Special Educational Needs Coordinator

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Location: Ibadan, Oyo

Employment Type: Full-time Duties Program Coordination & Student Support: Establish and manage the school’s Inclusion and Learning Support Department. Identify, assess, and track students with special educational needs, learning difficulties, or gifted/talented requirements. Develop, implement, and regularly review Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Student Support Plans in partnership with teachers and parents. Maintain an accurate, confidential SEND register and ensure compliance documentation is up to date. Collect and interpret assessment data for students with SEND to monitor progress and raise achievement targets. Staff & Faculty Collaboration: Work closely with classroom and subject teachers to adapt general curricula and differentiate instruction. Provide coaching, guidance, and training opportunities for Teaching Assistants (TAs) and general education teachers on inclusive best practices. Advise the Head of School and Director of Studies on resource allocation, budgeting, and priority equipment/intervention needs. Ensure all school staff recognize and fulfill their shared responsibilities toward inclusive education. Parent & Community Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact for families of vulnerable or neurodivergent students. Support parents in understanding, accepting, and managing their child's developmental and behavioral needs. Coordinate multi-disciplinary external specialists, medical advisors, or educational psychologists when necessary. Participate in parent-teacher consultation evenings and report regularly on student development.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Psychology, or a related field is required. An internationally recognized qualification or training in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or school counseling is also required, alongside a minimum of five (5) years of experience working as a SEND Coordinator, Learning Support Teacher, or School Counselor. Competencies: The ideal candidate must have: Prior experience working within an International Baccalaureate (IB) or International School environment. Experience operating in a multi-cultural or developing-country context is an added advantage. Strong ICT skills - proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and school database systems. High level of empathy, discretion, confidentiality, and cross-cultural communication skills. Fluency in written and spoken English.