Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Umma University is an established university in Kenya accredited by the Commission for University Education. The University has two campuses; Thika and Kajiado. Umma University offers courses in Computer Science, Nursing (Direct Entry and Upgrading), Business Management, Information and Communication Technology, Islamic Sharia, Islamic Banking & Finance ...

Responsibilities or duties

Strategic Leadership and Planning: Develop and implement the University’s ODeL strategy, policies, and operational plans. Align ODeL initiatives with the University’s Strategic Plan, academic goals, and regulatory requirements. Promote innovation in digital pedagogy and technology-enhanced learni

Academic Programme Development and Delivery: Coordinate the design, development, and review of ODeL programmes in collaboration with academic schools. Ensure timely development, updating, and digitization of learning materials. Oversee online, blended, and distance learning delivery modes.

Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure ODeL programmes comply with Commission for University Education (CUE) standards and other relevant regulatory bodies. Establish and monitor quality assurance frameworks for course content, assessment, learner support, and delivery. Coordinate internal and

Learning Technologies and Systems Management: Oversee the management and continuous improvement of the Learning Management System (LMS) and related digital platforms. Promote effective use of educational technologies and digital tools by staff and students. Ensure data security, system reliabilit

Capacity Building and Staff Development: Train and support academic and administrative staff in ODeL pedagogy, instructional design, and use of digital platforms. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, research, and innovation in e-learning

Student Support and Engagement: Ensure provision of effective learner support services, including orientation, academic advising, and technical support. Monitor student participation, retention, progression, and completion in ODeL programmes

Research, Partnerships, and Resource Mobilization: Promote research and scholarship in open and distance learning. Establish partnerships with local and international institutions, industry, and technology providers. Support resource mobilization and income generation through ODeL programmes.

Administration, Governance, and Reporting: Manage the ODeL Directorate budget and resources efficiently. Prepare and submit periodic reports to Management, Senate, and Council. Ensure effective governance, risk management, and internal controls within the Directorate.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Earned PhD in Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or a relevant discipline from a recognized institution. Master’s degree in a relevant field is mandatory

Skills and Competencies: Strong leadership, strategic planning, and change management skills. Demonstrated expertise in e-learning technologies and instructional design. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills. Strong financial, project management, and analytical skills.

Experience needed

Professional Experience: At least 8–10 years of teaching, research, or academic administration experience in higher education. Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in open, distance, or e-learning programme management. Proven experience in curriculum development, quality assurance, and digital l

• Develop and implement the University’s ODeL strategy, policies, and operational plans.
• Align ODeL initiatives with the University’s Strategic Plan, academic goals, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote innovation in digital pedagogy and technology-enhanced learning.
• Coordinate the design, development, and review of ODeL programmes in collaboration with academic schools.
• Ensure timely development, updating, and digitization of learning materials.
• Oversee online, blended, and distance learning delivery modes.
• Ensure ODeL programmes comply with Commission for University Education (CUE) standards and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Establish and monitor quality assurance frameworks for course content, assessment, learner support, and delivery.
• Coordinate internal and external quality assurance processes for ODeL programmes.
• Oversee the management and continuous improvement of the Learning Management System (LMS) and related digital platforms.
• Promote effective use of educational technologies and digital tools by staff and students.
• Ensure data security, system reliability, and accessibility of digital learning platforms.
• Train and support academic and administrative staff in ODeL pedagogy, instructional design, and use of digital platforms.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, research, and innovation in e-learning.
• Ensure provision of effective learner support services, including orientation, academic advising, and technical support.
• Monitor student participation, retention, progression, and completion in ODeL programmes.
• Promote research and scholarship in open and distance learning.
• Establish partnerships with local and international institutions, industry, and technology providers.
• Support resource mobilization and income generation through ODeL programmes.
• Manage the ODeL Directorate budget and resources efficiently.
• Prepare and submit periodic reports to Management, Senate, and Council.
• Ensure effective governance, risk management, and internal controls within the Directorate.

• Strong leadership
• Strategic planning
• Change management skills
• Expertise in e-learning technologies
• Instructional design
• Excellent communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Report-writing skills
• Strong financial skills
• Project management skills
• Analytical skills

• Earned PhD in Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or a relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field is mandatory.
• At least 8–10 years of teaching, research, or academic administration experience in higher education.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in open, distance, or e-learning programme management.
• Proven experience in curriculum development, quality assurance, and digital learning.