Director of Studies

About the Academy

Established on a modern campus of 75 acres, 45 kilometers outside Nairobi, the M-PESA Foundation Academy is a state of the art, coeducational and fully residential secondary International Baccalaureate World School. The Academy offers both the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career-Related Programme, in addition we are a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme. Driven by leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, the Academy serves talented but economically disadvantaged students with demonstrated academic and leadership potential. M-PESA Foundation Academy offers a world class, well rounded learning environment to develop transformative leaders. The Academy places great emphasis on the holistic development of learners not just in academics but also in technology, music, sports, the arts, outdoor pursuits and community service. Learners are exposed to the latest technology as part of the day-to-day teaching and the school prides itself in molding future leaders and entrepreneurs.

The M-PESA Foundation Academy is seeking to recruit a dynamic and visionary individual with exceptional leadership skills, who is already experienced in the various International Baccalaureate curricula, to take up this school leadership role.

Overall purpose of the position

An executive position, reporting to the Executive Head of School, the primary role of the Director of Studies is to provide leadership and management on all matters related to teaching and learning within the Academy. The Director will be required to lead, manage and direct all academic programmes and faculty staff in alignment with the IB Philosophy and with the goal of realizing the Academy’s vision of “developing transformational leaders through innovative approaches to education”. The Director must play a pivotal role in developing the Academy into an exceptionally high performing IB World School.

Key responsibility

• To work as a collaborative and supportive member of the Academy Executive Committee in its planning, implementation, monitoring and review of strategic and operational plans.

• Coordinate and drive all processes related to, not only meeting, but exceeding the requirements and expectations of the International Baccalaureate Organisation of being an IB World School.

• Oversee the management and delivery of a dynamic, modern, seamless curriculum that leverages the best use of technology to enhance teaching and learning.

• To take ownership of the development of innovative programs that nurture leadership and entrepreneurial skills that will ensure learners develop the mindset, skills and attitudes that spur positive change.

• Stay abreast of the contexts driving relevant national and international education policies and compliance requirements and ensure that the latter are met.

• Drive the application for, and sustainability of, international educational affiliations and develop the Academy’s international recognition as an institution of excellence.

• Promote research into and implementation of pedagogical best practice within, but not limited to the IB Curricula, in order to ensure student improvement and achievement across all learning areas.

• Oversee the design and implementation of professional and continuous learning opportunities for faculty staff to enable them gain the necessary skills and abilities needed to produce Thinkers. Doers and Leaders who genuinely exhibit the IB Learner Profile attributes.

• Oversee the management of all faculty staff and evaluate, monitor and drive the faculty staff appraisal system and take responsibility for faculty staff performance management.

• Plan, implement, monitor and take full responsibility for budgets in all areas of teaching and learning.

• Work closely with the human resource department in the recruitment of teachers and other key personnel in faculty.

• Oversee and drive student achievement intervention plans.

• Play a leading role, in collaboration with the Head of Student Life, in the development and monitoring of the embedding of the desired school-wide culture in alignment with the school values, vision and mission.

• In collaboration with the Head of Students Life, ensure the necessary child safeguarding and protection training, policies and approaches are implemented and monitored.

Academic Qualification and experience

• Masters degree in Education or its equivalent.

• At least 10 years leadership and teaching experience in an IB World School.

• Experience with co-curricular youth entrepreneurship and/or leadership programs.

• Proven experience in establishing standards of teaching and learning.

• Ability to develop a curriculum that is innovative and supported by reflective, creative and responsive teaching and effective learning environments.

• Experience in the use of emerging technologies to enhance and extend teaching and learning experiences.

• Experience in modelling the highest standards of professional practice and interaction with students.

• Ability to foster a supportive environment for students and staff to realise their full potential.