Assistant Principal: Safeguarding & Wellbeing Leader

GEMS Education; Dubai; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

GEMS International School, Dubai Hills, invites applications for an experienced Assistant Principal – Safeguarding Lead to provide whole-school leadership for safeguarding and child protection.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will champion safeguarding, ensure compliance with GEMS, UAE and KHDA requirements, and collaborate with external agencies to ensure every student feels safe, supported and valued. Start Date: January 2027 (flexibility).

Qualifications

• Experience leading safeguarding programmes and policies.
• Strong knowledge of UAE KHDA requirements.
• Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience training staff in safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for safeguarding across all school phases.
• Oversee safeguarding concerns and complex child protection cases, ensuring referrals and escalation.
• Promote safeguarding culture through preventative education and inclusive practices.
• Lead safeguarding training, professional development and awareness initiatives for staff.
• Collaborate with HR on safer recruitment and staff vetting procedures.
• Drive safeguarding quality assurance, policy reviews and inspection readiness.
• Provide professional guidance to safeguarding leads and pastoral teams.
• Contribute to school-wide strategic planning and wellbeing initiatives.

Skills

Safeguarding leadership

Child protection

Stakeholder collaboration

School leadership

Policy development

Education

M.Ed. / Ed. Leadership

Job description

GEMS International School, Dubai Hills, invites applications for an experienced Assistant Principal – Safeguarding Lead to provide whole-school leadership for safeguarding and child protection.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will champion safeguarding, ensure compliance with GEMS, UAE and KHDA requirements, and collaborate with external agencies to ensure every student feels safe, supported and valued. Start Date: January 2027 (flexibility).