Language Development Lead Practitioner

About the Role

The Aga Khan Schools (AKS) serve a multilingual student and staff population, most of whom do not enter school as native English speakers. English is often a third or fourth language. English is used as the primary or one of the instructional languages. A key objective of AKS's education is to ensure that students, teachers, and school leaders achieve high proficiency in academic English. AKS promotes additive and dynamic bilingualism, enhancing academic English skills while supporting the development of other languages held by students. Successful outcomes include students being eligible for English-medium university programs domestically and internationally, and equipped for diverse career and further education opportunities worldwide.

The Language Development Lead Practitioner will lead English language instruction and training initiatives, co-teach, demonstrate best practices, and empower local teams to sustainably build language skills aligned with role requirements. English proficiency is benchmarked against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) using Cambridge English standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive audits of language instruction and development across AKS schools, covering English, relevant national languages, and home languages; identify best practices, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Design and oversee implementation of an extensive Language Improvement Strategy spanning early childhood to higher secondary levels, setting benchmarks, expected outcomes, timelines, professional development needs, and success metrics.
• Enhance teaching quality of language acquisition focusing on additive bilingualism.
• Develop and manage a staff English language development program including assessments and tailored learning opportunities.
• Assess the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of English language interventions; document insights, case studies, and best practices; recommend tools and training.
• Collaborate with Cambridge English and other providers to secure cost-effective materials, assessments, and professional development.
• Coordinate with AKDN agencies to leverage ongoing English language support initiatives and provide expertise and training as required.
• Support AKS strategic programs such as Education Technology and Teacher Development initiatives related to language skills enhancement.
• Engage with AKDN outreach schools to share knowledge and provide training assistance.
• Consult with internal and external experts as needed and participate in strategic meetings when requested.
• Travel to various AKS locations as required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in Language Acquisition, Applied Linguistics, or a related discipline.
• Qualified, experienced K-12 language teacher.
• Proven expertise in strategy development and project management.
• Exceptional oral and written English proficiency, ideally at C2 CEFR level.
• Fluency in at least one additional language besides English.
• Experience with curriculum mapping, curriculum development, and assessment practices.
• Skilled in designing and delivering professional development and facilitating adult learning, including digital instructional tools.
• Ability to motivate teams collaboratively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital learning platforms.
• Committed to an inclusive approach to language learning embedded in all curricula.
• Appreciative and supportive of linguistic diversity within educational settings.

Desirable: Experience living or working in sub-Saharan Africa or Central Asia.

Location and Application

The candidate will be based in Pakistan, India, or Kenya, depending on organizational requirements and mutual agreement. Applicants must be prepared and willing to work from one of these countries.

Closing Date: 7 September 2026