Digital Innovation Specialist for August 2022 start

RAK academy is delighted to announce a new and exciting role working across our family of international schools in the beautiful outdoors Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. We are seeking a ‘Digital Innovation Specialist’ to join our team in August 2022. The successful candidate does not necessarily need a teaching qualification (but may well have), he or she may be a recent university graduate or a technologist currently working in industry. Our main focus is to find an individual with drive, passion and excitement for the possibilities that emerging technologies will provide for our students through Coding, Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Crypto, Web3 and other evolving technologies. 

The successful applicant will not only be supported to work across our academy of schools supporting teachers to deliver a bespoke computing curriculum, but will also work with talented groups of students to promote and enable excellence, spark interest and creativity, and develop our schools as a ‘Centre of Excellence’  in high Tech and computer programming. 

We would seek candidates with proficiency in at least one programming language (preferably Python) and some experience having worked on projects involving computing and associated technologies (in any setting) would be an advantage.

We welcome applications from a wide range of applicants (both within and outside of education) with skills and passion for emerging technologies. This is a unique opportunity to be part of our learning journey at RAK Academy Family of Schools. 

Key Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Vice Principal:

- Actively work within schools and classrooms to support teachers and students at all levels to successfully implement the RAK Academy Computer Science curriculum and to promote achievement in Computer Science as a key aspiration.

- Establish extra-curricular clubs and projects linked to extension and challenge in High-Tech and Computing to provide extension for students and to promote these disciplines as highly valued within RAK Academy and the wider community.

- Establish relationships with external High Tech organisations to further develop technology and computing for students in RAK Academy and to provide opportunities for partnerships and showcasing of technology and computing skills by RAK Academy students.

- Lead on managing student involvement in related competitions and events, ensuring these are promoted effectively (linked through RAKA Marketing and Communications department)

- Proactively establish RAK Academy as the pre-eminent school group in the region for showcasing students skills in using High-Tech and Computing. 

- Be a strong and active participant in the development of a five-year technology plan to ensure infrastructure and technology supports aspirational computing aims for our staff and students

- Facilitate RAK Academy as a venue for actively encouraging, supporting and facilitating future technology, programming and creative coding skills events and competitions for students.

- Ensure that RAK Academy takes an active and successful role in external events related to showcasing students skills in High-Tech and Computing

- Play an active and key role in the technology development working party, advocating from the perspective of the curriculum and student development.

- Establish RAK Academy as a venue for and organiser of high quality coding and computing ‘Bootcamps’ and summer camps for students of all ages and from across the emirate and wider.

- Establish involvement of RAK Academy students in UAE- and world-wide computing opportunities including hackathons, coding and technology labs and inter-school computing opportunities.

Professional Skills :

- Proficient in at least one programming language (preferably Python) and have completed projects involving computing and associated technologies (either as a graduate or within industry/education). 

- Highly knowledgeable about modern tools and technologies related to High-Tech and Computing (hands-on skills preferred). 

- Passionate about the transformative power of modern tools and technology for young people and teachers 

- Capable of supporting teachers and students to develop skills, interest and passion in relation to High Tech and Computing.

- Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while working across multiple sites (schools). 

- Excellent inter-personal skills with all stakeholders including parents, students, management and staff.

- The ability to make links with external technology-related organisations and groups and to develop these relationships for the benefit of student outcomes at RAK academy.

The candidate must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (such as Computing, Engineering, etc.)
• Master’s degree would be beneficial but not compulsory.
• A teaching qualification may be beneficial but is not specifically required for this role
• Any specialist qualifications related to the remit will be considered a plus. 
• Experience with projects related to coding and computer technology
• Evidence of creative and successful implementation of related skills within technology projects 

The school offers:

• Lucrative remuneration package to include salary plus incentives plus benefits.

To apply for this position please use 'QUICK APPLY'

RAK Academy Family of Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must have undergone a child protection screening to receive an offer of employment. You will be required to provide a Police Verification Check from your home country along with attestation of your qualifications’ and personal documents e.g. Degree, Marriage Certificate etc. The list of checks will be provided to candidates shortlisted for an interview.

Please note:

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

RAK Academy reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the recruitment process.