Vice Principal - IB Programmes

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 312,480 - 468,720; Full time

Job summary

Gems Education UAE is seeking a Vice Principal for their IB Programmes in Dubai. The role involves providing strategic leadership across the IB curriculum and guiding academic delivery to ensure high standards.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of teaching experience and 5 years in leadership roles. Responsibilities include collaborating on the IB continuum and supporting teacher development. A competitive salary of AED 28,000 to AED 42,000 per month is available, based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of successful teaching experience.
• Minimum 5 years of middle or senior leadership responsibility.
• Strong understanding of IB curriculum and assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the IB curriculum.
• Lead teaching and learning improvements.
• Collaborate with the Principal on the IB continuum.

Skills

IB programme leadership

Teaching and learning improvement

Curriculum development

Pastoral leadership

KHDA compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or a recognised teaching qualification

Master’s degree in Education

Job description

Vice Principal – IB Programmes

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Full-time

Experience: Minimum 5 years teaching and 5 years leadership responsibility

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) and guide academic delivery.
• Embed IB standards, documentation, evaluation requirements, and accreditation processes throughout the school.
• Lead and support teaching and learning improvement by raising classroom practice, assessment quality, curriculum planning, and student achievement.
• Collaborate with the Principal to develop the IB continuum and align it with whole‑school priorities.
• Co‑manage Heads of Department and Middle Leaders, fostering accountability, professional growth, and strong leadership practice.
• Monitor student progress, attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing through data analysis and timely interventions.
• Lead or support safeguarding, child protection, pastoral systems, and inclusive practices in line with school policies and UAE regulations.
• Contribute to staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, and succession planning.
• Strengthen curriculum coherence, phase transition, timetable planning, operational systems, and academic continuity across school sections.
• Partner with senior leaders to improve quality assurance, self‑evaluation, inspection preparation, and regulatory compliance.
• Support IB evaluation, local accreditation, KHDA inspection readiness, and school improvement documentation.
• Oversee resource planning, staffing allocation, and budget‑related priorities aligned with academic and operational goals.
• Build positive relationships with parents and the wider community, acting as a credible senior representative of the school.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, culturally respectful learning environment for students and staff.
• Model professional conduct, reflective leadership, resilience, and commitment to the school’s broader life.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or an initial degree with a recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, PGDE, Bachelor of Education, etc.).
• Minimum 5 years of successful teaching experience.
• Minimum 5 years of middle or senior leadership responsibility within a primary, middle, or senior school setting.
• Leadership experience in an IB continuum school strongly preferred.
• Experience teaching or leading within IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme preferred.
• Proven background in leading teaching and learning, curriculum delivery, pastoral systems, or school improvement.
• Strong understanding of PYP, MYP, and DP systems and IB processes, networks, evaluation, accreditation, and documentation.
• Experience as an IB workshop leader, programme coordinator, consultant, or evaluator is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of KHDA requirements, inspection frameworks, child protection standards, and UAE education regulations.
• Sound understanding of school operations, including staffing, student wellbeing, safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, and resource planning.
• Experience using student data to guide interventions, improve outcomes, and inform strategic decision‑making.
• Ability to lead change, build trust, and drive improvement in a non‑selective, culturally diverse school community.
• Professional teacher certification meeting relevant regulatory requirements such as KHDA or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, parents, and senior leaders.
• Strong work ethic, resilience, professional presence, and willingness to contribute fully to school life.
• Master’s degree in Education, NPQSL, NPQH, or an advanced leadership qualification is preferred but not essential.
• UK‑enhanced DBS or equivalent police check required before appointment.
• Commitment to continuous professional development, reflective practice, and high standards of educational leadership.

Key Skills

• IB programme leadership
• PYP coordination
• MYP curriculum leadership
• DP academic oversight
• School leadership
• Teaching and learning improvement
• Curriculum development
• Assessment strategy
• Student progress tracking
• Data‑informed intervention
• Pastoral leadership
• Safeguarding leadership
• Child protection
• Behaviour management
• Attendance oversight
• KHDA compliance
• Inspection preparation
• IB evaluation
• Accreditation documentation
• Staff development
• Middle leader coaching
• Performance management
• School self‑evaluation
• Quality assurance
• Timetable planning
• Resource planning
• Parent engagement
• Change management
• International school leadership
• Strategic planning

Compensation

Salary range: 28,000–42,000 per month (based on comparable roles; final offer confirm with employer).