The Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKES, Kenya) is a distinguished part of the global Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which comprises a group of private, international, non-denominational development agencies that work across social, cultural, and economic spheres to enhance the quality of life in targeted communities. In Kenya, AKES operates five schools offering high-quality nursery to secondary education. The schools provide both national and international curricula, maintaining a reputation for academic excellence, community service, and a commitment to holistic development.
As part of its continued growth and enhancement of its infrastructure and facilities, AKES, Kenya is currently seeking a qualified and experienced professional to take on the role of Clerk of Works at The Aga Khan Primary School, Kisumu (AKPSK). The school follows the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) from Grade 1 to Grade 9 and upholds a culture of integrity, accountability, and educational innovation.
This is an excellent opportunity for a construction professional looking to contribute to the development of educational infrastructure in a values-driven organization.
Position Overview
Job Title: Clerk of Works
Location: The Aga Khan Primary School, Kisumu (AKPSK)
Sector: Social Development / Education Infrastructure
Employment Type: Full-time
Remuneration: Attractive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience
Job Purpose
The Clerk of Works will play a central role in ensuring that all construction and renovation works at the school site are executed in accordance with the established design plans, specifications, quality standards, and health and safety regulations. Serving as the client’s representative on the ground, the Clerk of Works will oversee construction processes, monitor progress, inspect quality of work and materials, and ensure that the delivery aligns with all regulatory and project-specific requirements.
This position is instrumental in supporting AKES, Kenya’s mission of creating safe, sustainable, and effective learning environments for students.
Key Responsibilities
- Site Inspection and Monitoring
- Conduct routine inspections of the construction site to assess work progress and identify any irregularities or potential issues.
- Compare on-site construction activities and finished work against approved drawings, plans, and technical specifications.
- Evaluate and verify the quality of materials delivered and used on-site.
- Quality Control
- Ensure all construction activities meet the required quality benchmarks for workmanship and materials.
- Identify any defects, inconsistencies, or deviations from plans, and propose corrective actions to contractors and project consultants.
- Support the enforcement of high standards in execution, emphasizing durability, sustainability, and safety.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Monitor the application of occupational health and safety procedures and ensure that all work is carried out within the legal framework.
- Verify that ecological, environmental, and regulatory requirements are met.
- Identify risks that may result in safety incidents or non-compliance, and advise on mitigation measures.
- Coordination with Stakeholders
- Maintain effective communication with all relevant stakeholders, including architects, engineers, project managers, contractors, and school administrators.
- Relay timely feedback from the site to the project lead and escalate any concerns that require higher-level decisions.
- Support in facilitating site meetings, coordination checks, and technical briefings.
- Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of daily site activities, inspections, materials delivered, manpower, and weather conditions.
- Prepare and submit detailed weekly and monthly progress reports.
- Record and document any variations or change orders in design or scope, ensuring traceability for accountability and billing.
- Schedule and Cost Monitoring
- Help ensure that construction timelines are adhered to, minimizing delays and supporting the project’s completion within budget.
- Track milestones and flag potential bottlenecks or resource gaps that could impact the project schedule.
- Ensure materials are efficiently used and waste is minimized.
- Technical Review and Guidance
- Provide on-site technical guidance and interpretations of drawings where needed.
- Support quality assurance by conducting sample checks, materials testing (as required), and observing structural integrity in real-time.
- Coordinate with engineers and supervisors to clarify ambiguous aspects of the construction plans or structural requirements.
Desired Attributes and Competencies
- Proven integrity and a high level of accountability, especially when representing client interests on-site.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple site activities simultaneously.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with contractors, consultants, and internal staff.
- Detail-oriented approach and sharp observation skills to catch non-conformities early.
- Sound knowledge of construction safety practices, Kenyan building codes, and industry standards.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings confidently.
- Strong report writing and record-keeping ability using digital tools and traditional methods.
- Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic and evolving school environment.
Educational and Professional Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Electrical, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Must possess a valid license or practicing certificate from a recognized professional authority (e.g., Engineers Board of Kenya or equivalent).
- At least three years of relevant experience in facilities management, construction supervision, or site inspection—preferably within an institutional or school setting.
- Proficiency in project management concepts and tools, including scheduling and quality assurance.
- Prior involvement in school or educational infrastructure projects will be an added advantage.
About the Employer: Aga Khan Education Services
Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) is one of the largest non-profit, non-denominational educational networks in the Global South, operating in over ten countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, and the United Arab Emirates. Across its network, AKES manages over 190 schools and 100 non-formal education programs, serving more than 104,700 students with the help of over 6,500 professional educators and support staff.
AKES aims to develop students into ethical leaders and responsible citizens through a balanced education that nurtures intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. The network emphasizes academic excellence, cultural pluralism, social responsibility, and lifelong learning, enabling its students to thrive in complex, multicultural societies.
In Kenya, AKES is known for delivering high-quality education through its schools in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other regions. The schools offer both national curriculum (CBC and 8-4-4) and international curricula such as the IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB), promoting academic achievement alongside co-curricular excellence.
Work Environment and Expectations
As the Clerk of Works at AKPS Kisumu, the selected candidate will work in a school environment that values innovation, professionalism, and child safety. AKES, Kenya is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be subjected to background checks as per child protection policies.
The work may involve both outdoor and indoor environments depending on the stage and nature of construction activities. Occasional travel to Nairobi or other school campuses may be necessary for coordination meetings or training.
Why Join AKES, Kenya?
- Be part of a leading global education network with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
- Work on projects that have a meaningful impact on the lives of students and communities.
- Opportunity to grow professionally in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Receive a competitive compensation package that recognizes experience and performance.
- Contribute to the advancement of educational infrastructure that supports 21st-century learning.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the outlined requirements are invited to apply before the deadline on 31 July 2025. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae, a cover letter, and relevant academic and professional certifications.
Applications can be submitted via email to the provided recruitment address for AKES, Kenya. Ensure to clearly indicate “Clerk of Works – Kisumu” in the subject line of your application email.
Please Note:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. AKES, Kenya is an equal opportunity employer and does not solicit any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process.
For more details about AKES and its vision, visit the Aga Khan Development Network website.
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
Kindly send your application to the provided email address.
