School Counsellor

4408BRSchool CounsellorAga Khan AcademiesThe positionThe Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is an International Baccalaureate World School. It is the first in the network of Aga Khan Academies established by His Highness the Aga Khan. The Academy features state-of-the-art facilities, a multicultural student body, and an experienced team of educators and staff. We provide students with education of the highest standard in order to prepare them for lives characterised by leadership and service. Admission to the Academy is means-blind and is based on merit. We consider all eligible students regardless of socio-economic status.

The School Counsellor will be responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive, culturally-responsive school counselling program that supports the social-emotional development of students within the framework of the Aga Khan Academies and the International Baccalaureate. They will also offer support to residential students, ensuring their well-being and successful adjustment to residential life. ResponsibilitiesPlan, implement, support and evaluate a comprehensive, developmental, results-based counselling program aligned with ISCA Student Standards and the IB philosophy. Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and student well-being into the school’s curriculum and culture. Deliver individual and group counselling to address students’ social, emotional, and behavioural needs.

Support students’ personal development, resilience, and sense of belonging, in line with the Academies’ Learner Profile. Provide dedicated counselling and pastoral care to residential students, addressing challenges related to adjustment, homesickness, cultural transition, and interpersonal relationships. Collaborate closely with residential life staff, heads of houses, and families to ensure a safe, supportive, and nurturing boarding environment. Facilitate workshops and group activities aimed at promoting community, well-being, and life skills among boarding students. Monitor and advocate for the mental health and welfare of residential students, coordinating referrals to external mental health professionals when necessary.

Serve as an assertive advocate for student equity, access, and well-being within the school community. Consult and collaborate with students, parents, teachers, administrators, residential life staff, and external professionals to promote student success. Participate in school-wide initiatives and contribute to the school’s mission and improvement plan. Uphold the ISCA ethical standards and professional responsibilities. Engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice to maintain and enhance counselling competencies. Maintain accurate records, respect confidentiality, and ensure compliance with school and international counselling standards. The requirementsMaster’s degree in Counselling or School Counselling from an accredited institution.

Teaching degree/certificationValid teaching certificate and certification as a counsellorMinimum of 5 years’ experience as a school counsellor in an international school setting, preferably with experience in IB programmes. Experience supporting residential or boarding students is highly desirable. Demonstrated expertise in individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, and residential student support. In-depth understanding of the IB curriculum, assessment, and educational philosophy. Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices.

Adhere to the ISCA Student Standards and Competencies, which are based on the American Counselling Association (ACA) and ASCA frameworks, ensuring the delivery of a comprehensive, ethical, and effective school counselling program. SectorSocial DevelopmentAbout The AgencyThe Aga Khan Academies is an integrated network of residential schools dedicated to expanding access to education of an international standard of excellence to exceptional young men and women regardless of their ability to pay. The Aga Khan Academies' foundational values include pluralism, meritocracy and civil society.

Housed in spacious and attractive campuses with beautiful facilities, the Academies offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme and provide a rich opportunity for both teachers and students alike to grow both professionally and personally. The first Aga Khan Academy opened in Mombasa, Kenya in 2003. This was followed by an Academy in Hyderabad, India in 2011, Maputo, Mozambique in 2013 and Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2022. More information. . . RegionEastern AfricaLocationKenyaSalarySalary and package to attract the best candidateJob Expires28-Aug-2025