Position Available:
HEAD TEACHER
Full time contractual position –
August 2025
Join us in leading and inspiring the teaching and learning community of
Kivukoni International School
About Kivukoni International School
Nestled in a peaceful creekside setting, Kivukoni International School is a unique nursery, primary, and secondary school with 280 students, from Playgroup through to Year 11 (IGCSE).
At Kivukoni, we celebrate children’s natural curiosity, creativity, and love for learning within a dynamic, warm and supportive environment. Our beautiful campus is designed to foster both academic excellence and holistic growth, emphasising environmental education, innovative teaching, and a strong culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
We are guided by our school founder and director, in partnership with a dedicated leadership team and supported by a committed Board of Management.
The school has grown organically since its inception 15 years ago, and has attracted a diverse range of families who value and appreciate what Kivukoni has offered to their children. In the last 5 years the school has opened a dynamic Secondary School. As we continue to explore our potential as a world class educational institution, we seek an inspiring and experienced Head Teacher who will lead our school forward, working closely with our passionate team across the age ranges, maintaining the family-feel of the school whilst enhancing quality teaching and learning in the broadest sense.
The Role of Head Teacher
The Head Teacher will play a pivotal role in advancing the academic, pastoral, and operational aspects of Kivukoni. The Head Teacher will oversee both the Primary and the Secondary sections of the school. This includes the day-to-day management of the school and creating an inclusive
and nurturing environment for all. Our new Head Teacher will be a visionary educator with the skill to lead and collaborate with all stakeholders, ensuring our community thrives at all levels.
With a focus on Triple Wellbeing (self care, people care, earth care) this role also includes a keen knowledge of pastoral matters in young people, responsibilities for and developing the use of our natural surroundings in the curriculum, and making a Kivukoni education as inclusive and accessible as possible to all in our local and international community. The Head Teacher will be able to guide and support an enthusiastic team of educators across various age groups, be an advocate for project based learning, and also be able to support and inspire technology in learning. The Head Teacher will appreciate the breadth of needs all the way from kindergarten to the challenges of IGCSE. They will work closely with the leadership and management team to identify areas for growth and improvement, directly impacting Kivukoni’s future and that of all its stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Learning and Teaching
- Lead in Excellence: Inspire high quality teaching and learning across all curriculum areas, supporting teachers in planning and delivering engaging, effective lessons that nurture a love of learning.
- Guide Curriculum Development: Work with senior teaching staff to update schemes of work that reflect simultaneously our international curriculum and local context, evolving
with the changing needs of our students. - Encourage Innovation: Foster new teaching approaches and resources to promote creative approaches to teaching and learning.
- Promote Environmental Education: Leverage the natural resources in our area to cultivate students’ respect and appreciation for their natural environment and Kenyan natural
heritage. - Engage with the broad School Community: Build strong relationships with parents and involve student groups in decision-making, nurturing agency in their school experience.
- Optimise Academic Standards: Oversee regular and consistent reviews of students’ progress to uphold high academic standards.
Administrative and Organisational
- Collaborate on Staff Management: Work alongside the HR manager to ensure that teachers are working effectively and efficiently, and enjoying their roles. Take a role in updating staff job descriptions and supporting recruitment efforts for academic staff.
- Resource Oversight: Ensure efficient use of school resources, including teacher allocations, classrooms, technology, books and AV equipment.
• Support a Stimulating Learning Environment: Lead efforts to create a visually engaging, inclusive learning atmosphere that builds mutually respectful relationships, nurtures readiness and responsibility in pupils, and celebrates all students’ achievements.
Team Leadership and Managerial
- Inspire and Support Staff: Provide leadership that motivates and nurtures our teachers, creating a collaborative and supportive work environment across the board.
- Drive Professional Development: Promote continuous professional growth, offering staff opportunities for assessment and self improvement.
- Ensure Safety and Inclusivity: Implement and uphold school policies on child protection, safety, and equal opportunities for all.
- Shape School’s Future: Actively participate in developing the School Improvement Plan and collaborate on strategic initiatives that shape the school’s future.
Qualities and Skills required
* An optimistic leader with a broad exposure in various school settings, both international and local.
- A proven commitment to dynamic educational practices and collaborative school culture.
- Excellent communication skills, humility and the ability to build trusting and supportive relationships within a culturally diverse school community.
- Familiarity with varied pedagogies and international education standards.
- Strong commitment to both student and staff wellbeing and holistic development.
- Proficiency in technology’s role in modern education and administrative management.
- Proven commitment to the benefits of a broad and diverse educational journey.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills, managing multiple priorities with good humour!
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and postgraduate international teaching qualification.
- Significant experience in senior academic leadership, ideally as a head of department, deputy or head teacher in an international primary and secondary school.
- Experience in or qualifications for environmental, performing arts or sports education.
- Proven record of commitment to safeguarding children’s welfare.
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant teaching experience with a strong focus on professional development.
Employment Conditions
This job description provides a foundation for the role, with regular review to ensure alignment with school needs. The Head Teacher reports to the School Director and the Board of Management and will participate in the school’s peer appraisal system.
The contract for this senior leadership role is for 3 years, with a one year probationary period.
Salary and Benefits
Kivukoni salaries are modest compared to other big international schools, but competitive at the regional level, and to some extent at the national level. Applicants successful at the first level will receive more information about the salary range.
Benefits:
the following:-
Kivukoni International School will offer a wide range of staff benefits including but not limited to
- Competitive Salary with pay increments based on performance
- School fees benefits with up to 75% discounted fees for staff children
- Provision for housing
- Health Insurance for the family -in patient limit of Ksh 500,000
- Career growth opportunities with training and career development programs
- 8 weeks paid vacation
- 100% discount on our club membership with the Creek Club for all the family
- The school is located next to the Indian Ocean with free access to the beach!
- Spectacular work environment with some outdoor natural working spaces both in the forest or facing the creek
- A chance to work with a highly collaborative and dynamic team within a fast-paced mission driven school!
Apply Today!
If you are excited to bring your expertise to Kivukoni International School, and have the required qualifications and experience, we encourage you to apply by using this the link above:
You will also be requested to submit your CV and those who make it to the shortlist will be requested to submit a short introductory video detailing how your experience and aspirations align with our school’s growth and community values.
Application Deadline: December 15th 2024
Interviews to be held online: December 16-20th 2024
In person visit and Board interviews: January/February 2025
