Vacancies at Aga Khan Academy

Responsibilities

• Advise students on IB subject selection, academic planning, and alignment with university and career goals.
• Guide students and families through the global university application process, including country-specific requirements, essay writing, interview preparation, and standardized testing.
• Provide up-to-date, unbiased information on universities and programs worldwide, including scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
• Organize and lead university visits, college fairs, and career exploration events.
• Support students in identifying and pursuing relevant extracurriculars, internships, and job shadowing experiences.

Personal and Social-Emotional Support

• Offer individual and group counselling tailored to students’ developmental and social-emotional needs.
• Conduct early and crisis interventions as needed, and make appropriate referrals to external professionals.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for all students.
• Develop strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, and university representatives to ensure a smooth college application process.
• Maintain open, regular communication with parents through meetings, workshops, and written updates.
• Liaise with the IB Coordinator, teachers, and administration to support student success.
• Design, implement, and assess a comprehensive college and career counselling program aligned with IB philosophy and school mission.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data to assess program effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Prepare and update the school profile, college handbook, and relevant documentation for university applications.
• Write counsellor references and coordinate teacher recommendations for university applications.

Professionalism and Development

• Adhere to the ethical standards of the counselling profession and the principles of organizations such as IACAC and NACAC.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, attend conferences, and maintain active membership in relevant professional associations.
• Represent students and the institution honestly and openly, always prioritizing student well-being.

The requirements

• Master’s degree in Counseling or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Valid teaching certificate.
• Additional certification in school counseling is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a school counselor in an international school setting, preferably with IB Diploma Programme students.
• Professional membership in IACAC, NACAC, or similar associations.
• Demonstrated experience in college and career counseling, including familiarity with university admissions processes worldwide.
• Exemplary counseling, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and data management abilities2.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of international student needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written); additional languages are an asset.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with university application platforms.
• Experience as an IB Coordinator or in IB event management.
• Knowledge of and experience with global university admissions platforms (e.g., Common App, UCAS, Unifrog). 

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Responsibilities

• Plan, 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 requirements

• Master’s degree in Counselling or School Counselling from an accredited institution.
• Teaching degree/certification
• Valid teaching certificate and certification as a counsellor
• Minimum 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.