IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator at Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKESK)

Role Summary

• The PYP Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring the successful implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme from Nursery (K1) to Grade 5. This includes curriculum development, pedagogical leadership and staff professional growth to ensure high-quality, inquiry-based learning. The coordinator leads curriculum planning, ensures compliance with IB requirements, and fosters a strong culture of professional learning aligned with the Academy’s mission and vision.

Key Responsibilities:
Curriculum and Pedagogy Leadership

• Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of the PYP curriculum to ensure alignment with IB expectations and the school's improvement goals.
• Ensure inquiry-based learning and differentiation are central to curriculum delivery.
• Collaborate with the MYP Coordinator to ensure curriculum continuity and a seamless transition for learners.

Professional Development and Capacity Building

• Facilitate a robust professional development programme, including coaching, mentoring and model lessons, tailored to improve teaching effectiveness.
• Identify individual and team PD needs and create opportunities to address them.
• Record and assess the impact of all professional development initiatives.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Conduct lesson observations, student work reviews and data analysis to monitor teaching and learning.
• Lead on the analysis and interpretation of assessment data to drive improvement in learner outcomes.
• Support teachers in identifying and addressing gaps in student learning.

Resource and Operational Oversight

• Plan for resource development and allocation in collaboration with school leadership.
• Maintain updated inventories and ensure optimal resource use aligned to programme needs.
• Provide oversight to the Nursery section to ensure consistent programme delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Ensure timely and effective communication with all staff involved in PYP delivery.
• Serve as the key liaison with the IBO, ensuring compliance with all PYP implementation standards.
• Lead parent engagement through information sessions, newsletters, and workshops.
• Participate actively in PYP networks and contribute to IB evaluation and school improvement processes.

Strategic Leadership and IB Authorization

• Guide the school through IB Self-Study, Evaluation visits, and implementation of action plans.
• Lead the review and update of the Programme of Inquiry and oversee all planning documents.
• Coordinate cross-grade and cross-sectional planning to ensure coherence in learning experiences.

Additional Duties:

• Support school leadership in implementing strategic improvement initiatives.
• May serve as Acting Head or Deputy during absences.
• Support transition planning from PYP to MYP to maintain learning progression.

The requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• A valid teaching qualification with specialization in Early Years or Primary Education.
• Candidates currently in Kenya will require the Teacher’s Service Commission (TSC) registration.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an IB PYP Teacher role.
• Significant experience in the successful delivery of the IB PYP.
• Demonstrated expertise in implementing and evaluating the IB PYP curriculum, with deep understanding of IB philosophy, approaches to learning (ATL) and inquiry-based pedagogy.
• Proven experience in instructional leadership, coaching and mentoring teachers to improve professional practice and learner outcomes.
• Strong skills in planning, assessment and using data to inform instructional decision-making.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and organizational skills, with the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Experience in leading the IB self-study and evaluation process and working with IB and external networks.
• Proficient in curriculum mapping, resource planning and leading school improvement initiatives.
• Commitment to professional growth and engagement with contemporary educational research and best practices.