Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator at Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKESK)

Role Summary

• The DP Coordinator will lead and oversee the implementation, development and administration of the IB Diploma Programme, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and assessment and compliance with IB requirements. The role will serve as the primary link between the Academy and the IB, provide academic leadership and guidance to staff, students and parents, and support students in achieving successful outcomes while developing as thoughtful, critical and globally minded citizens.

Key Responsibilities:
Programme Leadership and IB Compliance

• Lead the implementation and development of the IB Diploma Programme in line with the Academy’s mission, vision and IB standards.
• Develop and implement an annual DP improvement plan to ensure sustainably strong academic and IB learner outcomes for all DP students. 
• Act as the Academy’s main liaison with the IB, managing official communication, documentation and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate programme and student records, and keep school leadership informed of key developments and outcomes.
• Support the recruitment, induction and development of DP staff.

Curriculum and Instructional Leadership

• Oversee the integration of CAS, TOK and the Extended Essay into the DP and coordinate appropriate student guidance.
• Lead DP staff meetings and communicate IB updates, curriculum expectations and assessment procedures.
• Coordinate staff participation in IB professional development and ensure appropriate support for externally taught and self-taught languages.

Assessment and Programme Administration

• Coordinate IB examinations, orals and mock examinations, ensuring secure handling and timely submission of assessment materials and results.
• Manage the DP calendar, timetable, student submissions and internal deadlines.
• Review assessment data to inform curriculum improvement and student interventions.
• Oversee day-to-day DP administration, support the Assistant IB Coordinator and coordinate resources and IB-related financial processes.

Student Guidance and Stakeholder Engagement

• Advise students on subject selection and monitor their progress and compliance with IB requirements, coordinating support where needed.
• Guide students on academic and career-related choices in collaboration with the Careers Counsellor.
• Communicate DP expectations, assessment procedures and requirements to students and parents.
• Work with the library and other departments to ensure the availability of appropriate learning resources and facilities.

Leadership, Communication and Organisational Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and mentor teaching staff and drive continuous curriculum improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to manage professional correspondence and represent the Academy in its engagement with the IB.
• Strong stakeholder-management and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, parents, teachers and support departments.
• Excellent planning, coordination and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• High levels of accuracy, integrity and attention to detail, particularly in examination, assessment, data management and submission processes.

The requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.), or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), or a relevant academic field. A Master’s Degree will be an added advantage.
• IB Diploma Programme certification at Category 1 and Category 2. Category 3 certification and/or experience as an IB Examiner or Workshop Leader will be highly desirable.
• Registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
• Minimum of five years’ teaching experience in the IB Diploma Programme, with demonstrably successful outcomes.
• At least three years’ experience in a leadership or coordination role within the IB Diploma Programme, such as Department Head, Assistant Coordinator, or TOK, CAS or Extended Essay Coordinator.
• Proven experience in IB programme administration and examination procedures, including assessment dispatch and compliance requirements.
• Experience in curriculum development, staff training and professional mentorship within an academic setting.
• Strong understanding of IB regulations, assessment requirements and administrative protocols, including the use of IB electronic platforms such as IBIS.
• Strong skills in academic data management, curriculum planning, timetable coordination and the effective use of student and programme records.