Lecturer – Community Development Practice at Amref International University (AMIU)

Job Description

Primary Purpose of the Role

• To provide high-quality teaching and training in community development practice at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• To lead curriculum development, implementation and review in the area of community development.
• To engage in research, innovation and community-engagement activities aligned with AMIU’s mission of developing transformational health and development practitioners in Africa.
• To supervise and mentor students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) in coursework, fieldwork/practicum and research.
• To contribute to academic administration, quality assurance, accreditation, partnerships and resource mobilisation for the department.

Key Responsibilities

In line with AMIU’s lecturer job adverts, responsibilities may include:

• Teaching & Learning
  • Deliver lectures, seminars/tutorials and practical sessions in community development practice (e.g., community mobilisation, participatory development, monitoring & evaluation, gender & development, livelihood programmes, social policy, community health & development linkages).
  • Develop course materials (syllabi, lecture notes, handouts, assessments) including e-learning/virtual content as required.
  • Supervise student fieldwork/practicum in community development settings, and evaluate student progress, assignments/exams and provide timely feedback.
  • Contribute to enhancing student retention, progression, and widening participation.
• Curriculum & Programme Development
  • Lead or participate in the design, review and development of new and existing programmes/courses in community development practice.
  • Engage with external stakeholders (industry, NGOs, government, donors) for programme validation and practicum links.
  • Ensure alignment of programmes with regulatory/accreditation requirements (e.g., for Commission for University Education (CUE), other regulatory bodies or  itsequivalent) and AMIU policy.
• Research, Innovation & Community Engagement
  • Undertake individual and collaborative research in community development practice; publish in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Seek and attract research funding/grants, and participate in income-generating activities for the department.
  • Participate in community outreach, extension activities and partnerships that advance AMIU’s mission in Africa.
• Student Supervision & Mentoring
  • Supervise honours, master’s and/or doctoral students (as relevant) in their research projects/dissertations.
  • Provide academic mentorship and career guidance to students in the community development field.
• Quality Assurance, Accreditation & Administration
  • Adhere to and support academic quality assurance processes; maintain standards and contribute to accreditation of programmes.
  • Participate in departmental/ faculty meetings, serve on committees, contribute to strategic planning and departmental administration.
• Other Duties
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Department or Dean, consistent with lecturer level expectations.
  • Contribute to marketing of programmes and profile-building for the department and AMIU.

Qualifications

Essential qualifications & experience

• A PhD in Community Development, Development Studies, Social Work, Public Health,  Community Health (with strong community development component), or equivalent field from a recognised university.
• At least three (3) years’ full-time teaching experience at university level in relevant field OR equivalent significant research/industry experience (six (6) years).
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications (for example, minimum publication points as per AMIU framework: e.g., 32 points total, 24 from refereed journals)
• Supervision of postgraduate students (at least three to completion) is desirable.
• Membership or registration with a relevant professional body (if applicable) - e.g., for community development practitioners or public health practitioners.
• Strong computer literacy and familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and virtual/online teaching methodologies.

Desirable qualifications & experience

• Evidence of attracting research funding/grants.
• Experience in curriculum development and programme accreditation processes.
• Experience working in community development contexts (NGO, government, international development) in Africa.
• Ability to engage with external stakeholders (industry, NGOs, government) for practicum and student internships.
• Good interpersonal, communication and team-working skills.
• High level of integrity, ethical practice, commitment to student centred learning, multicultural sensitivity.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to present at conferences, publish research, write grant proposals.
• Excellent planning, organisational and time-management skills (for teaching, research, supervision and administrative roles).
• Ability to use digital teaching tools and adapt to virtual/hybrid teaching environments.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise students, mentor juniors and collaborate in teams.
• Strategic and creative thinker with ability to contribute to departmental growth, income generation and programme innovation.
• Commitment to academic quality, ethical standards, and community-engaged scholarship.