Head of School

Sandford International School is seeking an experienced, inspirational Head of School (Principal or Headteacher) to lead the school from August 2022 or January 2023. 

Sandford International School is a Nursery to Year 13 international school in Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa. Sandford has over 1000 students from 50 different countries. Addis Ababa is a lively, vibrant city in one of the most historically and geographically exciting countries in Africa.

Sandford International School follows a curriculum that blends the International Primary Curriculum, the English National Curriculum, the Cambridge International Curriculum including IGCSE examinations and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Applications are welcomed from experienced candidates. A comprehensive salary and benefit package including medical insurance, schooling for children, travel and accommodation is available for suitable candidates. The head of school will be accountable directly to the Board of Governors. 

Requirements

 

1. Applicants must have experience working as a head of school in a culturally diverse setting for at least five years and show outstanding career progression.

2. Proven experience of raising standards.

3. Applicants must have a first degree, a master’s degree and a recognized teaching qualification. Professional qualifications for headship will also be accepted. 

4. Experience working with Cambridge examinations and the International Baccalaureate will be an advantage.

Job Description

 

The Head of School will be responsible for supervising all the day to day operations of the school ensuing that students receive the highest quality education, in collaboration with the Head of Primary and Head of Secondary. This will include the following duties:

 

• To develop a culture of high expectations both within and beyond the classroom;

• To maintain a positive and inclusive professional learning environment which enables all to achieve;

• To implement effective child protection, emergency and safety procedures;

• To develop and implement strategic improvement plans that ensure overall continuous school improvement and with primary focus on the teaching –learning process;

• To make clear links between school evaluation and school improvement;

• To create and implement school strategy, guiding principles/statements and policies that support an effective, innovative, broad and balanced curriculum towards the attainment of school excellence;

• To monitor all school departments including academic, finance, operations and human resources including the implementation of a rigorous appraisal process and continued capacity building programs of both national and international staff;

• To improve organization structures and functions;

• To lead and ensure recruitment of qualified staff at all levels for continuous quality education service delivery as per the school’s required international standard;

• To establish and develop strong working relationships with the Board of Governor and the Parents, teacher and student forum (PTSF).

• To execute all other Administrative responsibilities as underlined under the bylaws of the Board of Governance 

 

Qualities: The Head of School will:

 

• be able to inspire and motivate community members from a range of backgrounds;

• be a strategic planner who believes in teamwork and has clear focus

• be principled and ethical; 

• be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances;

• be resilient and determined to affect positive change; 

• be proactive, reflective and creative in response to the needs of the school;

• be sensitive to the needs of others;

• be determined to raise standards;

• be an effective communicator and active listener; 

• be able to make difficult decisions;

• have outstanding organizational skills.

A letter of application, detailed curriculum vitae with a photo, and the names and email addresses of three referees should be sent to the chair of the board. Please also email your applications to the acting heads of school.

Candidates are encouraged to send applications to the Board of Governors. Applications should include:

• A Curriculum Vitae

• A letter of application

• A photograph

Board member

Haile Assegide: haile.assegide@derbacement.com (Chair of the Board)

Guy Colborne: guy.colborne@sandfordschool.org (Acting Head of School for Education)

Yigzaw Bayew yigzaw@sandfordschool.org (Acting Head of School for Operations)

Sandford International School

P.O.Box 30056 MA

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Website: www.sandfordschool.org