Vacancies

Student Life Advisor

Department: School of Arts and Sciences

Reports to: Senior Manager of Student Affairs

Duty Station: Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic

Grade: B

UCA Background:

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments,and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org

Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities:

UCA is seeking a Student Life Advisor (SLA) who will live and work alongside students in residence halls to foster a holistic learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. As a member of the Student Life team, the SLA is often the first point of contact for students with a wide range of questions – institutional, extracurricular, personal – and plays a key role in supporting their overall well-being and development.

SLAs at UCA are instrumental in shaping the residential campus experience. They are expected to cultivate a supportive, inclusive community that encourages positive interpersonal relationships, lifelong learning, and respect for diversity. In addition to offering guidance and mentoring, the SLA will be responsible for developing and implementing co-curricular and extracurricular programs that support students’ professional development, life skills, personal health and wellness, and pathway planning. Through community-building activities, leadership training, sports and recreation, and service programs, SLAs enhance the residence halls as living-learning spaces that promote intercultural understanding, character development, and continuous growth.

The SLA will therefore serve as both a mentor and a facilitator – supporting students as they transition into university life, guiding them toward campus resources, and helping them build the competencies, resilience, and confidence needed for future success.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Programming and Community Building:

• Design and implement a diverse range of co-curricular and extracurricular programs aimed at enriching students’ personal, professional, and social development;
• Create and lead activities that promote professional skills, such as leadership seminars, communication workshops, and career pathway discussions, as well as life skills programming, including time management, financial literacy, and conflict resolution sessions;
• Develop and facilitate health and wellness initiatives to support students’ mental and physical well-being;
• Strengthen community cohesion by organizing cultural events, community service projects, and opportunities for civic engagement that broaden students’ perspectives and sense of social responsibility;
• Encourage and mentor student clubs, teams, and associations, helping them design meaningful programs, leadership structures, and inclusive practices that cater to a wide range of student interests.

Residential Life and Student Support:

• Live in the student residence halls and maintain a consistent, approachable presence as a resource and mentor, ensuring students feel supported and connected to the institution;
• Serve as a role model by adhering to highest norms of moral and ethical standards and promoting integrity, responsible community membership, and adherence to the Student Code of Conduct and Residence Rules and Regulations;
• Assist in resolving interpersonal conflicts, mediate roommate disputes, and provide guidance or referrals for academic or personal concerns;
• Support first-year orientation and transitional programming to help new residents adapt to residential life, fostering a positive environment that eases the shift from home to campus.

 Administration and Policy Implementation:

• Monitor and support English language immersion as an essential element of academic success and community building;
• Educate residents about university policies, procedures, and standards of conduct, and hold them accountable when necessary;
• Document policy violations, generate reports, and assist in managing administrative tasks related to residential operations (e.g., maintenance requests, health and safety inspections, and procurement);
• Coordinate logistics for events, workshops, and other programming initiatives, ensuring efficient use of resources.  

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Sciences, Humanities or a related field is required. A Master’s Degree in these areas is an advantage;
• 2-3 years of experience in higher education or upper-year high school student affairs, residential life, counseling, or related student services roles is an advantage;
• Experience with residential programming, student leadership development, co-curricular initiatives, and health and wellness activities is particularly valuable;
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating students’ professional and life skill development, delivering community-building activities, and guiding them in academic and career pathway planning;
• Experience working in multicultural environments and with international students is beneficial.

Desired Skills and Qualifications 

• Self-starter with strong initiative, creativity, and event-planning capabilities;
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, show empathy, and maintain a supportive atmosphere in a diverse community;
• Proven leadership and teamwork abilities, with excellent listening and communication skills;
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and uphold ethical standards;
• Commitment to flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends, to ensure availability for student programming and community needs.

Language:

• Advanced written and spoken English (C1/C2) is required;
• Knowledge of Kyrgyz, Tajik, Kazakh, and/or Russian would be an asset. 

How to Apply: Please submit your application (cover letter, CV, and contact information of three references) on https://tinyurl.com/36bkfd74 by 14 July 2025.

Candidates from the founding countries of UCA: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply for the position. 

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities