Head of Department- Modern Foreign Languages - August 2026

GEMS SCHOOL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading private education provider in Dubai is seeking a Head of Department for Modern Foreign Languages. The role involves providing strategic leadership to ensure effective curriculum delivery, fostering an engaging and inquiry-based learning environment. Candidates should have relevant degrees and proven leadership experience in education. The position offers an excellent remuneration package including a competitive salary, accommodation, and other benefits, enhancing the opportunity to work and save in the UAE.

Benefits

Competitive tax-free salary

Free schooling

Private medical insurance

Annual airfares

End-of-service gratuity

GEMS rewards app access

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a team of high-performing educators.
• Willingness to collaborate and share outstanding practice.
• Growth mindset, reflective and solution-focused.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the MFL team.
• Ensure the delivery of an engaging, research-informed curriculum.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world applications.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Curriculum development

Linguistic proficiency

Critical thinking

Education

BEd or Bachelor’s degree with PGCE/PGDE

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

With a 65-year legacy of excellence and a global reputation as one of the largest and most awarded private education providers, GEMS Education integrates cutting‑edge advancements through its extensive networks and high‑level partnerships. Join the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, where significant investments in AI, robotics, and state‑of‑the‑art facilities drive exceptional student outcomes in academics and well‑being. As a leader in educational innovation, we offer a forward‑thinking environment focused on personalised learning, holistic development, and the opportunity to shape the future of education.

At GEMS School of Research and Innovation, we provide a seamless educational journey from Pre‑Prep + Prep to Sixth Form, enhanced by cutting‑edge technology and a forward‑thinking curriculum. In the Pre‑Prep + Prep stages, we prioritise personalised learning through gamification and advanced technologies, alongside a strong emphasis on science, computing, reading, writing, and the arts. Our facilities include an innovation lab, specialist IT equipment, and programs in sports such as gymnastics, martial arts, basketball, and cricket. Emerging technologies like robotics, AI, machine learning, and VR/AR are integrated to enhance learning, including advanced Arabic provision.

In Secondary and Sixth Form, students benefit from tailored pathways with a wide range of GCSEs, A‑levels in subjects such as sciences, business, and fine arts, supported by university‑linked lectures and industry placements. Advanced tools such as Web3/blockchain, drones, autonomous vehicles, and esports labs prepare students for future careers. Sixth Form further bridges school, university, and industry through global partnerships and cutting‑edge technology, ensuring students excel academically while acquiring real‑world skills.

The Head of Department – Modern Foreign Languages provides strategic leadership for the MFL team and ensures the delivery of an engaging, research‑informed curriculum that promotes linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, and global citizenship. The role champions immersive and inquiry‑based learning approaches that develop students’ communication skills, critical thinking, and appreciation of diverse perspectives.

By integrating technology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and embedding authentic real‑world applications, the Head of Department creates a dynamic and progressive language‑learning environment. This leadership ensures that students are well‑prepared for academic achievement and professional success in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world.

Skills

Person specifications:

• Hold a BEd or Bachelor’s degree with PGCE/PGDE or equivalent.
• A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Have proven experience leading a team of high‑performing educators.
• Have a willingness to collaborate and share outstanding practice.
• Have a growth mindset, whereby they are reflective and solution‑focused.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills to work closely with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Have a proven track record of providing outstanding learning & teaching.
• Have aspiration to work in a world‑class school with real prospects for enhancing their career.
• Be willing to make a positive contribution to our school community and culture through active engagement in our extra‑curricular programme and community‑based events.

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including: Competitive tax‑free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence, and end‑of‑service gratuity.

GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards www.gemsrewards.com, which provides significant savings on day‑to‑day life in the UAE. We offer thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing the opportunity to save whilst working overseas.