The Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKES, Kenya) invites applications from passionate, forward-thinking, and qualified education professionals for the position of IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator at the prestigious Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. This leadership role offers a remarkable opportunity for an experienced educator to join a dynamic team committed to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development. As part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), AKES, Kenya operates with a strong vision to provide world-class educational services to communities across the country.
The Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi is a renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the full continuum of IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Hosting over 1,000 students and a culturally diverse faculty, the Academy is recognized for nurturing inquiry-driven, principled learners who are empowered to make positive contributions locally and globally.
In line with its ongoing growth and dedication to educational excellence, the Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi seeks a highly capable individual to take up the role of IB PYP Coordinator. This is an excellent opportunity to lead curriculum innovation and pedagogical excellence in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Position Overview: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Institution: Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi
Sector: Social Development
Region: Eastern Africa
Application Deadline: 13 July 2025
Compensation: Salary and package commensurate with qualifications and experience
Role Summary
The IB PYP Coordinator is a critical member of the academic leadership team, entrusted with overseeing the successful implementation and continuous development of the IB Primary Years Programme from Nursery (K1) through Grade 5. This role involves leading curriculum planning, supporting teacher professional development, ensuring alignment with IB standards, and fostering an engaging and inquiry-driven learning environment. The coordinator is instrumental in driving teaching and learning excellence, ensuring a seamless transition from PYP to MYP, and supporting the school’s mission to develop ethical leaders equipped to navigate a changing world.
Detailed Job Description
1. Curriculum and Pedagogical Leadership
- Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the PYP curriculum in alignment with the IB standards and the Academy’s broader educational goals.
- Promote and model inquiry-based learning and differentiated instruction to cater to the diverse needs of students.
- Collaborate closely with the MYP Coordinator to ensure curricular coherence and smooth transition for students between programmes.
- Facilitate the development of a strong, shared understanding among staff regarding IB principles, including Approaches to Learning (ATL) and the learner profile.
- Ensure all learning experiences are student-centered, transdisciplinary, and driven by real-world contexts.
2. Professional Development and Capacity Building
- Design and lead a comprehensive professional development programme tailored to enhance teaching quality and deepen understanding of the PYP framework.
- Provide ongoing instructional coaching, mentoring, and model teaching sessions to build faculty capacity and confidence in delivering the IB curriculum.
- Identify individual and group professional development needs and implement strategies to address them effectively.
- Evaluate the impact of professional learning initiatives and adjust strategies to ensure continuous growth and excellence in teaching practices.
3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Assurance
- Conduct regular lesson observations, student work reviews, and data analysis to assess teaching effectiveness and student progress.
- Guide teachers in the use of assessment data to identify learning gaps, adapt instruction, and support improved student outcomes.
- Develop and maintain systems for tracking progress, ensuring accountability, and informing school improvement efforts.
- Support the implementation of formative and summative assessments aligned with IB requirements and student learning objectives.
4. Resource and Operational Oversight
- Collaborate with the school’s leadership team to plan for effective resource allocation and procurement, ensuring that materials and tools support high-quality instruction.
- Maintain updated inventories of curriculum resources and ensure their optimal use across grade levels.
- Provide leadership and support to the Nursery section, aligning early childhood practices with the goals of the PYP and ensuring consistency in programme delivery.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Facilitate timely, transparent, and effective communication with teachers, administrators, parents, and external stakeholders regarding PYP implementation and developments.
- Serve as the school’s liaison with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), ensuring compliance with all PYP standards and practices.
- Organize and lead parent engagement initiatives, including informational sessions, newsletters, and community workshops to build understanding and support for the IB philosophy.
- Actively participate in local and international IB networks to remain informed on global best practices and contribute to the broader IB community.
6. Strategic Leadership and IB Authorization
- Lead the school’s IB authorization and evaluation processes, including self-studies, action plan development, and implementation of recommendations.
- Coordinate the development and regular review of the Programme of Inquiry (POI) and all associated planning documentation.
- Foster collaboration among grade-level teams to ensure horizontal and vertical articulation of curriculum content and skills.
- Support the school’s broader strategic goals by contributing to educational innovations and improvement initiatives.
7. Additional Responsibilities
- Provide leadership support to the Head of School and may serve as Acting Head or Deputy during temporary absences.
- Contribute to strategic planning and the implementation of school improvement projects aligned with institutional goals.
- Support student transitions between the PYP and MYP by working closely with coordinators and counselors to promote learning continuity and student well-being.
Key Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a closely related field is essential; a Master’s degree is highly desirable.
- A valid teaching qualification with a focus on Early Years or Primary Education is required.
- TSC (Teachers Service Commission) registration is mandatory for candidates currently based in Kenya.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in an IB PYP teaching role, with a proven record of delivering the PYP curriculum successfully.
- Demonstrated expertise in inquiry-based instruction, curriculum development, and alignment with the IB philosophy and standards.
- Experience in mentoring and coaching teachers, with the ability to inspire and lead a team of educators.
- Strong competency in data-driven instruction, curriculum mapping, and evaluation of teaching effectiveness.
- Proven track record in leading IB self-studies, evaluation visits, and action planning.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and active engagement with educational research and innovation.
About the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES)
AKES is one of the largest private, not-for-profit educational networks operating in the Global South. It manages over 190 formal education institutions and 100 non-formal educational programmes across 10 countries, including Kenya, India, Tanzania, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uganda, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the United Arab Emirates. AKES schools offer a variety of national and international curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
Guided by a commitment to excellence and equity, AKES provides quality education to over 104,700 students annually and employs more than 6,500 staff members. With a legacy rooted in community development and global citizenship, AKES institutions foster holistic education that prepares learners to be agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
Important Application Information
The closing date for applications is 13 July 2025.
To learn more about the position and to submit your application, please visit the official Aga Khan Development Network careers page at www.akdn.org/careers. Once you have submitted your application, a confirmation email will be sent from an @brassring.com address. Further communications regarding your application will come only from @akesk.org email addresses.
Please note that the organization does not send unsolicited job offers or request personal or financial information. If you receive any suspicious communication, verify its authenticity by contacting +254 734 647457 or +254 701 647457 or emailing [email protected].
Applicants are advised to exercise caution and bear the responsibility of verifying all communication related to this position.
Conclusion
If you are a passionate education professional with a deep understanding of the IB philosophy, a proven ability to lead curriculum development, and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact at one of Kenya’s leading international schools. Join a vibrant, diverse learning community at the Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi, and contribute to shaping the future of education in the region.
