The Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKES, Kenya) is part of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international development agencies committed to enhancing quality of life, promoting pluralism, and empowering communities through education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and economic development. In Kenya, AKES operates a network of five schools, delivering high-quality education from nursery to senior secondary level through both national and international curricula.
In line with its tradition of excellence, AKES, Kenya is looking to strengthen its school infrastructure by hiring a qualified and experienced Clerk of Works to oversee a construction project at The Aga Khan Primary School, Kisumu (AKPSK). This school currently offers the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) from Grade 1 to Grade 9 and is recognized for its commitment to nurturing well-rounded, responsible citizens equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world.
This position presents an exciting opportunity to play a crucial role in ensuring the safe, timely, and quality completion of vital construction works aligned with the institution’s standards.
Position Summary: Clerk of Works
The Clerk of Works will be entrusted with the responsibility of supervising construction activities to ensure they align with the approved architectural and engineering designs, material specifications, quality standards, safety protocols, and legal requirements. This position is based on-site at The Aga Khan Primary School, Kisumu, and will report directly to the designated project management or facilities department within AKES, Kenya.
The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering or construction background and proven experience in site supervision, quality assurance, and risk mitigation in building projects. Familiarity with educational institution construction projects will be an added advantage.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Site Inspection and Monitoring
- Conduct frequent and scheduled inspections of the construction site to evaluate work progress.
- Assess ongoing construction work against approved architectural and structural drawings.
- Monitor contractor activities and ensure compliance with all project requirements and timelines.
- Quality Assurance and Materials Control
- Examine and verify building materials used to confirm they meet required standards and specifications.
- Measure, record, and report the quantity and quality of materials delivered and used on-site.
- Identify any deviations from quality standards and promptly communicate issues to the project manager.
- Technical Oversight and Defect Identification
- Detect construction defects, inconsistencies, or workmanship flaws early in the process.
- Recommend corrective actions and work closely with contractors to implement the necessary changes.
- Ensure rework is minimized by maintaining quality from the onset of each construction phase.
- Documentation and Record Keeping
- Maintain comprehensive records of daily site activities, including labor deployment, material usage, progress notes, and weather conditions.
- Document all instructions issued on-site, such as design clarifications or corrective directives.
- Produce and submit routine progress reports and ad-hoc reports as requested by supervisors.
- Communication and Coordination
- Liaise with contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors to ensure that technical details are implemented correctly.
- Facilitate smooth communication between the client (AKES, Kenya) and the contracted parties.
- Attend site meetings, contribute technical input, and record actionable outcomes for follow-up.
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance
- Enforce strict adherence to health and safety protocols on the construction site.
- Ensure that construction activities meet regulatory and environmental standards.
- Identify potential hazards, unsafe practices, or non-compliance issues and take immediate action to resolve them.
- Regulatory and Legal Compliance
- Monitor whether construction work complies with building regulations and statutory requirements.
- Ensure that inspections by relevant regulatory authorities are carried out and recorded appropriately.
- Risk Identification and Mitigation
- Anticipate and highlight potential project risks or delays based on site observations.
- Recommend practical solutions to prevent escalation and project disruption.
- Provide early warnings to the client and suggest contingency plans if necessary.
Professional Requirements and Experience
- Academic Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Electrical, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized institution. - Professional Certification:
Valid license or practicing certificate from a relevant professional authority or engineering board. - Work Experience:
A minimum of three (3) years of verifiable experience in facilities management, site supervision, or construction oversight, preferably within an educational or institutional setting. - Technical Competencies:
- Excellent understanding of construction standards, regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Competence in reading and interpreting construction drawings, plans, and schematics.
- Solid grasp of project management practices and tools.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Soft Skills and Attributes:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to identify problems and propose practical solutions.
- High ethical standards, integrity, and accountability.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams while safeguarding the client’s interest.
About The Aga Khan Education Services (AKES)
AKES is one of the largest private, not-for-profit educational networks in the developing world. The agency operates over 190 schools and more than 100 supplementary education programs across ten countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
The schools serve diverse communities and are inclusive of students from all backgrounds, faiths, and cultures. The curriculum across the schools includes national and international programmes such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), IGCSE, and others, delivered in environments that support academic excellence, character development, and civic responsibility.
In East Africa, AKES continues to be at the forefront of innovation in education, building institutions that serve not only as centers of academic achievement but also hubs for community development.
Why Join AKES, Kenya?
Becoming part of the AKES, Kenya team means contributing to a legacy of educational excellence while participating in transformative infrastructure development for future generations. As the Clerk of Works, you will directly influence the physical learning environment, ensuring that students and educators benefit from safe, high-quality, and sustainably built facilities.
Compensation
The role offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic team working on high-impact projects in one of the region’s most respected educational organizations.
Duty Station
The Aga Khan Primary School, Kisumu – Kenya.
Contract Duration
The position is project-based and will align with the timeline of the planned construction phase, with the possibility of extension depending on project requirements and performance.
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply on or before 31st July 2025.
