Adjunct Software Engineering Specialization Coach

Summary

Join the African Leadership University (ALU) as a SE Learning Coach and contribute to the success of our BSc Software Engineering program. You will manage the in-person learning experience, design and deliver specialization modules, and refine the curriculum based on feedback. Responsibilities include organizing academic activities, coordinating internships, and evaluating student learning experiences. This role requires a Master's degree in a relevant field, extensive experience in Machine Learning, and excellent coaching and communication skills. The ideal candidate will also possess a startup mindset and a strong customer-service ethos.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a relevant field where Software Engineering and/or Programming is a significant component with at least 5 years of industry experience in Machine Learning Domain
• Background of demonstrated excellence in Machine Learning and at least 5 years of experience in industry/university mentoring/facilitating Machine Learning courses and developing ML models
• Experience guiding student/interns in undergraduate Projects or external projects
• Excellent coaching and adequate computing skills with the ability to support learners in both remote and in-person learning environments
• Expertise in mathematical domains of Machine Learning such as Advanced Linear Algebra, Calculus, Multivariate and Bayesian Probability, Convolutions etc
• Experience with machine learning APIs like Keras and ML libraries like Scikit-learn, TensorFlow etc
• Experience implementing ML models using variety of datasets
• Familiarity using Transformer Models and Chatbots
• Experience using version control systems [preferably git]
• Experience in Python scripting and Linux based shell scripting
• Experience using version control systems [preferably git] for software development
• Strong debugging skills in the respective domain expertise
• Experience designing experiential learning activities that promotes peer learning
• Excellent communications (oral and written), interpersonal and presentation skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to multitask, prioritise own work, and work independently
• The ability to quickly analyze data and determine the appropriate academic support intervention required by the student or to redirect to other teams
• A startup mindset to help us scale the programme to the order of thousands of students in the next 12 months
• A strong, customer-service ethos
• An ability to work flexibly with remote team members if needed

Responsibilities

• Manage the in-person experience for the programme including the academic orientation, induction for the specialisation modules for each intake, including responsibility for its development, evolution and its delivery adhering to the internal and external quality assurance standards
• Design, evolve and deliver the specialisation modules, induction and re-induction of new and existing coaches, respectively
• Review, validate and refine the current learning curriculum and revise the operational plans per trimester for an effective learning delivery based on continuous feedbacks
• Audit and refine the experiential learning components for each trimester additional to the support in self-directed student learning
• Organize academic activities including Live coding sessions, Peer Learning Days, Mock Interview sessions, Hackathons and any other events that encourages student engagement in both online and in-person learning environments
• Administration and coordination of the internship modules along with supporting teams (Coaches, Professional Development teams and other internal and external stakeholders)
• Evaluate the possibilities of improving student learning experiences by leveraging partnerships with industries, draft concept notes and finalize relevant plans to include the identified learning activities as part of the learning content
• Contribute to updated definitive documentation for the Software Engineering modules in the programme handbooks, policies and accreditation documents
• Participate in regular student-staff consultative group meetings and other feedback instruments to capture student feedback and to implement recommendations to enhance the quality of programme delivery
• Assist the SE Programme Manager in the review and approval of course modifications made by external learning content partners, either independently or following ALU inputs
• Engage with all developmental and performance management processes for academic teams
• Contribute to the annual programme review to ensure content is up-to-date, valid, relevant and reflects current and future trends in Software Engineering, whilst giving consideration to pedagogical approaches suited for hybrid learning
• Implement modifications to learning materials, assessments and other relevant components meet internal and external quality assurance requirements
• Implement modifications to the academic components following the findings of the annual programme review, periodic review, student-staff consultative groups, student evaluations and other quality assurance & enhancement instruments
• Other relevant activities to ensure successful delivery of the programme
• Engage in institutional service through active participation in the Senate and its sub-committees as per their composition
• Any other reasonable duties that may be allocated from time to time by the line manager

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Linux programming / Mobile Development / Web Development is a plus
• Strong regional or international network - Startup Incubators and accelerators, etc
• Experience of programme management and leadership at a higher education institution
• Experience in people management - managing a fast-growing team
• Experience of online teaching and learning delivery at challenger universities
• Experience of teaching at higher education level