Job Openings at United States International University

Reporting to the Principal Counselor, the successful candidate will be responsible for the provision of emotional and professional growth of students, developing and monitoring counseling support programs, and providing career coaching programs to the USIU -Africa Community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual, couple and family counseling and psychotherapy to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and USIU-Africa community to enable them manage their problems and optimally function so that they can meet their educational and life goals.
• Facilitate group counseling and or support groups to enhance learning and support from other students.
• Awareness campaigns on HIV and AIDS, Alcohol and drug abuse, sexual and reproductive among others which includes planning, organizing, implementing, evaluation and reporting on awareness programs and activities.
• Crisis intervention in the event of a crisis through provision of defusing, debriefing, and trauma counseling either individually or in groups geared towards restoration of healthy psychological, cognitive and social functioning.
• Research, design, develop and disseminate information/educational and publicity materials (notice board campaigns, posters, brochures, e-mail messages) that create awareness, guide the prevention and management of emerging and contextual issues likely to impact negatively on students, e.g. HIV/AIDS, drug and substance abuse, stress, relationships among others and promote mental health.
• Strengthen Scholars’ life skills through psycho-education, planning and facilitating training on life skills, consulting with various student groups, clubs and sport teams, student leaders for development of life skills and leadership skills.
• Networking: Maintain a wide range of mental health contacts to facilitate appropriate referrals for Scholars needing specialized treatment and care and consultation. Internally liaise with other sectors in the Academic and student affairs division, and the academic schools for effective referrals and consultations and send informative reports that enhance informed decision making for referred students (disciplinary and academic probation or dismissal cases among others).
• Record keeping /database management- Prepare comprehensive professional clinical notes on client (Scholars) progress for ongoing care and reference.
• Reports: Prepare comprehensive semester counseling and events reports and forward them to the Principal Counselor for purposes of planning and decision making.
• Attend regular continuing education, case conferences and supervision with an external counselor supervisor to ensure and maintain highest standards for professionalism and service delivery.
• Plan and organize for Peer Counselors and Educators trainings, train and supervise peer counselors and educators to enhance awareness of HIV/AIDS, Alcohol and drug abuse among other issues in the community.
• Technology: be able to utilize available technology to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services, programs and publicity.
• Conduct needs and impact /client satisfaction surveys.
• Performs additional job-related duties and responsibilities as requested.

Minimum Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Educational qualifications: Masters degree in Counseling/Clinical Psychology from a recognized educational institution.
• Professional Qualifications: Membership to a Professional Association nationally and internationally; NASCOP VCT certification for HIV Testing.
• Served as senior counseling Officer for a minimum of 3 years.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

Personal Attributes & Competencies

• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.
• Confidentiality and integrity.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Relationship builder & effective negotiator.
• Good communication skills.
• Self-motivated.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptability and reliability.

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The Principal Program Accountant will be responsible for providing primary accounting function for all program monitoring administration, compliance, grant accounting, and financial reports of awarded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program grant through its final closing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform grant-related post-award functions, including budget and expense analysis, periodic invoicing, financial reporting, labor distribution changes, reconciliations, re-budgeting and grant closeout functions required by Grants and Contracts Administration.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports to MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program as required.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports on grants for internal management purposes.
• Work with USIU-Africa account payables team to facilitate vendor payments, travel, visas, passports etc for Program team and Scholars, payment and accounting for stipends for Scholars
• Work with the Chief accountant on cash flow forecasts for programs.
• Review invoices and provide account codes, when appropriate, for proper project accounting.
• Produce budget and expense analysis report.
• Prepare and distribute periodic invoices for project reimbursement.
• Follow up accounting for Imprest Funds disbursed within stipulated timelines.
• Work with Program Director and Program staff in the development of forecasts, budgets and budget revisions for programs.
• Investigate projects variances and submit variance reports to Project Managers.
• Communicate monthly financial results with appropriate program staff, informing them of financial position of the project.
• Coordinate with the Chief accountant to process journal entries to various projects if needed.
• Ensure compliance of grants with policies/procedures and donor rules/regulations.
• Perform ad-hoc financial analysis in response to requests or to provide support to various programs.
• Train and provide ongoing technical assistance to program staff and program partners on best practices for financial management systems in order to increase capacity.
• Coordinate the monthly review and reconciliation of cash accounts associated with USIU-Africa.
• Address queries arising from internal and external auditors regarding Projects.
• Identify and recommend cost savings initiatives for program activities and the organization
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Educational/Professional/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business from an accredited university.
• CPA (K).
• Relevant Master’s degree.
• Must be a member, in good standing, of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Served as Senior Accountant for a minimum of 6 years.

Competencies

• Computer literacy.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent planning and budgeting.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Good analytical skills.
• Good customer service skills.

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Job Purpose

Reporting to the Program Director, the job holder will be expected to provide excellent technical service and support in regards to the provision of guidance and specialist immigration advice to prospective and enrolled international Mastercard Foundation Scholars at USIU-Africa. The role also includes Scholar data management and periodic report preparation.

The Senior Immigration Officer will be the first point of contact to deliver accurate immigration advice to the Scholars whether in person, via email or telephone, carry out complex casework as necessary and to maintain comprehensive confidential records. They will provide a high standard of customer service.

Key Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the Selection and Recruitment team to provide advice on the immigration requirements that an international Scholar must meet in order to study in Kenya.
2. Facilitate and support the passport and/ or Refugee travel document applications for the selected Scholars.
3. Facilitate and Process visa applications for international Scholars selected, and process student passes and alien cards for the Scholars once they arrive in Kenya.
4. Keep and up to date immigration record of all International Scholars and their immigration statuses.
5. Process visa extensions and Student pass renewals.
6. Provide basic immigration and general travel advice to selected scholars and those already enrolled at the university.
7. Work closely with the Kenyan immigration office to ensure that all international Scholars are issued with student pass, Alien Cards and visa extensions where necessary.
8. Provide the Scholars Program with accurate up-to-date lists of all registered international Scholars on student pass and visa at each intake, and at other points throughout the year as appropriate.
9. Communicate regularly with registered Scholars on student pass at the University to ensure that our student records are updated to reflect any changes in circumstances, such as a change of contact details or immigration status and where necessary.
10. Liaise with key external stakeholders as required, in particular the Kenyan Visa and Immigration Office at the Ministry of Foreign affairs and Refugee Affairs Secretariat to support refugee students.
11. Contribute to the development and update of immigration related information for prospective international scholars provided via the university website and in printed publications, as required.
12. Any other duty as may be assigned by the direct reporting.

Minimum Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, social sciences or other relevant field, from an accredited university
• At least three (3) years of progressive experience in handling immigration matters in a reputable organization.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of the Higher Education Sector and the challenges surrounding international students’ immigration
• Competency in use of Government of Kenya Immigration Systems e.g EFNS
• Knowledge of the Immigration Rules including that of the Kenyan government and the ability to interpret complex rules and regulations
• Administrative experience, preferably in the education sector
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Problem-solving
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to successfully multi-task
• Maintaining records systems
• A pro active and enthusiastic team player
• Self-motivated with an ability to thrive under pressure
• Customer-focused with the ability to communicate at all levels with internal and external stakeholders.