Registrar, Kenya

About the University

Aga Khan University is a not-for-profit higher education institution committed to improving lives in developing countries and beyond through teaching, research, and health-care delivery of international standard. It operates campuses and teaching hospitals across six countries, mainly in Asia and Africa, and is part of the Aga Khan Development Network.

Established in June 2021, Aga Khan University Kenya is based in Parklands, Nairobi, across from the Aga Khan University Hospital. The Nairobi centre serves as the university’s main campus in Kenya and hosts the Graduate School of Media and Communications, Medical College, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute for Human Development, Brain and Mind Institute, and other academic programmes.

Role Summary

The Registrar, Kenya reports to the University Registrar and provides leadership for academic administration and student records across the university. This position safeguards the accuracy, confidentiality, security, and regulatory compliance of academic records and related processes throughout the student journey, including recruitment, admissions support, registration, progression, graduation, and policy execution.

The role also contributes to institutional performance by identifying opportunities for improvement, learning, and operational growth while building a strong, high-performance service culture. The incumbent works closely with academic and administrative teams to deliver efficient, student-focused services and serves on the East Africa Executive Committee, carrying out responsibilities assigned in consultation with or for the information of the University Registrar.

Academic Administration and Student Services

• Compile, review, and present admissions data to support academic committees and leadership decision-making.
• Assess internal and external factors affecting recruitment and oversee programme recruitment activities in Kenya.
• Direct the preparation of recruitment advertisements and application materials.
• Plan and run student outreach initiatives that strengthen programme intake efforts in the region.
• Protect the integrity of application and admissions procedures for academic programmes in Kenya.
• Oversee registration, enrolment, class scheduling, progression, and graduation activities.
• Maintain student academic records with accuracy and strict confidentiality.
• Design and roll out academic administrative policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Manage academic calendar planning and key institutional timelines.
• Ensure adherence to university rules and accreditation standards.
• Administer student information and registration processes in AKUROSS.
• Supervise the release of transcripts, degree checks, certifications, and other academic documents.
• Track academic progression, standing, probation, and eligibility for graduation.

Records Management

• Ensure course registration and record updates are completed accurately and on time.
• Support the upkeep of admissions data within the university’s student information and administration system, AKUROSS.
• Guide students on academic regulations and procedural requirements.
• Provide graduating class contact details to the Resource Development Office for alumni communication and relationship management.
• Interpret student data and make it available for quality assurance work.
• Support strategic efforts aimed at improving student success and academic operations.

Governance and Compliance

• Review new programme proposals to confirm alignment with AKU standards and legal or statutory requirements for internal and external accreditation.
• Support the rollout and interpretation of academic policies.
• Act as secretary or operational lead for academic committees where needed.
• Help ensure the university meets higher education standards and reporting obligations.
• Coordinate degree audits and graduation clearance activities.
• Arrange the timely issue of official academic letters to students and alumni, including notices to withdraw, degree completion confirmation, and degree/diploma verification.
• Work with the University Registrar to plan and deliver convocation ceremonies in Kenya.
• Oversee academic verification and certification linked to convocation.
• Lead ongoing improvement work within registrar operations.
• Improve processes through technology and automation.
• Partner with IT teams to enhance student information systems and protect data quality.
• Support the creation of dashboards and reports used to monitor academic operations.
• Prepare statistics, reports, and academic datasets for leadership and regulators.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Work with faculty, admissions, finance, student affairs, and academic leadership to ensure coordinated service delivery.

Leadership and People Management

• Manage and mentor registrar office staff and operational teams.
• Promote a culture focused on service quality, accountability, and efficiency.
• Lead staff training and professional development activities.

Strategic Contribution

• Create clear short- and medium-term departmental plans, including the resources required to deliver them.
• Contribute to university-wide strategic planning in Kenya as needed.
• Own the implementation of approved plans arising from different strategic initiatives.
• Develop approaches to manage high-risk initiatives.
• Set and monitor planning parameters to support effective issue resolution.
• Work with the University Registrar on budgeting for areas under supervision.

Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD or an equivalent qualification is required; applicants currently pursuing a PhD may also be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience or transferable experience, including 3 to 4 years in a leadership position.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, lead, and supervise within a large multi-centre organisation.
• Experience in the East Africa higher education environment.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems; experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions is an added advantage.
• Experience working with regulatory and professional accreditation bodies.
• Strong written and spoken English, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse groups and populations.
• Comfort working in a collaborative, consensus-based environment while also performing independently and as part of a team.
• Strong administrative and organisational ability, with a track record of managing multiple tasks and meeting competing deadlines accurately and on time.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their suitability for the role and their vision for leading academic administration and student records functions, along with an updated CV and the names and contact details of three referees. Referees will be contacted only at the final stage and only with the candidate’s permission.

Equal Opportunity and Screening

Aga Khan University is an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity and inclusion. The university is committed to safeguarding and maintaining respectful relationships with faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and wider communities. All employees, trainees, and partners are expected to share this commitment. Comprehensive employment reference checks will be completed for final candidates.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than 6 July 2026.