Posted: 2026-11-04 17:17:10  Deadline: November 13, 2026   Full-time   Salary: Confidential

United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), a higher learning institution based in Nairobi, Kenya, is the most diverse university in East and Central Africa, with approximately 7,000 students from over 60 nations and a global network of more than 25,000 alumni. USIU-Africa is the only university in Sub-Saharan Africa whose degree programmes are accredited by both the Kenya Government through the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the American Government through the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC). The university invites applications from qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Learning Support Assistant (LSA).

Position Details

Position: Learning Support Assistant (LSA).
Institution: United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa).
Department: Student Life.
Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
Experience: Experienced.
Job Type: One-year contract.
Expected Commencement: January 2027.
Job Ad Expiry: November 13, 2026.

Position Purpose

The Learning Support Assistant (LSA) supports students with disabilities to access and participate equitably in academic programmes, learning activities and university life. The role provides individualized practical and learning support in line with students' identified functional needs and approved support arrangements.

Working with Disability Inclusion Services, faculty, the Assistive Technologist and other relevant university units, the LSA helps reduce barriers to learning, promotes student independence and supports meaningful participation. The role complements the responsibilities of academic staff and specialist support personnel while upholding students' dignity, privacy, autonomy and right to make independent decisions.

Key Responsibilities

A. Individualized Learning and Academic Support
Provide individualized learning assistance in line with students' identified needs and approved support arrangements.
Support participation in lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, laboratory activities and other learning activities, as appropriate.
Assist students to access course materials, follow classroom activities, organize academic tasks and use learning platforms.
Provide authorized practical assistance with note-taking, handling learning materials and accessing classroom resources.
Support communication and participation in collaboration with faculty and relevant specialists, including access to materials in appropriate formats.
Promote independent learning, self-advocacy, confidence and effective study habits without completing academic work or assessments on a student's behalf.

B. Functional Support and Accessibility
Provide agreed practical assistance with mobility, navigation, positioning and access to learning spaces, within the scope of the role.
Assist students to access classrooms, libraries, laboratories, computer facilities and other university environments.
Identify and report physical, communication, environmental or other accessibility barriers affecting participation.
Support students to use approved assistive devices and technologies in collaboration with the Assistive Technologist.
Refer technical issues involving assistive technology, accessible formats or specialist equipment to the appropriate university personnel.
Respect students' preferences and obtain consent before providing personal or physical assistance.

C. Examination and Assessment Support
Assist with the practical implementation of approved examination accommodations in coordination with Disability Inclusion Services, faculty and examination personnel.
Support approved arrangements such as access to examination venues, set up of authorized assistive devices and use of accessible materials.
Provide reading, scribing, navigation or other examination-related assistance only when formally authorized and in accordance with university procedures.
Maintain confidentiality and academic integrity, ensuring that support does not influence a student's responses or compromise assessment validity.
Refer questions or concerns about examination arrangements to the designated university personnel.

D. Student Well-being and Referrals
Build respectful, professional working relationships with students and provide appropriate encouragement to support participation and confidence.
Recognize and report concerns affecting a student's safety, well-being or participation in university activities.
Refer students who may require counselling, health services, psychosocial support or other specialist interventions to the appropriate university services.
Maintain professional boundaries and do not provide clinical, therapeutic or counselling services unless separately qualified and formally authorized.
Provide practical support during transitions between learning environments or university activities where required.

E. Collaboration and Coordination
Work collaboratively with Disability Inclusion Services, faculty, the Assistive Technologist, Student Life, Counselling Services and other relevant university units.
Participate in support-planning meetings, briefings and coordination sessions as required.
Share factual observations about learning barriers, accessibility concerns and emerging support needs through approved reporting channels.
Contribute relevant feedback to reviews of practical support arrangements without making decisions outside the scope of the role.
Support disability inclusion awareness activities and promote respectful, inclusive and non-discriminatory interactions when assigned.

F. Documentation, Confidentiality and Safeguarding
Maintain accurate records of support provided in accordance with university procedures.
Document relevant observations, incidents and accessibility or support concerns through approved reporting mechanisms.
Protect students' personal information, disability-related information and academic records, sharing information only with authorized personnel for legitimate purposes.
Comply with university policies on confidentiality, data protection, safeguarding, professional conduct and disability inclusion.
Promptly report safeguarding concerns, incidents or suspected misconduct through the appropriate university channels.
Deliver support with dignity, respect, impartiality and professionalism.

Qualifications and Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Needs Education, Inclusive Education, Education, Disability Studies, Rehabilitation, Social Work, Psychology or a related field.
One year's relevant experience.
Additional training in disability inclusion, assistive technology, inclusive learning or student support is an advantage.
Training in sign language, orientation and mobility, accessible communication or other relevant disability support approaches is an advantage, depending on student support requirements.

Relevant Experience

Experience supporting students or other individuals with disabilities in educational, rehabilitation, community or related settings.
Experience in individualized learning support, classroom assistance, note-taking or practical support for persons with disabilities is an advantage.
Familiarity with inclusive education principles, accessibility and reasonable accommodation practices.
Experience using computers, digital learning platforms and accessible learning resources.
Experience working collaboratively with educators, students or multidisciplinary support teams.

Skills and Competencies

Understanding of disability inclusion, accessibility and inclusive learning practices.
Strong interpersonal, communication, listening and relationship-building skills.
Empathy, patience, respect and a student-centred approach.
Ability to provide individualized support while promoting student independence and self-advocacy.
Computer literacy and willingness to learn relevant assistive technologies.
Good organization, reliability, flexibility and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgement.
Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty and university support teams.
Commitment to safeguarding, non-discrimination, dignity and equal opportunity.

Professional Boundaries and Accountability

The LSA works within the university's Disability Inclusion Services framework and the scope of assigned duties. The role does not independently determine disability status, approve reasonable accommodations, make academic decisions, change assessment requirements or provide clinical interventions. These responsibilities remain with the designated university authorities and appropriately qualified professionals.

The LSA is expected to implement assigned support arrangements, report emerging needs and concerns, and work under the direction of the designated supervisor. All support must uphold students' independence, academic integrity, confidentiality and right to participate equitably in university life.

Terms of Engagement

Contract Duration: One-year fixed-term contract.
Expected Commencement: January 2027.
Work Arrangement and Schedule: To be determined by the university according to student support requirements and assigned duties.
Remuneration and Benefits: As determined by the university.
Duty Station: USIU-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents:

An updated curriculum vitae.
A cover letter.
Relevant academic and professional qualifications.
Referee details.

Applications should be submitted via email to: jobs-dvcasa@usiu.ac.ke by 5.00 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2026.

USIU-Africa is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an inclusive, accessible and supportive learning environment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.