Kelem International School (KIS) is a Pre-KG to Grade 10 institution with a rich 78-year history as a Scandinavian school in Addis Ababa. For 72 years it operated under the Swedish Embassy as the Swedish Community School before transitioning in 2019 to an independent, not-for-profit international school. Today, KIS continues its legacy of academic excellence, student-centered learning, and global citizenship.

We are currently seeking a highly organized and dedicated Board secretary to provide essential support to the school leadership and board members, ensuring smooth communication and efficient operations.

At KIS, our vision is to become a collaborative center of learning in Ethiopia, nurturing confident and self-realized global citizens. Our mission is to empower every child to reach their full potential, developing resilient, curious, open-minded, and reflective learners who can express themselves effectively.

We are committed to equipping our students with the ability to think critically, analyze information, and solve problems creatively, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. As lifelong learners, our teachers, and staff engage in continuous professional development to uphold the highest educational standards.

KIS fosters compassionate and responsible global citizens, while honoring and respecting Ethiopia’s rich heritage. Our diverse student body of 200 students, representing 28 different nationalities, follows the Finnish curriculum blended with international educational best-practices and standards for Grades 1-10, alongside the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for Kindergarten.

The Board Secretary plays a crucial role in supporting the governance and administrative functions of the organization. This position is responsible for ensuring that the board of directors operates efficiently and effectively, maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and facilitating communication between board members and management.

Key Responsibilities:

Board Support & Administrative Duties

• Organize and schedule board and board sub-committee meetings, events, and activities.

• Prepare meeting agendas in advance and distribute to all participants.

• Record, prepare, distribute and document meeting minutes promptly and accurately.

• Maintain board documents, correspondence, and records in an organized manner.

• Manage calendars, diaries, appointments, sub-committee meetings and workloads efficiently.

 Communication & Liaison

• Act as the key point of contact for communication related to board activities with GA members, board members, management, teachers, staff, students, and parents.

• Follow up on Board members with specific assignments and sub-committee matters.

• Coordinate internal and external communications professionally and effectively.

 Compliance & Legal Responsibilities

• Ensure all board activities comply with Ethiopian law and regulations set forth by the FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO).

• Facilitate the submission of required reports, meeting minutes, and documentation to the relevant government bodies as per legal requirements.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal obligations and support the board and leadership in fulfilling all compliance requirements.

• Serve as a liaison with legal and government entities when necessary.

Parent Liaison

• Facilitate collaboration between the Board and Parent-Teacher-Student Union (PTSU) by supporting the development and implementation of parent involvement plans.     

• Maintain regular communication with families through emails, Telegram groups, and portal-based systems.

• Help coordinate General Assembly meetings, Family Days and other NGO community engagement activities.

School Support & Collaboration

• Work closely with school leadership to ensure alignment with the school's mission, vision, and values.

• Collaborate on initiatives that promote student and family well-being.

• Support social-emotional learning programs and ensure adherence to school policies.

 External Partnerships

• Assist the Board of Directors in developing and managing partnerships with external organizations to enhance support for students, families, and staff.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a vibrant, multicultural educational community.

• Contribute to a school committed to academic excellence and holistic student development.

• Opportunity to grow professionally in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Job Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Education, or a related field as a legal adviser.

• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in an administrative or board support role, preferably in an educational and NGO setting.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Amharic.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other administrative tools.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are asked to apply by submitting their most recent CV and a cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) outlining their suitability for the post. Please include your current location in the application. The CV must include the names and full contact details of three professional referees, one of whom must be your most recent employer. Candidates not meeting the criteria will not be contacted without prior permission.  Please send all required documents in a SINGLE PDF file attached by email to hr@scsaddis.com

Important: When applying for this position, kindly be sure to use “Board Secretary” as your email subject.

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

Closing date: The closing date for applications will be 10 days after this application is posted. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible, as KIS reserves the right to close the selection process at ANY TIME once the ideal candidate is identified. Application review begins as soon as applications are received.

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.

Kelem International School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.