Fulltime Faculty, Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) at Aga Khan University (AKU)

Job Description

The Aga Khan University is a private, autonomous university that promotes human welfare through research, teaching and community service initiatives. Based on the principles of quality, access, impact and relevance, the University has campuses and programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its facilities include teaching hospitals, Faculties of Health Sciences with Schools of Nursing and Midwifery and Medical Colleges, Institutes for Educational Development, an Examination Board and an Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. The Graduate School of Media and Communications, the East African Institute, the Institute for Human Development and the Kiswahili Centre have been launched recently while several Graduate Professional Schools and Faculties of Arts and Sciences are to be set up in Pakistan and East Africa. Through its needs-blind admissions policy, the University imbues the most promising leaders and thinkers of tomorrow with an ethic of service and the skills to help communities solve their most pressing challenges. The Aga Khan University is one of nine agencies in the Aga Khan Development Network.

Job Summary

The Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) seeks to hire a faculty member who will help to nurture the next generation of journalists, media leaders and communications professionals for the East Africa Region. The main purpose of this role is support and teach and share knowledge with students in the various academic programmes offered by GSMC: Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation (EMMLI), Masters of Arts in Digital Journalism (MADJ) and a upcoming program in Strategic Communications. As well as being a media scholar, the faculty will have a comprehensive knowledge of trends in the media and communication industry as well all-round competence in the practical application of different forms of digital media.

Responsibilities

Teach across the GSMC academic programs including Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation (EMMLI), Masters in Digital Journalism (MADJ) and Strategic Communications and train in the professional development courses; Collaborate with AKU colleagues to create online content to support the teaching of academic and professional development courses; Conduct and evaluate students’ performance through examinations and other assessment parameters as per university guide; Counsel and coach students on course-related matters, career path planning, advising on thesis establishment and development as well as guiding on projects; Contribute to the development of new curriculum and/or the review of existing curricular; Provide leadership and subject matter expertise in journalism, digital media, media leadership and communications; and Actively work towards research funding, by writing proposals, engaging in grant applications and hosting research conventions.

Requirements

PHD in a relevant discipline – Journalism or Media and Communication from a recognised university; She/he should have 3-5 years of teaching experience at university level. Experience in working with graduate students is essential; She/he should have experience in blended teaching, both online and in person; She/he will have strong research and/or practice portfolio; She/he should demonstrate achievement in academic delivery, development of course content and outlines and programme coordination; She/he should be able to work independently; Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment; and Evidence of leadership will be an added advantage.