Student Support Services Coordinator

Requisition Number

4544BR

About the Agency

The Aga Khan Academies is an integrated network of residential schools dedicated to expanding access to education of an international standard of excellence to exceptional young men and women regardless of their ability to pay. The Aga Khan Academies' foundational values include pluralism, meritocracy and civil society. Housed in spacious and attractive campuses with beautiful facilities, the Academies offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme and provide a rich opportunity for both teachers and students alike to grow both professionally and personally. The first Aga Khan Academy opened in Mombasa, Kenya in 2003. This was followed by an Academy in Hyderabad, India in 2011, Maputo, Mozambique in 2013 and Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2022. More information...

Agency

Aga Khan Academies

The position

The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka is the fourth in the network of the Aga Khan Academies established by His Highness the Aga Khan. The Academy features state-of-the-art facilities, a multicultural student body and an experienced team of educators and staff. We provide students with education of the highest standard in order to prepare them for lives characterised by leadership and service. Admission to the Academy is competitive and based on student merit.

As with all the Aga Khan Academies, we are committed to excellence in all aspects of education. This commitment includes the academic curriculum as well as the campus where students live and learn.

Our campus is architect designed and purpose-built. It features state-of-the-art classrooms and resource areas, and extensive sports facilities. These outstanding facilities provide an inspiring environment for both students and staff.

The Student Support Services Coordinator develops and manages student support programs, acts as a point of contact for students and parents, and works to ensure student success within the framework of the IB curriculum. The position also ensures that all students in the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) receive appropriate academic, social, and emotional support to thrive in an inclusive learning environment. This role aligns with the IB philosophy of developing internationally minded learners and promotes the IB Learner Profile attributes through individualized and systemic support strategies.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the student support department including Counselors, Learning Support specialists, English Language support specialists, and Bangla Language Support specialists (Junior School only).

Undertake the role of School Safeguarding Focal Point (often known as Child Protection Officer).

Follow safeguarding protocols in conjunction with the Country Safeguarding Lead and the Head of Academy.

Identify and assess students with diverse learning needs in collaboration with teachers, counselors, and parents.

Design the academic support for students with diverse learning needs to access the mainstream curriculum and classroom.

Create a student support register that provides information to learning support specialists and all teachers regarding the individual needs of students with identified learning needs.

Coordinate Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) and Student Support Plans for students with learning differences, language acquisition needs, or special needs.

Liaise with external agencies to understand any formal diagnoses, and create any appropriate partnerships.

Provide professional development to all teachers so that they are equipped to differentiate for the needs of all students in their care.

Offer guidance to teachers on best practices in inclusive education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Implement the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) model across the school.

Build a collaborative culture where all educators support the comprehensive student support system.

Collaborate with Junior School and Senior School leadership to ensure that students are well supported throughout their time at the Academy.

Maintain well-organised documentation that records student development.

Monitor implementation dependability and make data-informed adjustments to programs and services to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Coordinate assessment processes that distinguish between language acquisition needs and exceptional learning needs.

Communicate effectively with parents, keeping them informed of progress and ways to support learning at home.

Review and update Academy policies related to inclusion, student support and safeguarding.

Assist in the Admissions process for any student with support needs.

Champion the creation of an inclusive learning environment across the Academy.

Facilitate Student Support Team (SST) meetings and case conferences.

The requirements

Develop and implement inclusive education practices across PYP, MYP, and DP.

Coordinate with IB coordinators to arrange access and accommodations.

In collaboration with the Head of Academy, recruit well-qualified individuals to join the Student Support department.

Give feedback to, and be involved in the appraisal of, members of the Student Support department.

Maintain confidentiality and observe data protection guidelines.

Collaborate on transition programs for students moving between PYP, MYP, and DP stages.

Promote the Learner Profile through student services initiatives.

Ensure compliance with IB guidelines, school policies, and local regulations.

Prepare reports for leadership and accreditation purposes.

SPECIFICATIONS (Candidate profile):

Required Attributes:

Knowledge and understanding of child development and diverse learning needs.

Experience of leading a team of support professionals.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to interact well and communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues within a diverse and pluralistic society.

A strong team player with the ability and willingness to collaborate with and develop capacity amongst a team of local staff.

Training in MTSS implementation

Commitment to championing and leading innovative transformational change regarding approaches to teaching and learning.

Self-starter, able to initiate ideas and act proactively.

Commitment to the vision and values of the Aga Khan Academies.Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, or related field

Teaching Certification (e.g. PGCE, QTS, State Teaching License)

Master's degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, or related field.Valued additional assets:

Understanding and experience of international education and educational standards beyond Bangladesh.

Experience of working in bilingual schools

Intercultural appreciation and sensitivity. Able to appreciate diverse cultural contexts and perspectives and use them to enrich the educational experiences of the students.

Experience in K-12 schools, and an understanding of the IB continuum

Sector

Social Development

Salary

Salary and package to attract the best candidate

Job Expires

31-Dec-2025