ABOUT ALU

ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.

They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now.

Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

The ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Student Life team is at the heart of our university’s vibrant community. We are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive environment that fosters students’ interests within and beyond their mission, an authentic pan-African network, individual student growth, well-being, and opportunities for fun! Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional services and experiences that enrich the lives of our students. We strive to build a strong sense of belonging and empower students to reach their full potential.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Student Services Lead manages the Immigration, Residential & Meals, Insurance, and Financial Aid Functions, and reports to the Student Life Manager. Together, this team makes sure every student at ALU Rwanda has a safe place to live, good food to eat, the right paperwork to stay in the country, and the financial support they need to complete their studies.

This is not a role for someone who only keeps existing processes running. The Student Services Lead is expected to notice when something isn't working, whether that's a slow process, an outdated policy, or a gap in how information is tracked, and to fix it. Much of the day-to-day work depends on other teams finishing their part first, so this person needs to be comfortable managing deadlines they don't fully control, and confident enough to follow up, escalate, or plan around delays when they happen.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership and Team Management

Lead and mentor: Lead the Immigration, Residential & Meals, Insurance, and Financial Aid functions, giving each person clear direction and development opportunities.
Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively: Ensure efficient workflow and optimal utilization of team resources.
Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely and routinely with the Registrar, Student Recruitment, Enrollment & Admissions, Operations, Student Finance, and Central Finance teams to keep processes aligned across departments.
Deadline Dependency management: Plan timelines that rely on other departments, monitor progress closely, assess risks, and escalate delays early to maintain accountability.
Performance management: Hold regular one‑on‑one conversations to check in and provide honest feedback when change is needed, and periodically evaluate performance and give constructive guidance to support team growth and development.
Process improvement: Identify gaps in existing processes, policies, and system workflows, and lead their redesign to improve efficiency and outcomes.

2. Housing and Meals:

Oversee Housing Operations:
Manage the student housing process, including applications, assignments, move-in and check-out procedures.