Guidance Counselor and Vocational Training Coordinator at Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), Kampala, Uganda

Job Description

Aga Khan Education The Guidance Counselor and Vocational Training Coordinator (GCVTC) will provide careers and university guidance as well counseling to students in study habits and skills, behavior management,emotional and wellbeing issues, as well as student moral and ethical character development. The GCVTC will also lead the development of a Vocational Training program for the UNEB section of the high school, and coordinate initial efforts in VT in 2025.

The GCVTC will also coordinate the work placement initiative for the national section students. All teachers shall create and foster a positive teaching and learning environment in their classrooms or work areas where every child is cared for and respected. Teachers assist each child to reach their highest potential in all areas of school life. encouraging children to work cooperatively together but also having the highest level of cooperation with teaching colleagues and the school administration. His/her man role will be :

Careers and University Counseling
Help students develop a plan for their academic career that corresponds with their skills and
interests.
Conduct individual and group counseling sessions with students to discuss career goals,
academic plans, and job search strategies
Develop and deliver workshops and presentations on career exploration, job search
techniques, and resume writing
Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of job market trends and industry-specific
information, and share with students to facilitate career decision-making
Compile information on Ugandan, East African and international universities and guide
students in the selection.
Support students in identifying and applying for university scholarships.
Maintain an accurate database on university applications by existing students and provide a
monthly report to the Principal and the CEO.
Social-Emotional, Well-being, Behavioural and Educational Support
Assist students in developing effective study habits and time management skills
Provide counseling support to students experiencing social or emotional difficulties
Listen to students’ concerns about academic, emotional or social problems and assist students in understanding and overcoming social, behavioral or academic problems
Monitor and observe students to identify and address personal, emotional or social issues
Inform and advise parents of their children’s challenges and enable them to support their
children.
Refer students to health psychologists and other mental professionals for proper attention
Work with school leadership to implement programs for character development, moral and ethical behavior, including anti-bullying and prevention of other undesirable behaviours and habits by student.
Work-Placement
Partner with local employers to create and maintain strong relationships and provide
students with opportunities for work placement, internships, job shadowing. Work out the
modalities with partner employers to ensure work placements or internships are satisfying
learning experiences for students.
Ensure each eligible student receives a work placement. Monitor the behavior and
performance of each student during work placement and provide corrective action and
counseling as necessary.
Maintain a database and report on each student’s work placement history and experience on
a termly basis to the Principal and CEO.
Coordination of Vocational Development Programs
Work closely with the Principal to develop a proposal for a Vocational Training program for the school, with phased implementation in 2025-2026.
Develop partnerships with reputable providers to deliver vocational training programs at the school.
Coordinate with the ICT/ICDL teacher and the Principal to implement the ICDL and Cisco programs at the school in 2025
The requirements

Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelors degree in School Counseling or higher or B.Ed. with Diploma in Guidance/Counselling
• Certification in career counseling or similar credential
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a school counselor

Skills (technical/behavioral)
• Able to relate to teenagers and empathize with their problems and development needs
• Able to provide effective solutions in addressing students’ academic, social, and behavioral issues
• Able to relate positively with parents from a variety of backgrounds
• Proficiency in use of Technology
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of various career assessment tools
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with computer applications and career software
• Professional behavior and positive approach to job challenges
Sector

Social Development
About the Agency

The Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) is one of the largest private, not-for-profit, non-denominational educational networks in the Global South. AKES currently operates over 190 pre-primary, primary, secondary and higher secondary schools and more than 100 non-formal education programmes in diverse geographic locations in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates. Most schools offer their respective country’s national curricula, with some schools in East Africa and Bangladesh also offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). AKES employs over 6,500 teachers and staff and educates over 104,700 students. More information…