International Students Coordinator

Position Title: International Students Coordinator

Reports to: Associate Registrar

Location: Kigali, Rwanda - with frequent travel to Butaro, Rwanda

The International Students Coordinator role at UGHE builds on the existing Administrative Assistant position in the Registrar's Office, adding dedicated responsibility for the integration, welfare, and engagement of international students both on and off campus. As the main point of contact for international students on non-academic matters, the coordinator will provide guidance, help students access campus life services, and ensure they feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive in Rwanda and at UGHE throughout their studies. The coordinator will work closely with the Campus Life team as an added voice for international students within the wider UGHE community, and will collaborate with departments such as Hospitality, Health Services, and Academics so that students' needs are addressed in a coordinated way across the university. The ideal candidate will balance administrative responsibilities with building strong relationships with students and colleagues to strengthen the international student experience at UGHE.

Administrative & Office Support

• Provide administrative support to the Registrar’s Office, including compiling student data, and preparing correspondence and reports.
• Process requisitions, invoices, travel and expense reports, and coordinate departmental payments.
• Assist with the onboarding process for all incoming students, ensuring documents are processed efficiently and arrivals are well-prepared.
• Support the coordination and logistics of Registrar’s Office events and programs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UGHE procedures, regulations, and academic programs to handle inquiries effectively.
• Participate in recruitment events at designated site schools throughout Rwanda and collect and compile student inquiry information following site visits.
• Provide administrative support in processing student applications, administering admissions exams, and participating in admissions interviews.
• Contribute to other relevant duties and activities assigned by the line manager.

International Students Welfare & Support

• Serve as the first point of contact for international students, supporting them with welfare, cultural, and personal matters.
• Coordinate pre-arrival communications to help international students prepare for life in Rwanda.
• Provide guidance on practical aspects of life in Rwanda, including accommodation, healthcare, transport, and banking.
• Assist with immigration processes, including visa applications and renewals, and compliance requirements, liaising with relevant government offices as needed.
• Maintain accurate records related to student status, visas, and permits.
• Organize orientation activities specifically tailored to international students and support their smooth transition into UGHE and Rwandan life.
• Work with campus life and the student council to ensure holistic support for international students’ well-being.
• Develop and update comprehensive guides, handbooks, and online resources for international students.
• Provide ongoing check-ins with international students to proactively address issues before they escalate.
• Facilitate referrals to internal and external counselling, welfare, or professional services where necessary.
• Advocate for international students’ needs and represent their interests within university committees and policy discussions.

Community Engagement & Integration

• Facilitate programs and events that encourage cultural exchange and integration between international and local students.
• Support student clubs, organizations, and social activities that enhance international students’ sense of belonging.
• Promote diversity and inclusion through collaborations with staff and student groups.
• Encourage and support international student participation in wider campus activities, volunteering, and leadership roles.

Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Collect and maintain records of international students’ feedback, inquiries, and welfare need to monitor trends and improve services.
• Conduct surveys, focus groups, and consultations with international students to identify needs and propose solutions.
• Track and report on international student support initiatives, outcomes, and compliance with immigration requirements.
• Contribute to the development of policies and practices that strengthen UGHE’s support for international students.
• Benchmark UGHE’s international student services against global best practices to recommend improvements.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Rwanda preferred.
• At least 2–3 years of professional experience in administration, student support, or services, preferably within higher education.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Experience supporting international or culturally diverse student populations is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of immigration procedures for international students is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with sensitivity to cross-cultural issues.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with culturally diverse students and staff across departments.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage complex and dynamic projects from creation to completion.
• Demonstrated experience developing relationships and professional networks, particularly within higher education.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and commitment to student welfare and UGHE’s mission.
• Good communication skills.
• Takes initiative to design new processes, programs, and support systems for international students.
• Able to adapt good practices in international student support to UGHE's context and turn them into practical initiatives.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to provide comprehensive follow-up.
• English and Kinyarwanda proficiency required; French knowledge also desirable.
• Interest in social justice is strongly desirable.

How to Apply

Applicants should provide: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) degree, (3) a cover letter describing your interest in UGHE and relevant experience. Please upload these under the ‘Additional Files’ tab on the application page.

University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Organizational Profile

UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.

UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality healthcare to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima—PIH’s sister organization—and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.

Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment

At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work—including community members—as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.

UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.