Senior Assistant / Associate - GPO

Senior Assistant / Associate - GPO

Entity: Institute for Educational Development

Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:

The Aga Khan University – Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), located in Karachi, is a center of excellence committed to strengthening the quality of education in Pakistan and the developing world through innovative teacher education, research, policy dialogue, and community engagement. With regional centers in Gilgit, Chitral, and professional development outreach across the country, AKU-IED has played a pivotal role in improving educational practices and promoting inclusive, lifelong learning since its establishment.

We are looking for an Associate Graduate Program Office (GPO) who will support the smooth functioning of graduate programs at AKU-IED. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, well-organized, and proactive in coordinating academic and administrative processes for programs such as M.Phil, Ph.D., and B.Ed. The role involves providing comprehensive administrative and logistical support, acting as a key liaison between students, faculty, and internal departments, and ensuring efficient execution of academic calendars, documentation, and related financial processes.

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:

You will be responsible to:

• Coordinate daily academic and administrative operations to support graduate programs and ongoing classes.
• Ensure readiness of classrooms and learning environments, including logistics, materials, AV, and technical support.
• Maintain accurate academic records, including attendance, student, and faculty data.
• Provide administrative and system support to faculty and students, including assistance with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
• Coordinate hiring, contracts, and payment processes for mentors, visiting faculty, teaching assistants, and other short-term staff, in collaboration with HR and Finance.
• Prepare and process requisitions, payment documentation, and supplier information to ensure timely disbursements.
• Support academic communication with students regarding schedules, practicum arrangements, and program-related matters.
• Organize logistics for classes, meetings, events, admissions activities, and academic initiatives, including room bookings and transportation support.
• Assist in the preparation of academic handbooks, course materials, reports, and meeting minutes.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator / Supervisor.

If you are passionate about service, organization, and being the face of a mission-driven institution, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements:

You should have:

• Bachelor’s / Masters (Preferred) from an HEC-recognized university.
• 2-3 years’ relevant experience in academic administration management.
• Understanding of higher education processes, academic calendars, program coordination, and student–faculty support systems.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiarity with Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) such as Moodle or Blackboard.
• Basic understanding of institutional financial systems for processing requisitions, payments, and supplier IDs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English for effective coordination with faculty, students, and administrative departments.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure in a fast-paced academic environment.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.