Managing Principal – SOS Schools Social Enterprise

Job Description

Who we are

SOS Kindergartens and SOS Schools were initially established as affiliated facilities to SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia to provide formal education to children drawn from SOS Family Care and the surrounding community. Except for a few scholarship holders, the majority of the students were paying tuition fees which were not more than 50 percent of the cost of education services. Later on (end of 2016), with the change in the legal and funding stream, these educational establishments were transformed into business entities. In converting the facilities from not-for-profit into a subsidiary profit-making enterprise, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is leveraging external resources as an alternative funding model.

The “enterprise” in this form has a dual objective of making a profit while achieving a social purpose. The business generates funds (profit) to implement programs, expand the scope of operations, enhance employee capacity and build infrastructure. In addition, the enterprise was intended to serve as the centre of excellence in the provision of quality educational service to citizens and thereby impact the quality of education by other service providers in regions where the enterprise has a presence.

Currently, SOS Schools operate as a business in 5 City Administrations of 5 Regional States – Mekelle, Harar, Hawassa, Bahir Dar and Jimma – Mekelle being the oldest one and Jimma the youngest one.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding  

At SOS Kindergartens and SOS Schools, safeguarding isn’t just a policy, it’s a foundational value embedded in everything we do. We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting the children, young people, adults, and communities we serve, as well as our workforce and resources.

We cultivate an environment of trust and accountability where every voice is heard and respected. All successful candidates will be expected to champion our holistic safeguarding principles, actively upholding our Child & Youth Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and regulations against sexual misconduct, fraud, and corruption.

By joining our team, you commit to integrating these vital standards into your work, ensuring the highest levels of safety, ethics, and integrity in every action and partnership.

Together, we create a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Education and Training Manager of SOS Schools, the position holder is generally responsible for the overall management of SOS School and SOS Kindergarten in Hawassa. He or she will be responsible for the effective operation of the school and the general administration of all instructional, business, or other operations of the school, he or she will administer and supervise the school, the kindergarten, and their employees; lead the development of educational program improvements; foster a culture of positive, engaged learners; and serve as a strong advocate for the school’s core values – including developmental philosophy and community involvement.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Program Management

• Actively participates in the development of a comprehensive School Improvement Plan encompassing goals, objectives, activities, timelines, and resources;
• Determines priorities based on assessed needs, sound theories, financial capabilities, expertise, timelines, and other resources;
• Develops the school’s Professional Development Plan;
• Monitors the implementation of programs/services through a systematic design;
• Supervises the guidance program to enhance individual student education and development (QuASS)
• Plans, organizes and directs implementation of all school activities;
• Develops schedules for classroom observations, conferences and follow-up activities;(principal)
• Embody, advocate for, and execute on the mission, vision and strategic direction of the school;
• Outreach to the community and school about our model and develop support systems,
• Foster participatory leadership and shared decision making;
• Facilitate teacher leadership for professional development, staff/ teacher meetings, and instructional planning meetings;
• Ensure educational and regulatory compliance at all governmental levels;

Instructional Leadership

• Identifies and communicates effective instructional planning strategies;
• Facilitates the development of programs and monitors the implementation of curriculum that meets the needs of all students;
• Analyzes and utilizes all summative, formative, and common assessment data for the improvement of curriculum for instruction and student achievement; (principal)
• Maintains a school-wide climate and organization for learning (high expectations, cooperation, support, positive attitudes, etc.);
• Facilitates the development of curriculum/ instructional programs based on theories, research findings, and needs assessment results;
• Identifies and communicates effective teaching strategies, classroom management strategies, and strategies for altering pupil behaviors;
• Incorporates computer and other technology into the management and instructional processes;
• Chairs the school management team; and general staff/review meetings

Operations Management

• Provides oversight and leadership in the preparation of the school calendar;
• Develop school office procedures, methods and practices;
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, financial, record-keeping, and employment;
• Supervise day-to-day operations of the school and the kindergarten;
• Responsible for overall vendor management including, but not limited to payroll, facilities, contractors;
• Attend and participate in Annual Education meetings and committee meetings;
• Manage recruitment and selection of staff;
• Supervise improvement of teaching by annually reviewing goals and objectives, observing instruction, and conferencing with teachers, in collaboration with staff, students and representational parent input;
• Supervise staff and foster positive, collaborative working relationships

Human Resource Management

• Utilizes effective interview and selection process to select most competent candidate;
• Assigns personnel to positions, which ensure optimum performance and equitable distribution of assignments;
• Systematically evaluates the performance of immediate supervisees to improve competencies;
• Plans and conducts staff development activities to improve the competencies of school personnel;
• Organizes and supervises support service personnel for optimum performance;
• Facilitates positive faculty and staff attitudes;
• Provides due process procedures required by law in the management of school employees and students;
• Supervises the preparation of reports, records, lists, all other paperwork required or appropriate to the school’s administration, attendance, and reporting student progress;
• Coordinates school planning and the work of immediate supervisees;
• Attends workshops, meetings, courses, and conferences relevant to continuing professional development, and management of the school programs;
• Reacts to stress situations in a reasonably calm and positive manner;
• Meets timelines and deadlines as requested;
• Conducts self and administrative office in an organized and business-like manner;
• Exhibits dependability in carrying out assigned responsibilities;
• Exhibits assertiveness as appropriate in dealing with administrative responsibilities;
• Assumes responsibility for school-related activities that extend beyond the school day;
• Works with National Office and Program Level staff and other support personnel on school programs and goals related to instruction, professional staff development, and other services;
• Performs other duties consistent with the position assigned, as may be requested by Line Managers

Business Management

• Develop and manage annual school budget;
• Provide performance and financial reports to the concerned body as mandated by law or as specified in the job description;
• Maintains fiscal accountability system;
• Develops and monitors financial plan (budget) based on programs/service priorities and financial capabilities;
• Inspects building and grounds daily to manage the maintenance of the facility and reports maintenance needs;
• Manages financial resources most cost-effectively;

Communications Management

• Establish and maintain professional and cooperative working relationships with all stakeholders: parents, students, staff, neighbors, and partners;
• Maintain a visible and accessible presence to the school community;
• Advocate for Hermann Gmeiner School/Kindergarten in the greater community and with the media;
• Represent SOS Hermann Gmeiner School in administrative and consultative and other meetings;
• Maintain frequent and regular communications with families through a newsletter, school website, one-on-one meetings, etc. as appropriate;(principal)
• Outreach and marketing for the purposes of maintaining enrollment and development;
• Engage and involve parents in the activities of the school;
• Assesses community expectations and perceptions of school performance;
• Utilizes community resources to support programs and services, including parent volunteers;
• Conducts regular parent advisory committee meetings;
• Establishes and maintains favorable relationships with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and solicit support for overall school objectives and programs;
• Works with other schools and organizations in a professional manner;
• Manages conflict situations effectively;
• Keeps the Manager informed of the school activities and problems;

Our Ideal Candidate?

Let’s find out if we’re a match. The next step in our process depends on how your background closely align with the below criteria’s.

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Educational Planning and Management, Educational Leadership, Educational Psychology, or related discipline;
• Additional training in educational leadership, school management, human resource management, financial management and physical resource management

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience as a School Principal/ Director or Vice Principal/ Director, Business Manager in service industries
• Experience in coaching and developing staff
• Experience working with a culturally and linguistically diverse community environment

Knowledge of:

• Regional and federal laws applying to private schools, trades and foreign charities
• Special education needs and issues
• Modern educational theories and approaches
• Budget preparation and control procedures
• Human Resource management
• Financial management
• Governance and compliance
• Gender inclusivity and safeguarding

Ability to:

• Plan, coordinate, and direct the work and activities of teaching professionals
• Manage budgets, prioritize expenditures, and seek innovative methods for providing school resources;
• Promote and market educational programs and services of the school;
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written language (local and national language, and English);
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful relationships with a variety of people and stakeholders
• Engaging families and the larger community in the life of the school

How to Apply

Does This Sound Like You?

To apply, please submit your updated resume via: >> SOS Children’s Villages Application portal (ICIMS).

We actively champion diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage women to step forward and apply. As part of our unwavering commitment to holistic safeguarding protecting children, youth, adults, and assets our selection process emphasizes value alignment and includes thorough background checks for all potential hires.

SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer, providing fair consideration to all applicant regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or class.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.