Kelem International School (KIS) is a Cognia-accredited, not-for-profit school offering education from Pre-KG to Grade 10. Originally established under the Swedish Embassy in Ethiopia in 1946, the school reopened as an independent institution in July 2019.

We are currently seeking a Vice Principal (Academics) for the 2025-26 academic year to join our leadership team and contribute to the academic excellence and overall growth of the school.

At KIS, our vision is to be a collaborative center of learning that nurtures confident, self-realized global citizens. Our mission is to facilitate the full potential of every child by fostering resilience, curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking. We aim to equip students with the skills to analyze, problem-solve, and adapt in an ever-changing world.

KIS promotes a lifelong learning culture, ensuring both students and educators engage in continuous professional and personal development. With a diverse student body of 200 students from 28 nationalities, the school follows a Finnish curriculum blended with international standards for Grades 1-10 and the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for KG.

The Vice Principal (Academics) will play a pivotal role in leading teaching and learning initiatives, curriculum implementation, and faculty development. We seek a passionate and experienced leader dedicated to upholding academic excellence, innovation, and a student-centered learning approach.

If you are committed to educational leadership and transformative learning, we invite you to be part of KIS’s mission to develop responsible, compassionate global citizens while honoring Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.

JOB SUMMARY

The Vice Principal will support classroom education staff (teachers and teaching assistants) to refine their practices and improve instructional quality to ensure high-quality academic experiences for the students in a safe and enriching environment.

Key Activities

Curriculum

• Integrate the Finnish curriculum with other international curriculums and best practices
• Establish and manage the curriculum review process
• Collaborate with teaching staff in the development, writing, implementation, and assessment of school curriculum
• Manage program implementation of curriculum, assessment tools, and any supplemental materials. Align program practices and standards to support quality learning
• Provide support to monitor teachers in developing, implementing, and tracking standards-based curriculum
• Encourage the analysis and use of data from internal and external assessments to guide teaching and learning
• Ensure lesson plans align with and faithfully reflect the curriculum
• Support teachers in lesson planning; provide timely feedback and recommendations
• Conduct teacher performance reviews

Professional Development

• Organize in-house and external staff development trainings; train staff on newly acquired knowledge
• Support classroom education staff in developing individual professional development plans (based on feedback from staff supervision)
• Identify and plan professional development opportunities aligned to teaching approaches (Finland, Ethiopia, or otherwise)
• Foster a professional learning community focused on instructional improvement

Observation and Coaching

• Conduct regular observations in all assigned classrooms based on the Trust-based Observation Model; maintain records
• Facilitate one-on-one supervision sessions to discuss observations and develop action plans with teachers and assistants, based on strengths, areas for improvement, and interests
• Provide strategies to teachers regarding classroom management and instruction
• Implement ongoing assessments to support peer observation and learning between junior teachers

Instructional Quality

• Participate in professional development opportunities (workshops, conferences) to bring new and emerging best practices into the program
• Evaluate, purchase, and incorporate texts, material resources, and technology that will support instructional quality, integrating them into classroom instruction and program practices
• Develop internal systems and procedures that advance instructional quality

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the school counselor, support implementation of the social curriculum
• Collaborate with appropriate personnel to provide school-wide opportunities for enrichment activities
• Communicate information to community members about the school’s curriculum, programs, and initiatives
• Contribute to school policymaking where appropriate

Reports to: Head of School

Coordinates with: Head of School, Teachers, Counselor, Learning Support Department, Admissions

Working Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, and Friday, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

• Educational Qualification: MEd/MA or an equivalent degree in Education or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in a Vice Principal or school leadership role, preferably in a community or international school setting.
• Teaching & Administration: Extensive experience in teaching, school administration, and academic leadership.
• Teacher Development: Proven expertise in coaching and mentoring teachers, particularly in classroom management and instructional strategies.
• Language Proficiency: Strong command of the English language, both written and spoken, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Preferred Experience: Familiarity with the Finnish school system is an asset and preferred.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships
• Effective organizational skills
• Shows initiative and resourcefulness
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills