AIMS-NEI Career Development Manager

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS – NEI, www.nexteinstein.org ) is a pan African network of Centres of learning for postgraduate teaching, research and outreach in the mathematical sciences.

JOB SUMMARY

AIMS-NEI is seeking a professional, dynamic and results-oriented person to play an important role in leading the development and coordination of integrated career development services at AIMS centres, including industrial relations, developing job placements, career counselling, facilitation of professional skill workshops, and developing exciting learning opportunities. Working closely with academic staff, and the curriculum consultant, the Career Development Manager will supervise Career Development Officers, currently located in Ghana, South Africa and Senegal, with plans for expansion to new centres in the future. The post will be based in Cape Town with periodic travel to AIMS centres. This new position was developed to build on AIMS’ success in providing students with opportunities upon graduation such as scholarships, internships and job placements. The role offers the potential to lead and develop an innovative career program resulting in the lifelong success of young graduates from across Africa.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. STRATEGY
 Analysis, strategy and coordination of AIMS-NEI global career development efforts in collaboration with academic and program staff, external consultants, and partners in industry
 Build AIMS’ career network into a community of academic institutions, business, civil society organizations and government
 Extract, package and coordinate the sharing of lessons learned and activities between the AIMS Centres
 Train, support and develop tools and resources for Career Development Officers

1. CURRICULUM  Work with the Curriculum Consultant to research, create and test a curriculum for Employability week and other employment and personal development related workshops to be delivered throughout the year  Facilitate Employability week workshops with Academic Staff, visiting lecturers, Career Develop Officers and the Curriculum Consultant
    Facilitate workshops on employment topics and personal development activities
    Research and create systems to integrate content on entrepreneurship and development
2. STUDENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    Model and promote a culture of integrated learning
    Facilitate the adoption of integrated learning principles
    Develop systems for alumni mentorship and/or workplace coaches
3. Work Opportunity Placement Services
    Create systems to build and maintain relationships with employers
    Develop and maintain systems to collect and disseminate information on career opportunities (jobs and other activities, conferences and events for mathematical students) and encourage students’ participation in these
    Lead the development of physical and online career resources.
4. BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED
    Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation team to integrate performance measures into overall program
    Research and contribute to the global discussion regarding filling labour gaps in Africa
    Present results and findings through various communication channels
    Provide success stories and profiles of successful alumni for external communications
    Provide regular progress reports

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
 Experience with remote staff management and coordination;
 Experience working in the industrial sector;
 Experience in two or more of: job development, marketing, direct contact sales, counselling, higher education, job placement, entrepreneurship, international development and/or recruitment;
 Related experience which demonstrates an understanding of the barriers and issues experienced by young job seekers;
 Knowledge, experience or interest in integrated learning and adult education;
 Knowledge of community services, labour market, occupational requirements and job search resources;
 Experience working in a not for profit environment;
 Some exposure to labour market analysis
 Experience in monitoring and evaluation, and reporting, and:
 Exposure to Mathematics or other science.

How to apply:

TO APPLY Prospective candidates must submit a letter of motivation and detailed CV, together with the names of at least two referees to: AIMS-NEI Hiring, ABSA on Grove, 3rd Floor 11 Grove Ave, Claremont 7708 Cape Town, South Africa , or electronically to jstaples@nexteinstein.org (ensure that the job title is in the subject line please). Should no feedback be received from AIMS-NEI within four weeks of your submission, kindly accept that your application did not succeed. AIMS-NEI reserves the right not to make an appointment at its sole discretion.