Lecturer – Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing
Mama Ngina University College
Quick Take
Teach mental health and psychiatric nursing at university level, conduct original research, supervise students, and build partnerships with health institutions and international organizations.
Advanced degree in nursing (Master's minimum), published research in mental health/psychiatric nursing, and demonstrated university-level teaching experience.
Competitive salary, leadership of a growing mental health discipline in Kenya, research funding opportunities, and impact on national mental health policy and education.
Job Description
Mama Ngina University College (MNUC) invites applications from qualified and experienced academic professionals for the position of Lecturer in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing. This is a full-time academic role within the Department of Nursing, offering a stimulating environment to contribute to the next generation of mental health nursing professionals in Kenya.
The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high-quality instruction, conduct impactful research, engage in curriculum development, and build collaborative networks with local and international stakeholders. This role is ideal for a dedicated scholar-practitioner committed to advancing mental health education and policy in Kenya and the wider region.
- Deliver lectures and conduct tutorials in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing in line with the approved syllabus and academic standards.
- Coordinate course projects, practical sessions, and clinical placements to ensure comprehensive student learning experiences.
- Prepare and continuously update teaching and learning materials, including course outlines, lecture notes, and e-learning content.
- Set, invigilate, and mark examinations, continuous assessment tests, and assignments in a timely and fair manner.
- Carry out original research in mental health nursing and related areas of specialization, contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Prepare and submit student academic progress reports to relevant departmental authorities.
- Develop compelling research funding proposals and secure grants from local and international funding bodies.
- Write and publish peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and academic books to meet and exceed publication benchmarks.
- Present research findings and innovations at national and international conferences, seminars, and symposia to raise the visibility of MNUC.
- Participate in the development, review, and quality assurance of academic programmes and curricula.
- Supervise Tutorial Fellows, Junior Research Fellows, undergraduate, and postgraduate students in their academic and research work.
- Undertake consultancies with local and international organizations to generate additional revenue and enhance the institution's reputation.
- Establish collaborative linkages and partnerships with health institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and international universities for resource mobilization.
- Engage meaningfully with community stakeholders to apply research findings toward improving mental health outcomes at grassroots and policy levels.
- Execute and manage budgets for student field trips and research activities, ensuring accountability and value for money.
- Provide academic and administrative leadership within the department as may be required.
- Perform any other duties assigned by the University College management.
- Demonstrate ability to design and deliver university-level curricula in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing with measurable student outcomes.
- Possess a PhD or equivalent Doctoral degree in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing from an accredited university; OR a Master's degree in the same field with at least three (3) years of university-level teaching or research experience.
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from a recognized and accredited university.
- Evidence of a minimum of 24 publication points, with at least 16 points drawn from refereed journal papers.
- Hold a valid practicing license and current registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya — demonstrating active professional standing.
- Demonstrate proficiency in computer applications relevant to academic work, including statistical software, presentation tools, and learning management systems.
- Show ability to design and manage research projects, write grant proposals, and supervise students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal and networking skills to build relationships with academic, government, and development sector partners.
- Candidates with documented progress toward PhD completion will have an added advantage.
Mama Ngina University College offers a competitive remuneration package benchmarked against the Kenya University Academic Staff compensation framework. Monthly gross salary is estimated in the range of KES 100,000 – 200,000 depending on qualifications, experience, and academic rank. Additional benefits typical of Kenyan public university appointments apply.
This role is best suited for a passionate mental health nursing academic with a strong research profile and a commitment to shaping public health policy and education in Kenya. You are an ideal candidate if you are a registered nurse with advanced academic qualifications, a growing publication record, and the drive to mentor the next generation of mental health nurses. Candidates actively engaged in community health partnerships or with experience in international academic collaboration are especially encouraged to apply.
Do not apply if you do not hold at least a Master's degree in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing, if you are not registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya, or if you do not meet the minimum publication points requirement of 24 points.
- Prepare a comprehensive application package including: a cover letter, an updated curriculum vitae detailing your academic qualifications, teaching experience, research output, and publication list.
- Include certified copies of your academic and professional certificates, and a copy of your current Nursing Council of Kenya practicing license.
- Submit your application through the official Mama Ngina University College recruitment portal or as directed in the official vacancy advertisement on the MNUC website.
- Ensure all documents are clearly labeled with the position title: Lecturer – Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. MNUC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- Master's degree in Nursing (Mental Health/Psychiatric specialization) or equivalent; PhD preferred
- Minimum 3–5 years of teaching experience at university level in nursing or health sciences
- Published peer-reviewed research in mental health, psychiatric nursing, or related fields
- Demonstrated ability to design and deliver curricula and conduct original research
- Valid nursing registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya (or equivalent regulatory body)
Nice to Have
- PhD or ongoing doctoral qualification in Nursing or Mental Health Sciences
- Experience securing research grants from local or international funding bodies
- International conference presentation experience or collaborative links with overseas institutions
- Background in community mental health or policy engagement
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Salary Context
Competitive mid-career academic salary, in line with Kenyan university lecturer standards.
The KES 100,000–200,000 monthly range reflects a mid-to-senior Lecturer position in Nairobi's private/mission-driven university sector. Salaries for this role typically vary by qualifications (PhD premium), years of service, and research output. Benefits (housing allowance, research support, pension) often add 20–30% to base salary.
About Mama Ngina University College
Mama Ngina University College is a nursing and health sciences-focused tertiary institution in Nairobi committed to developing professional nursing talent for Kenya and East Africa. Known for bridging academic excellence and clinical practice, MNUC emphasizes mental health as a critical discipline within its nursing curriculum. The institution actively engages with government health ministries, NGOs, and international partners to shape nursing policy and practice.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Describe a research project in mental health or psychiatric nursing you have led. What was the impact, and how did you disseminate your findings?
- 2
How would you design a practical clinical placement module for our psychiatric nursing students, and what partnerships would you establish to support it?
- 3
Tell us about your experience supervising postgraduate research students. How do you ensure quality and timeliness?
- 4
What is your approach to integrating community mental health and mental health policy into the curriculum?
- 5
How would you contribute to securing research funding for the department, and what funding bodies are you familiar with?
Application Tips
Highlight your published research output prominently — include a list of peer-reviewed articles, books, or chapters with impact factors or citations. MNUC prioritizes publication benchmarks.
Emphasize any experience designing or updating curricula, and detail specific teaching innovations (e.g., e-learning platforms, simulation labs, community engagement modules).
Include evidence of community or policy engagement — partnerships with health ministries, NGOs, or international institutions will distinguish you as a 'scholar-practitioner' aligned with the role's vision.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Strong institutional commitment to mental health as a discipline — a growing priority in Kenya's health sector and a secure career focus.
- Explicit encouragement of research, publication, and international collaboration signals a genuine academic culture, not just a teaching-focused role.
- Opportunities for budget management, student fieldwork coordination, and community partnerships indicate meaningful autonomy and impact beyond the classroom.
- Full-time, permanent position with clear advancement into senior leadership (department-level decisions) shows a structured career trajectory.
Watch Out
- The job description is truncated — the 'Required Skills & Experience' section ends mid-sentence, leaving critical qualifications unclear. Request the full job posting before applying.
- Salary range is broad (KES 100–200k) with no clarity on placement criteria (e.g., salary linked to PhD, publications, or experience). Clarify during negotiation.
- Heavy emphasis on revenue generation (consultancies, grant-writing, partnerships) alongside teaching and research may stretch work-life balance; confirm workload expectations.
A Day in the Life
A typical week balances classroom delivery (2–3 lecture blocks and 2–4 tutorial sessions), curriculum planning meetings with the nursing department, and research supervision of postgraduate students. You might spend Tuesday morning preparing e-learning content and marking assignments, Wednesday afternoon coordinating a clinical placement visit to a psychiatric hospital, and Thursday developing a grant proposal for a mental health research project. Emails and liaison with partner NGOs or international universities fill gaps, while one afternoon per week is often reserved for departmental meetings or committee work on quality assurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to be a Lecturer – Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing at Mama Ngina University College?
A Master's degree in Nursing (Mental Health/Psychiatric specialization) is required; a PhD is preferred. You must also have 3–5 years of university-level teaching experience, published peer-reviewed research, valid nursing council registration, and demonstrated curriculum design ability.
Is the Lecturer – Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing role at Mama Ngina University College remote?
No, this is a full-time on-campus role in Nairobi. You will deliver lectures, conduct tutorials, supervise students, and coordinate clinical placements, all of which require physical presence.
How much does a Lecturer – Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing earn at Mama Ngina University College?
The posted range is KES 100,000–200,000 per month. Actual placement within that range depends on your qualifications (PhD premium), years of experience, and research track record. Additional benefits (housing, research support, pension) typically add 20–30% to base salary.
What are the career growth opportunities for this role?
You can progress to Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor, lead the department as Head, or move into research administration, health policy, or international academic leadership. Strong publication and grant-winning records accelerate advancement.
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