The Aga Khan Early Learning Centre, Dubai

Vision, Mission and Philosophy
The AKELC mission is to offer broad, holistic early childhood education on secular and non-denominational basis that demonstrates internationally recognized standards of excellence.

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The Aga Khan Early Learning Centre's Educators

AKELC educators know that when adults are responsive, guiding and nurturing, children take more initiative and are more likely to be actively involved and persistent in their activities and learning.

The Centre's early childhood educators are highly qualified and trained in working with young children to support learning, to build genuine, warm relationships and to respect and value each child's personal and cultural identity.

Their knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate learning experiences inform and guide their interactions and conversations with children. They plan activities based on each child's developmental stage, interests and knowledge, and are trained to use positive and meaningful interactions that encourage children's learning.

Our Centre consists of the following staff:

  • Lead Teachers
  • English and Arabic Teachers
  • Teaching Assistants
  • Classroom Assistants
  • Cleaner and Pantry Worker

The Centre staff are responsible for designing teaching and learning environments that engage children's curiosity and promote inquiry and creativity. Teachers base their daily planning on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum framework supported by internationally recognized High Scope routines (Plan-Do-Review) that are founded on child development theory and over three decades of research. The AKELC staff are skilled in providing a balance of child-initiated and adult-led learning activities that allow children to develop independence within a safe, responsive and nurturing atmosphere.

Each day the children are guided to develop skills in:

  • Approaches to learning;
  • Language, literacy and communication;
  • Social and emotional development;
  • Physical development, well-being and health, and
  • Arts, mathematics and sciences.

Professional Development

The Aga Khan Education Services has high expectations for professional practice and as such, supporting the professional development (PD) of AKELC staff is a priority.

A variety of professional development offerings provide opportunities for staff to improve their knowledge and skills which creates more effective teachers and hence, more engaged learners. Staff participate in ongoing PD sessions throughout the year which include the following activities:

  • Workshops
  • Coaching
  • Mentoring
  • Monthly meetings with management
  • Peer support

All staff participate in a minimum of 30 PD hours per calendar year and regularly reflect on the program, children's progress and their role to support children's learning.

Regular Professional Development topics include:

  • Health and safety
  • First Aid
  • Child Safeguarding and Protection
  • Curriculum planning
  • Special Educational Needs Development
  • Team building
  • Child development

Evaluation of teacher's development is monitored by monthly meetings, observations and performance appraisals. AKELC PD offerings go beyond traditional sessions and engage staff in reflective practice through self-monitoring, peer feedback and ongoing coaching/mentoring sessions. Team building activities promote open and supportive teaching and learning relationships between staff.

The Aga Khan Early Learning and Resource Centre (AKELRC) provides ongoing technical support as well as culturally relevant materials and products to engage Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners in developing their knowledge and skills. Workshops, webinars, seminars and strategic support are provided to all Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) ECD sites across the ten countries supported in the Aga Khan network. Informative webinars, current research, professional development articles, an ECD foundational course and advisement for career development are a few of the PD resources provided for AKELC staff in Dubai as well as for ECD programmes across the AKES network.

AKELRC training includes:

  • Global Guidelines Assessment (GGA) training modules
  • Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) training modules
  • Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) Curriculum Principles
  • Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Course
  • Individualized Career Planning and Advancement Options

Webinars

Career Opportunities

FINANCE MANAGER
Experienced Finance Manager will manage all aspects of the financial operations of the AKELC. This position focuses heavily on budgeting, financial planning and forecasting/analysis, financial decision-making, relationship management, management reporting and audit. She will carry the sole responsibility for the full range of financial services for the effective management of the Centre.

Aga Khan Early Learning Centre
The Aga Khan Early Learning Centre (AKELC), located in Oud Metha, is a small, non-profit high-quality nursery and preschool serving children, aged 12 months to 4 years. The AKELC facilities are purpose-built, spacious and modern and provide children and teachers with engaging and aesthetically pleasing teaching and learning spaces. The Centre opened its doors in 2010.

Job Description
Experienced Finance Manager will manage all aspects of the financial operations of the AKELC. This position focuses heavily on budgeting, financial planning and forecasting/analysis, financial decision-making, relationship management, management reporting and audit. She will carry the sole responsibility for the full range of financial services for the effective management of the Centre.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and monitor financial plans, budgets and forecasts in consultation with management and head office.
  • Develop, manage and maintain integrity of the accounting system, revenues, expenditures, internal controls, payrolls, procurement, and assets (cash, inventory, fixed assets etc.) and management systems etc.
  • Coordinate statutory/annual audits, and other internal and external financial reviews and assessments.
  • Prepare budget updates monthly and annually as requested by the head office and conduct variance analysis.
  • Complete Monthly Management reports (P&L / Cash request / Forecast) and Quarterly head office reports.
  • Prepare the annual budget by working with management and prepare the budget submission in head office template.
  • Ensure timely and accurate periodic reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage relationships with auditors, Grants and Review Board, financial institutions, AKELC parents, head office, and other government corporate and regulatory authorities.
  • Facilitate procurement of all assets and consumables ensuring compliance with the AKELC procurement policies. Maintains schedule of fixed assets and accumulated depreciation.
  • Process report and related work for VAT to review board and FTA.
  • Make bank deposits on a weekly basis, as needed, make deposit summaries (from the receipt book) and issue checks.
  • Pay bills and sort out all online bank services.
  • Collect petty cash receipts, make reimbursements and track expenses.
  • Manage snack fee collection, pay vendors and track expenses.
  • Complete monthly payroll processing; prepare WPS and handle relevant bank communication. Track and record End of Service Benefits and other employee benefits.
  • Collect fees from parents, issue receipts and maintain records for each term keeping current at all times; ensure that all fees are paid in a timely manner. Provide management monthly reports on payment status of the Centre.
  • Evaluate and assess Financial feasibility of various initiatives.
  • Develop, periodically reassess and ensure compliance with corporate financial and accounting policies and procedures as well as compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify, assess and monitor corporate and business risks and put necessary interventions in place to mitigate those risks and ensure the optimum use of AKELC funds.
  • Assist management in managing the annual license renewals and submission of additional paperwork to relevant government authorities. Also maintain statutory paperwork according to government specifications.
  • Be familiar with all front desk routines, policies and procedures. Be available as needed, on occasion, to assist in receiving visitors and answering phones.
  • Regularly gather market intelligence on competitor nurseries.
  • Support management to plan and implement special events.
  • Coordinate with the HR/Operations Manager on all accounting and financial issues.
  • Maintain Centre accounting software to manage accountability for expenditures, priorities, budget allocations and cost control.
  • Organize financial records and manage all financial offices files.
  • Undertake other duties as assigned by management.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

**ESSENTIAL:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and/or Accounting
  • Minimum with 3 years' experience in the field
  • Fluent in English, written and spoken
  • Experience with budgeting, financial planning/forecasting and analysis, financial decision-making, management reporting and audit
  • Experience with accounting softwares
  • Excellent relationship management skills with many levels of stakeholders
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • The candidate will show strong evidence of cultural sensitivity, ability to interact with a variety of clientele and stakeholders, and excellent interpersonal skills
  • FEMALE – as per the regulatory government authority requirements, nurseries may only employ female workers in their setting


*OTHER COMPETENCIES:

  • Professional qualifications preferred
  • Self-motivated and takes initiative in their workload
  • Team player; willingness to assist when needed in other areas
  • Flexibility

Only candidates that hold the essential skills and qualifications will be considered.

Please email your cover letter and CV to irnesa.hodzic@akelcdubai.org

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