Head of Diploma Program

Still I Rise is a humanitarian organization founded in 2018 to bring top-quality education to refugee and vulnerable children around the world. Our goal is to end the global education crisis. Our flagship institution is our International School in Mathare, Nairobi. Here, we are passionately engaged in one of the world’s most ambitious, unique and exciting educational projects: to offer the very highest quality of schooling experience to some of the most disadvantaged children.

We are now seeking a HEAD OF DIPLOMA PROGRAMME. With senior leadership experience within schools operating the International Baccalaureate’s Diploma Programme, you will take on-site ownership of the quality of our school’s educational service. Assisted by on-site and off-site educational professionals, you will take the helm during the authorisation and set-up period of 2025 to 2026 of the Diploma Programme and an alternative student diploma pathway. Meanwhile you will forge partnerships which will open up post-graduation opportunities for our students, and strategically lead a careers and university guidance programme. Motivated above all by our mission to achieve extraordinary standards in challenging settings, you will then lead your team of educators into the delivery of the Diploma Programme and alternative diploma from 2027, creating the best environment possible for our students to leave with all they need to become society-shifting leaders of communities and industries.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the quality of educational delivery at Still I Rise International School - Nairobi
• Lead the authorization and evaluation processes to achieve the school’s IB accreditation.
• Oversee the implementation and management of the IB DP, ensuring alignment with the IB’s standards and practices.
• Oversee staff collaborative meetings as required.
• Act as one of the points of contact between the school and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
• Advocate for the IB learner profile and philosophy within the school community.
• Oversee the introduction and implementation of an alternative diploma programme, ensuring alignment with the curriculum and all associated staff training and liaison with qualification providers.

Curriculum and Assessment

• Ensure that the curriculum is aligned with IB DP requirements.
• Oversee the delivery and integration of the DP core components: Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
• Act as EE and CAS Coordinator
• Monitor and manage the internal and external assessment processes, ensuring compliance with deadlines and guidelines.
• Support subject teachers in aligning their teaching practices with IB principles.

Professional Development

• Plan and coordinate ongoing professional development for DP faculty, including workshops, training sessions, and collaborative planning meetings.
• Mentor teachers to ensure high-quality delivery of the DP and encourage innovative teaching strategies.
• Conduct frequent classroom observations and proactively mentor to align with IB and SIR expectations.

Student Guidance and Support

• Guide students in subject selection and program requirements, ensuring they make informed choices.
• Oversee the development of a new Academic and Careers Programme at the school, incorporating academic counseling, university application support, job experience placements, career fairs and networking guidance.
• Ensure equitable access to resources and support mechanisms for all students.
• Teach a pre-prepared ‘Life Class’ and associated character development and skills.

Networking, Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and students, about program updates and student progress.
• Oversee the smooth transition from MYP to DP and the alternative diploma including implementing a Pre-DP foundational course and DP preparedness activities for students.
• Collaborate with school leadership to align the DP with the school’s strategic vision and goals.
• Foster connections with other IB schools to share best practices and resources.
• Act as the School’s point of contact with key educational partners and the collaborative activity including student exchange programmes, recording pertinent interaction in a partnership tracking tool. 
• Open and maintain a wide network of post-graduation opportunities for students including scholarships in East Africa and across the world.
• Other duties as required of Still I Rise site leadership.

Administration and Documentation

• Manage student registration for IB examinations and ensure all submissions meet IB deadlines.
• Manage student registration for alternative diploma examinations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of the program’s implementation and progress.
• Lead the preparation and submission of the school’s five-year evaluation report.
• Coordinate class schedules.
• Liaise with Logistics personnel to communicate requirements for textbooks, lab equipment, and other educational resources.

How to Apply:  Interested candidates are invited to send an email tohr@stillirisengo.org indicating the subject “*** JUBA SET UP **”. The email should include CV, Cover Letter and in the body of the email you must clarify that you authorize Still I Rise to use your personal data to contact you in relation to this recruitment process. 

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Thank you for your interest in Still I Rise.