Manager, Strategy and Administration

Introduction:

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programmes and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Responsibilities:

The Manager, Strategy and Administration will play a key role in supporting the Office of the President by overseeing strategic initiatives, ensuring effective monitoring and reporting, and managing key administrative functions. The incumbent will work closely with senior colleagues to track progress against the strategic plan and institutional priorities, prepare high-level reports and presentations, and contribute to the efficient operation of the President’s Office.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development, Monitoring, and Reporting:

• supporting the implementation of AKU’s Strategic Plan by tracking progress against key objectives and initiatives
• developing and maintaining dashboards to provide real-time insights into institutional performance
• conducting research and analysis to support the development of strategic initiatives and business plans
• working with key stakeholders across AKU to align institutional goals and strategies
• ensuring timely and accurate reporting of strategic priorities to the President and senior leadership

Board and Leadership Support:

• assisting in the preparation of Board papers, briefing notes, and reports for the President and senior leadership
• developing high-quality presentations for key institutional forums, including the Board of Trustees, President’s Council, and other executive meetings
• liaising with various departments to gather relevant data and insights required for Board and leadership discussions
• supporting follow-up actions from Board meetings, ensuring alignment with AKU’s strategic priorities

Office Operations and Administration:

• providing oversight and coordination for the administrative functions of the Office of the President
• ensuring smooth execution of office operations, including workflow management, documentation, and communication
• managing key institutional processes such as scheduling and coordination of high-level meetings
• supporting budget planning and resource allocation for the Office of the President

Requirements:

Qualifications and Experience:

• master’s degree in business administration, Public Policy, Finance, Economics, or a related field
• minimum of 7–10 years of experience in strategic planning, administration, or a similar role, preferably in a university, healthcare, or non-profit setting
• strong understanding of strategy development, monitoring frameworks, and performance reporting
• experience in developing board reports, executive presentations, and high-level communication materials
• proven ability to manage multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Skills and Competencies:

• excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills
• strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly
• proficiency in data visualization tools and dashboard reporting
• exceptional organizational and project management skills
• ability to interact effectively with senior leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders
• high level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential information

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.