencies, to validate, accredit, and ensure adherence to program standards.
- Forge and sustain strong partnerships with industry, communities, and research institutions for impactful research projects, student practicums, and knowledge translation to ensure the holistic development and societal relevance of our students and programmes.
- Lead and conduct internationally recognized research in Public Health, resulting in high-quality publications and conference presentations, in line with the university’s focus on research.
- Secure substantial external research funding as a Principal Investigator or key collaborator.
- Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, particularly at the doctoral level, to successful completion.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior academic staff to foster their professional development and research capacity.
- Contribute significantly to University governance, policy development, and strategic planning.
- Represent the University and its programmes at national, regional, and international forums and conferences.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Applicant must meet requirements for appointment to the position of Professor or Associate Professor as per the Commission for University Education Standards; earned PhD in Public Health, Community Health, Epidemiology, Nutrition or equivalent degree qualification in the relevant field from an accredited and recognized university.
- A member of a relevant professional body
Skills and Experience Essential:
- Sustained evidence of impactful teaching and training experience at the university level, particularly at the postgraduate level.
- Demonstrated leadership in curriculum development and review in Public Health/Community Health.
- Significant experience in academic leadership and administration within a university setting. [adapted from “Demonstrable evidence of administrative experience”]
- Ability to develop innovative research programs and collaborate across disciplines.
- Proficiency in computer packages and evidence of ability to lead and innovate in training using virtual or Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- A strong track record of impactful research and scholarly publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
- Proven experience in successfully supervising postgraduate students to completion, particularly PhD students, for the rank of Professor.
- Demonstrated success in obtaining substantial research grants, e.g NIH and other funding agencies, including private foundations; significant record for Professor rank.
- Established network with funding agencies and academic industry partners and collaborations in Public Health.
- experience leading larage-scale, funded reserach projects.
Personal attributes
- Scholarly Excellence: A passion for advancing public health knowledge through research and publication; commitment to staying current with emerging public health trends and methodologies
- Leadership and Initiative: Ability to lead research teams, mentor students and drive departmental initiatives
- Effective communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for teaching complex concepts, presenting research and engaging with diverse stakeholders; ability to translate public health findings for academic and policy audiences
- Collaborative Mindset: Team-oriented approach to working with colleagues, students and external parties;
- Organisational and Time-Management Skills: Ability to balance teaching, research, grant writing and service responsibilities effectively; strong organizational skills for managing courses, research projects and administrative duties
- Mentorship: a supportive approach to guide and inspire students and early-career researchers
- Integrity and professionalism: commitment to ethical research practices, academic integrity and professional standards in public health
- Adaptability and Innovation: Flexibility to adapt teaching and research to evolving public health issues, e.g., pandemics; creativity in developing new curricula, research methods, or community engagement strategies.
Additional Information
Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. The closing date will be Friday 25th July 2025.
All Amref International University open vacancies are published on our website under the Vacancies page and on our official social media pages. Kindly note that official emails from AmIU will arrive from an @amref.ac.ke or @amref.org address.
Amref International University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref International University is dedicated to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer with a non-smoking environment policy.
