Learning Specialist (Academic Support), Academic Success Center

About Nazarbayev University (NU)

Nazarbayev University (NU) is a rapidly developing, research-intensive and Kazakhstan’s flagship university. Established as an autonomous, English-medium university, NU is growing in student enrollment, research activity, and global partnerships. Our programs are benchmarked against leading institutions globally with an increasing number holding prestigious international accreditations. Research infrastructure at the University is internationally competitive and research outputs are improving in quality at an unprecedented pace. For example, in 2026 so far, 81% of our outputs are published in journals ranked in the top quartile and 46% in outlets ranked in the top decile. While our position of 401-500 in the Times Higher rankings is creditable for a 15-year-old university, we are moving apace to secure a position within the top 300 institutions in the coming years. While pursuing excellence, we remain committed to national and regional relevance. Our new institutional strategy sets out our ambitions as a world class university that acts as the engine for national development.

Responsibilities (tasks, key areas of responsibility, and functions):

Student Academic Support and Coaching: Provides targeted academic support and coaching to students within institutional frameworks to improve learning outcomes and academic performance.

Functions:

1. Conducts individual and small-group consultations with students;
2. Identifies learning challenges and supports development of effective study strategies;
3. Guides students in building skills such as time management, test preparation, and critical thinking;
4. Monitors student progress and adjusts support approaches accordingly.

Diagnostic Assessment and Intervention Design: Performs assessment of student learning needs within academic support frameworks to design targeted intervention strategies.

Functions:

1. Diagnoses learning deficits and academic performance gaps;
2. Develops individualized or group-based intervention plans;
3. Designs targeted tutorials and academic support modules;
4. Aligns interventions with course requirements and academic standards.

Tutorial Delivery and Academic Support Implementation: Implements academic support programs within institutional frameworks to ensure effective delivery of tutorials and learning interventions.

Functions:

1. Delivers tutorials and structured academic support sessions;
2. Facilitates learning activities tailored to student needs;
3. Works with peer mentors to support delivery of academic sessions;
4. Ensures alignment of tutorials with pedagogical goals and course content.

Collaboration with Faculty and Academic Units: Collaborates with faculty and academic support teams within institutional frameworks to ensure coordinated and effective student support.

Functions:

1. Works with faculty to align support interventions with course requirements;
2. Collaborates with peer mentors and tutoring staff to enhance delivery;
3. Exchanges feedback with academic units regarding student needs;
4. Contributes to improvement of academic support practices.

Case Management and Documentation: Maintains accurate records of student support activities within institutional systems to ensure proper tracking and evaluation of interventions.

Functions:

1. Maintains records of student consultations, progress, and interventions in the Student Information System;
2. Documents session outcomes and student development;
3. Ensures confidentiality and accuracy of student data;
4. Prepares summaries and reports on student support activities.

Data Contribution and Program Improvement: Supports data-driven improvement of academic support services within ASC frameworks to enhance effectiveness and responsiveness.

Functions:

1. Provides tutoring and attendance data to the Tutoring Coordinator;
2. Collaborates with SI Specialist and other teams on data analysis;
3. Identifies trends and recurring student challenges;
4. Contributes to improvement of support programs based on data insights.

Education requirements (level, field, licenses, professional certifications, etc.):

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Psychology, Higher Education Student Affairs, or a highly relevant academic field

Work experience requirements:

-               2 years of demonstrated professional experience in academic coaching, student support services, or pedagogical instruction within a higher education setting

Knowledge, skills, and competencies requirements:

1. Deep understanding of evidence-based learning theories, pedagogical strategies, and diagnostic assessment
2. Proficiency in utilizing Student Information Systems (e.g., Academia/Serosoft) for case management
3. Strong understanding of the education legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Language requirements:

- Fluency in English, Kazakh, and Russian

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities, aptitude, personality, work samples, in-basket exercises, and informal interviews), and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities, aptitude, personality, work samples, in-basket exercises, and informal interviews), and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values