Kelem International School (KIS) is a Pre-KG to Grade 10 institution with a rich 79-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.

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.

Working Hours 

Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday-Thursday; 7:30 am - 3:30 pm Fridays

Reports to:

• Head of School

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Enrolment and admissions

• Manage the registration and placement processes and keep the enrolment forms on the school portals and databases     .

Attendance

• Monitor the accurate compilation of daily attendance reports and records through the secretary’s office

• Communicate regularly with students, parents, and teachers

• Research, develop and implement programs to improve student attendance 

• Plan, design, and conduct follow-through strategies to implement the school attendance program 

• Coordinate with class teachers to provide work for absent students

Social and emotional learning

• Fully embrace our school’s mission, vision, and values and promote them to students, staff, other faculty, parents, and members of the outside community.

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

• Be part of a team developing, training and teaching the social and emotional learning curriculum.

• Model and support our approach to rigorous academic instruction combined with instilling and reinforcing behaviors and values that lead to academic and life success 

• Participate in working groups of staff and teachers to plan, problem solve, and support one another on an ongoing basis 

• Establish and implement social skills, discipline and school culture initiatives 

• Develop and direct the After School Program in conjunction with the specialty teachers

• 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 

Parent liaison 

• Develop and maintain parent involvement systems and structures, including parent association and parent involvement plan.

• Communicate and help coordinate events such as family days with the Parent association.

• Communicate regularly with families to develop a supportive home-school relationship by coordinating through emails, telegram groups and portal-based communication

• Actively encourage parents to engage in their students’ academic success and other school activities 

• Ensure that all students and families know and abide by the school rules and norms including ensuring parents receive a copy of the school handbook.

• Maintain positive, constructive and professional relationships with students, their families, and colleagues 

• Be highly present and visible during school hours relentlessly ensuring a positive school environment 

External partnerships

•  Develop and manage partnerships with outside agencies to support the needs of students, families and staff

Events

• Attend all after school student and family events 

• Coordinates event team and activities

• Organize and attend admissions events (to answer admissions inquiries)

Job Requirements

Desired Qualifications and Experience: 

• BA/BSC degree or postgraduate degree in Management, Office Management, Secretarial Science, or related field of studies. 

• Minimum of 2 - 3 years in administrative or secretarial experience 

• Previous experience in a school environment, preferably in international or community schools.

• Proven proficiency in data entry, website content updates, and records management/filing systems

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong organizational and coordination skills.

• Proficiency in using computerized systems and databases.

• Ability to develop and deliver engaging presentations.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse groups and constituencies.

• Ability to collect, analyze, and compile data to prepare clear and accurate reports.

• Effective oral and written communication abilities.

• Understanding of student recruitment and retention strategies.

• Capability to develop, plan, and execute both short- and long-term goals.

• Skill in creating and writing promotional and marketing materials.

• Ability to evaluate and interpret student transcripts and records.

• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong time management skills.

• Keen attention to detail.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Amharic.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Proactive mindset, with a focus on identifying and implementing improvements to the admissions process.

• High levels of enthusiasm, energy, and a positive attitude.

• Strong ability to multitask and manage competing priorities effectively.

How to Apply

Applications: 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 should be  submitted 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 is committed to all aspects of safeguarding and safer recruitment practices to ensure that the school provides a safe and secure environment for all.

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

Closing date: Ten (10) days from the date of this advertisement. 

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.