Job Summary
Introduction to the Aga Khan University:
Chartered in 1983, it is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, Aga Khan University (AKU) offers higher education in various disciplines, conducts research relevant to the countries where it has campuses, and operates programs and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.
As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment
Role And Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all construction activities across Aga Khan University (AKU) Pakistan. The role is responsible for planning, execution, monitoring and successful delivery of capital construction projects, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy, timelines, quality standards, and financial objectives. The position drives innovation, governance, and stakeholder alignment across multidisciplinary teams while ensuring safe, compliant and cost-effective project delivery.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement long-term construction strategies aligned with the University's strategic growth and infrastructure development plans.
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and the Board on project feasibility, risks, budgets, timelines, and overall project progress.
- Establish and maintain governance frameworks, policies, standards, and best practices for construction project delivery.
- Lead the planning and execution of capital construction projects, ensuring defined scope, budget, schedule, quality, and safety objectives are achieved.
- Oversee the complete lifecycle of construction projects from planning and design through procurement, execution, commissioning, and closeout.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of contractors, consultants, suppliers, and project partners to ensure contractual compliance and quality delivery.
- Develop, manage, and monitor capital budgets while ensuring effective resource allocation, financial stewardship, and cost optimization.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and value engineering without compromising quality or safety.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including academic, clinical, administrative, and operational departments, as well as external consultants, contractors, regulatory authorities, and partners.
- Represent the Construction function in executive committees, governance forums, and institutional planning initiatives.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing construction team by fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, safety, and innovation.
- Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, performance management, and capability development within the Construction function.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal, environmental, safety, and institutional requirements.
- Promote and maintain safe construction environments by enforcing occupational health and safety standards and industry best practices.
- Drive continuous improvement by reviewing construction processes, adopting innovative technologies, and implementing sustainable construction practices aligned with international standards and healthcare infrastructure trends.
Required Skills
Qualifications And Skills:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related discipline from a recognized university
- Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, RICS, CIOB) preferred
- Registration with relevant professional bodies where applicable
- Minimum 10–12 years of progressive experience in large-scale construction and capital project management
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex, multi-site infrastructure or healthcare/education projects
- Experience in contractor management, procurement strategy, and project financing control
- Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering projects within scope, time, and budget
- Strong strategic thinking and planning capability
- Advanced knowledge of construction methodologies, codes, and regulatory requirements
- Financial acumen with ability to manage large capital budgets
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills
- Strong leadership, team development, and change management capability
- Analytical thinking with risk identification and mitigation skills
- Ability to manage complexity in dynamic, high-growth environments
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted