University Counsellor

Компания "University of Central Asia"

Interim University Counsellor (for 10 months)

Department: School of Arts and Sciences

Reports to: Associate Dean of Khorog Campus

Duty Station: Khorog Campus, Tajikistan

Deadline: 08 August 2025

UCA Background:

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network.

Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities:
The University of Central Asia is seeking a full-time temporary (fellowship leave coverage) Counsellor to provide a student-centered, inclusive and proactive support system for the campus community of UCA. The position will be based on the Khorog campus in Tajikistan. Counselling Services directly support the mission of the University of Central Asia by engaging in activities that facilitate the student learning experience and increase student engagement and success. The Counsellor will address students’ personal problems, mental health problems and crises as well as providing support for career exploration and personal development. The counsellor will need to be the kind of individual who can provide support systems that are responsive to the needs of Central Asian students, faculty and their families.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Student Counselling Services:

• Offer mental health assessment and counselling to students on a wide variety of issues including suspected or confirmed mental health problems;
• Create awareness among students, faculty and staff regarding mental health, study skills, and diversity issues;
• Manage support programs for campus crises;
• Offer personal counselling to students adjusting to post-secondary studies and living away from home;
• Assist student life team and faculty with residence life, student orientations and other activities that enhance well-being;
• Deliver courses and workshops such as Life Skills, career exploration, leadership development and other workshops and training related to social and emotional wellbeing.

Faculty, Staff and Community Support:

• Provide confidential consultations to staff/faculty and their families on an individual basis regarding matters both personal and professional i.e. stress and mental health problems;
• Offer workshops for faculty, staff and their families as requested;
• Work closely with other student services areas (e.g. security, medical, residence advisors) to ensure a holistic and seamless approach;
• Support and help coordinate the Faculty Wellbeing Committee;
• Create partnerships with campus town health and education institutions to promote community well-being.

Desired Qualities and Capacities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse student body, preferably with experience in the developing world and/or in a rural community;
• Experience in working on campus or other residential institutions;
• A capacity to handle sensitive situations and confidential information with discretion and a genuine concern for student success;
• An understanding of issues and cultural norms experienced by Central Asian students;
• An ability to establish a cooperative work environment and create strong collaborative relationships within the university and their communities;
• Proven ability to engage students, staff and faculty in developing a healthy campus culture that supports well-being;
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with academic personnel and leadership;
• Willingness to build expertise in career counselling;
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office;
• Experience with both face to face and on-line facilitation and counselling.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Graduate Degree in Counselling Psychology from a reputable graduate program;
• One year of supervised clinical counselling training;
• Preference will be given to applicants with two years of personal, mental health, crisis and student success counselling at a post-secondary institution within the past five years;
• Professionalism, tact, accuracy, timeliness, and sensitivity are required to effectively advise students and to maintain and enhance relationships with students;
• Experience with group counselling and workshop development and facilitation;
• Specialized training and credentials in any areas of critical incident training, mental health training, and/or diversity training is an asset.

Language:

• Advanced English is required.
• Working knowledge of Russian, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Shugni, and Kazakh would be an asset.

Relationships:

• Reports to the Associate Dean and works closely with the Student Life Team, the Cooperative Education Office, Faculty and Staff.

How to Apply
Ready to join our team? We kindly invite you to submit your application for this position by clicking the Apply button on this page. To facilitate a smooth application process, please create an account on our website. Be assured that the account setup and application steps are straightforward.

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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