ABOUT ALU
ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.
They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now.
Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.
We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.
HOW WE WORK
As a high-growth start-up, the ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.
The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Student Life team is at the heart of our university's vibrant community. We are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive environment that fosters students’ interests within and beyond their mission, an authentic pan-African network, individual student growth, well-being, and opportunities for fun! Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional services and experiences that enrich the lives of our students. We strive to build a strong sense of belonging and empower students to reach their full potential.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Wellness Manager will be a key leader in cultivating a culture of well-being at ALU. This role requires a seasoned counselor with a deep understanding of the pan-African context and its impact on the mental, emotional, and physical health of our students. The Wellness Manager will oversee the wellness center, manage a team of counselors and nurses, and develop comprehensive wellness programs that address the diverse needs of our student population. This role is pivotal in ensuring that ALU students have the support and resources they need to thrive in their academic pursuits and personal lives.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide Individual and Group Counseling:
Leadership and Management:
- Lead and manage the wellness team, including counselors, nurses, and administrative staff.
- Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to counselors, ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards.
- Oversee the daily operations of the wellness center, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
- Develop and manage the wellness center budget, ensuring responsible resource allocation.
Program Development and Implementation:
- Design and implement comprehensive wellness programs that address the diverse needs of ALU students, considering the pan-African context.
- Develop preventative and proactive initiatives that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Incorporate culturally relevant approaches to wellness, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students.
- Offer workshops, seminars, and individual consultations on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, healthy relationships, and cultural adjustment.
Crisis Intervention and Support:
- Develop and implement crisis intervention protocols to address student emergencies and mental health crises.
- Provide crisis counseling and support to students in distress.
- Collaborate with campus security, residential life, and academic affairs to ensure a coordinated response to student crises.
Collaboration and Advocacy:
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student organizations to promote a culture of well-being across the university.
- Advocate for student needs and perspectives in the development of university policies and procedures.
- Build partnerships with external organizations and healthcare providers to expand access to wellness resources for students.
Assessment and Evaluation:
- Develop and implement a system for evaluating the effectiveness of wellness programs and services.
- Collect and analyze data on student utilization of wellness resources and program outcomes.
- Use data to inform program improvement and ensure alignment with student needs and institutional goals.
Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal, by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work.
- Registered with Rwanda Allied Health Professional Council (RAHPC).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience providing counseling services to young adults in an educational setting.
- Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a team of wellness professionals.
- Experience in developing and implementing wellness programs for diverse populations.
- Deep understanding of the pan-African context and its impact on mental health and well-being.
- Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Functional Skills:
- Clinical Expertise: Advanced knowledge and skills in counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health assessment.
- Program Development and Evaluation: Ability to design, implement, and evaluate effective wellness programs.
- Leadership and Management: Proven ability to lead and manage a team of professionals.
- Cultural Competency: Deep understanding of cultural diversity and its impact on wellness.
Soft Skills:
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Compassion and Empathy: Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of students.
- Ethical and Professional Conduct: Adherence to ethical principles and professional standards in all aspects of work.
