Vice Principal, Kelem International School, Etiopia, Dar Sahara Street Kazanchis, Addis Abeba

VICE PRINCIPAL (ACADEMICS) (School year 2025-26)
Kelem International School (KIS) is a Cognia-accredited, not-for-profit institution offering education from Pre-KG to Grade 10. Originally established under the Swedish Embassy in Ethiopia in 1946, KIS reopened independently in July 2019.
Our vision at KIS is to be a collaborative center of learning, nurturing confident, self-realized global citizens. We aim to facilitate each child’s full potential by cultivating resilience, curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking, preparing them to analyze, problem-solve, and adapt in an evolving world.
Committed to lifelong learning, KIS actively promotes continuous professional and personal growth for both students and educators. With approximately 200 students representing 28 nationalities, the school follows a Finnish curriculum combined with international standards for Grades 1-10, alongside the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for KG.
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Vice Principal (Academics) for the 2025-26 academic year to lead teaching and learning initiatives, curriculum implementation, and faculty development. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and student-centered learning, contributing significantly to our mission to develop responsible, compassionate global citizens while honoring Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.
JOB SUMMARY
The Vice Principal will enhance academic quality, foster professional growth, and ensure a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. Working collaboratively with faculty, the Vice Principal will refine teaching practices, implement curriculum improvements, and uphold academic standards. The role involves coaching educators, overseeing instructional strategies, and integrating the Finnish curriculum blended with international standards. Additionally, the Vice Principal will contribute to school-wide decision-making, professional development initiatives, and student-centred learning.
Reports to: Head of School; Coordinates with: Head of School, Teachers, Counselor, Learning Support Department, Admissions
Job Requirements
Educational Qualification: MEd/MA or equivalent degree in Education or related field.
Experience: Minimum 5 years as a Vice Principal or in school leadership, preferably in community or international schools.
Teaching & Administration: Extensive experience in teaching, administration, and academic leadership.
Teacher Development: Proven expertise in coaching and mentoring teachers, particularly in classroom management and instructional strategies.
Language Proficiency: Excellent command of English (written and spoken), strong communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Experience: Familiarity with the Finnish school system is an asset.
Key Activities
1.Curriculum
Integrate the Finnish curriculum with international curricula and best practices.
Establish and manage curriculum review.
Collaborate with teaching staff on curriculum development, implementation, and assessment.
Ensure alignment of curriculum, assessment tools, and standards to support quality learning.
Encourage data analysis from assessments to guide teaching.
Support teachers in lesson planning and conduct performance reviews.
2.Professional Development
Organize staff development training; train staff on new knowledge.
Support educators in developing individual professional development plans.
Identify professional development opportunities aligned with Finnish, Ethiopian, or international teaching approaches.
Foster a professional learning community focused on instructional improvement.
3.Observation and Coaching
Conduct classroom observations using the Trust-based Observation Model; maintain records.
Facilitate supervision sessions to discuss observations and develop teacher action plans.
Provide strategies regarding classroom management and instruction.
Implement formative assessments supporting peer observation and learning.
4.Instructional Quality
Participate in professional development to introduce emerging educational practices.
Evaluate and integrate resources and technology supporting instructional quality.
Develop systems advancing instructional quality.
5.Other Duties
Collaborate with the school counselor on social curriculum implementation.
Provide enrichment activity opportunities school-wide.
Communicate curriculum, programs, and initiatives to the school community.
Contribute to policy-making as appropriate.
Key Skills and Competencies
Excellent English communication (written and verbal).
Positive relationship-building.
Effective organizational skills.
Initiative and resourcefulness.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit their CV and a cover letter (max two A4 pages) outlining suitability for the position. Include your current location and three professional referees (one must be your recent employer). Applications must be in a SINGLE PDF file emailed to hr@scsaddis.com. Use “Vice Principal Job Application 2025-26” as the email subject.
Closing date: April 25th, 2025. Early submission is encouraged, as KIS may close the selection process upon identifying a suitable candidate. Application reviews start immediately upon receipt.
Kelem International School is committed to safeguarding and safer recruitment practices, ensuring a safe environment for all.
The employer provides the accommodation and reimburses the travel expenses to and from Ethiopia in the beginning and end of the employment. The work complies with the labor laws of Ethiopia. Employment Services is not responsible for the abovementioned information nor will it assist in work permit issues.