Kelem International School (KIS) is a recently established international school that caters to students from Pre-KG to Grade 10. Its origins trace back to 1946 when it was initially founded under the Swedish Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. However, as of July 1st, 2019, the school has undergone a transformation and now operates as an independent, not-for-profit institution.

At KIS, our vision is to establish a collaborative center of learning in Ethiopia, where every child can grow into a confident and self-realized global citizen. Our mission is to nurture the full potential of each child and cultivate resilient, inquisitive, open-minded, and introspective students who can express themselves with confidence and efficacy.

We prioritize teaching methods that enable our students to think critically, analyze information, and creatively solve problems, preparing them to adapt in an ever-evolving world. Our school instills in our students the belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit, setting an example through the continuous professional development of our dedicated teachers and staff.

One of our core goals is to cultivate responsible and compassionate global citizens who hold deep respect and appreciation for the cultural heritage of our host country, Ethiopia.

Currently, our student body consists of 200 individuals representing 28 different nationalities. For grades 1 to 10, we follow the Finnish curriculum integrated with international standards, while our kindergarten program adheres to the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). We are proud to be recognized as a fully accredited international school by the Cognia Global Commission. 

Job Summary

Kelem International School is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as a Learning Support Associate. As a Learning Support Associate, you will play a vital role in ensuring the successful implementation of our curriculum and providing support to our faculty members. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in childcare and special needs education to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the curriculum alignment from Kindergarten to Grade 10, ensuring that the instructional materials and strategies are effectively aligned with the school's goals and objectives.

• Provide one-on-one and group training to faculty members, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement the curriculum and cater to diverse student needs.

• Collaborate with the Learning Support Head to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs, ensuring that their unique learning requirements are addressed.

• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies and interventions to support students with special needs in the classroom setting.

• Collaborate with teachers and parents to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with diverse learning needs.

• Monitor and assess student progress, identifying areas for improvement and recommending appropriate interventions.

• Generate reports and maintain accurate documentation of student progress and interventions provided.

• Stay updated on current trends and best practices in childcare education and special needs education, incorporating them into instructional strategies and support services.

Improvement Plan and Policies

• Input into the revision of the strategic plan and use the plan for guidance on development of the learning support program.

• Develop and manage the learning support policy and procedure in close cooperation with senior leadership and inform teachers of any changes or developments. 

• Implement the day-to-day operation of Learning Support Policy and Procedures. 

• Implement the child protection policy and be a member of the child protection team. 

Recording and Assessment

• Tracking progress and maintaining records of students in the Learning Support program.

• Evaluating progress of students on IEPs 

Leadership

• To be one of the points of contact for parental queries and enquiries about additional support needs matters in the school.  To encourage and foster good lines of communication with parents in relation to additional support needs.

• Liaise with other schools to ensure continuity of support and learning when transferring pupils with additional support needs.

• Manage special needs support staff to ensure they work effectively with their designated students with different needs.

• Develop links with other SEN professionals, schools and agencies for possible referral and advice.

• Give advice to the Admissions Officer about enrollment of new pupils with special learning needs. 

• Identify resources needed to meet the needs of pupils with additional support needs.

Other duties

• To attend Instructional Leadership meetings and other staff meetings and briefings etc and keep colleagues informed of additional support needs matters.

• Participate in learning communities to plan, problem solve, and support one another on an ongoing basis 

• Implement the school values, discipline procedures and school culture initiatives 

• Collaborate with other members of the school’s leadership team to create and sustain programs for students and families that recognize and celebrate achievement and continuous progress

Reports to: Learning Support Head

Coordinates with: V. Principal, Team Leaders, Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Counselors

Working Hours: Monday - Thursday (7:30 am - 4:30 pm) and Fridays (from 7:30 am - 3:30 pm).

Job Requirements

Educational Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience

• Experience working in a learning support or similar role, preferably in an international school setting.

• Strong knowledge of curriculum development and alignment processes.

• Familiarity with childcare education and special needs education.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, parents, and students.

• Ability to provide effective training and support to faculty members, adapting instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.

• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail.

• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in childcare education and special needs education.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

If you are passionate about supporting students' diverse learning needs and making a positive impact in their lives, we encourage you to apply for the position of Learning Support Associate at Kelem International School.

How to Apply

 Interested applicants are asked to apply by submitting their most recent CV as well as a letter of no more than two sides of A4 outlining their suitability for the post and motivation in making the application. The CV must include names and full contact details of three professional referees, one of whom must be the candidate’s most recent supervisor/ line manager. Referees will not be contacted without prior permission.

Applications may be submitted in person at the school address below or send by email to hr@scsaddis.com. In addition to interaction with candidates’ professional referees a variety of background checks will be required prior to final appointment.

Please note that Kelem International School (KIS) is committed to all aspects of safeguarding and safer recruitment practices to ensure that the school provides a safe and secure environment for all.

Submit your CV along with your application letter via email: hr@scsaddis.com or in person to Kelem International School, to the HR Office, The Former Swedish Community School Parents Charitable Organization (FSCSPCO, Dar Sahara Street, Kazanchis, Cobble Stone Road, opposite of Meles, House Number 9999/1 Foundation For further information contact Tel. +251911527341

Please note that applicants will be contacted for further assessment only if they are shortlisted.