Principal (Head of School)

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Job Description

We are proud to be a non-profit organisation that has been supporting the development of internationally-minded learners for over 30 years. With an enrolment of ~250 students ranging between 3-18 years old, we are the only school in western Fiji offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum curriculum, from the Early Childhood Programme (ECH), through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and culminating in the Diploma Programme (DP).

The Principal (Head of School) provides strategic, educational, and operational leadership for International School Nadi (ISN) to achieve the school’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities through excellence in teaching and learning aligned to IB philosophy. Effective implementation and continuous development of the IB PYP, MYP, and DP programmes in accordance with IB Standards and Practices supported sustained improvement, enrolment growth, and a safe, inclusive school culture, reports to ISN Board.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Strategic direction and growth delivered
Implementation of the school’s Strategic Plan driven and led. Enrolment growth and revenue generation successfully driven. ISN’s brand and reputation promoted locally and internationally.
2. IB programme quality and learning excellence strengthened
Effective delivery and continuous improvement of the IB PYP, MYP, and DP programmes ensured. A culture of inquiry, academic excellence, and international mindedness promoted. Curriculum development, assessment, and reporting overseen.
3. High-performing staff capability and culture built
Recruitment, development, and retention of high-quality staff aligned with ISN’s values achieved. A transparent and supportive performance appraisal system implemented. A collaborative and innovative professional culture fostered.
4. Operational sustainability and financial stewardship secured
Preparation and implementation of the annual budget overseen. Compliance with financial, legal, and regulatory requirements ensured. Enrolment, staffing, and resource allocation monitored to support strategic goals.
5. Community trust and stakeholder partnerships enhanced
Open and transparent communication maintained with parents, staff, students, and the wider community. ISN represented in external forums and partnerships. A safe, inclusive, and respectful school culture promoted.
6. Governance reporting and compliance assured
Regular reporting to the Board completed on strategic, academic, and operational matters. Policy development and review led to ensure alignment with the school’s strategic direction. Operational policies and procedures developed and implemented within the Board-approved policy framework. Alignment with IB standards and accreditation requirements ensured.
7. ISN's image and value standards demonstrated and promoted
Effective cross-functional collaboration is demonstrated, resulting in improved organisational outcomes and shared success. Team members consistently uphold the organisation’s image and value standards through ongoing guidance, monitoring, and encouragement. The organisation’s image and values are consistently embodied and promoted through professional conduct and leadership.

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Strategic Development	Establish the strategic direction and steer the organisation towards its goals
Business Performance	Manage the performance of the organisation.
Planning	Deliver results by developing, reviewing or following a work plan, action plan or operational plan.
Resource Management	Deliver results through the efficient and effective allocation and use of supplies , equipment and people.
Communication	Exchange information through verbal communication
Customer
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
Organisational Values	Display the organisation's image and value standards.
People
Leadership	Utilise a leadership position to influence people and events and to increase performance.
Learning	Develop the competencies of self and others to enhance performance.
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Compliance	Comply with relevant laws and the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Operational
Health and Safety	Establish and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Masters Degree	Education
Preferred
Masters Degree	Educational Leadership

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. IB leadership training and experience in IB World Schools.
2. Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience in an international school setting.
3. Proven track record in strategic planning.
4. Proven track record in staff development.
5. Proven track record in school operational management.
6. Knowledge of IB Standards and Practices and accreditation requirements.
7. Experience leading enrolment growth and revenue generation.
8. Experience overseeing budgeting, resource allocation, and regulatory compliance.
9. Experience leading curriculum development, assessment, and reporting.
10. Experience engaging diverse school communities with cultural sensitivity.

Requirements

Professional Associations
IB leadership training and experience in IB World Schools

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
All employees
Students
Board of Directors
External
Parents/Carers
Suppliers	& Service Providers
Community
Statutory Authorities	Government & education authorities; Ministry of Education
IB Organisation	International Baccalaureate on: Authorization and reauthorization processes. Programme evaluation visits. Implementation of IB standards and practices. Curriculum updates and policy changes. Professional development opportunities for teachers
Universities & Higher Education Institutions
International Families & Embassies

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Accountable	Assumes full responsibility for own actions and identifies with the success or failure of own part of the overall work/goal.
Achiever	Puts in effort to achieve a desired result or goal and is motivated by this end and the overall accomplishment.
Resilient	Cope positively with stress and catastrophe. Bounces back from setbacks, mistakes or misfortunes.
Interpersonal Styles
Forthright	Speaks out frankly without hesitation, showing a direct manner.
Perceptive	Shows keen insight and understanding of issues or situations.
Team Oriented	Enjoys being with others as part of a group or team.
Thinking Styles
Disciplined/Systematic	Is controlled in conduct, shows an orderly pattern of behaviour, following a methodical and thorough approach.
Flexible/Adaptable	Readily accommodates changing circumstances, modifying own behaviour and/or views. Able to adjust easily to new conditions.
Holistic thinker	Considers issues/situations as a whole rather than analysing or dissecting the parts.
Numerate	Shows abilities in quantitative thought and expression.

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