Nordic School Director

Background

Career Options Africa Group is an HR consultancy specializing in recruitment, HR outsourcing, and immigration support across several African countries. Our client is a pre-school in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, catering to children aged one year to the final pre-primary year, seeking a qualified Nordic School Director.

Role Overview

The Director will steer the school's strategic leadership, governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence. Accountable to the Board and Trustees, the role ensures alignment with the school's vision, mission, values, constitution, pedagogical framework, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and implement the school’s strategic plan aligned with its mission and goals.
• Align educational objectives with strategic and operational capacities.
• Translate strategic plans into clear priorities and measurable outcomes to support growth, sustainability, and reputation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Board and Trustees, ensuring governance and compliance with legal, safeguarding, tax, and reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain policies and systems in HR, procurement, safeguarding, and ensure audit findings are addressed.
• Oversee budgeting, financial controls, procurement processes, documentation, and audit coordination.
• Lead human resource management including staffing strategies, performance management, legal compliance, and staff development.
• Manage administrative systems, official correspondence, admissions, student records, ICT infrastructure, and data protection.
• Guarantee a safe, hygienic, and secure environment with established emergency and safety protocols.
• Ensure upkeep of facilities and lead maintenance projects.
• Represent the school externally and oversee marketing activities like open days and social media presence.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Education to support curriculum delivery and educational excellence while respecting their responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education with a minimum of 5 years teaching and 5 years school management experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or related field with at least 10 years in an education organization.
• Valid or eligible registration with Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
• Knowledge of international frameworks such as Nordic pedagogy, EYFS, IB PYP, or Montessori methodologies.

Desired Competencies

• Strong governance, reporting, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experience liaising with education authorities including MoEST, TAMISEMI, and TIE.
• Proficiency in managing school finances, fee collection, TRA compliance, and statutory contributions.
• Understanding of Tanzanian labour laws including expatriate work permit regulations.
• Compliance knowledge of WCF, NSSF/PSSSF, OSHA, fire safety, and first aid.
• Information and Communication Technology proficiency and familiarity with educational technologies.
• Excellent spoken and written English communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in multicultural environments, exhibiting leadership, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for early childhood development and commitment to supporting child learning.

Compensation

The role offers a monthly basic salary of up to 6,500,000 Tanzanian Shillings.

Additional Information

Applicants should send their CV via email with the subject "NORDIC SCHOOL DIRECTOR" by August 15, 2026. Applications are reviewed upon receipt and shortlisted candidates contacted promptly. Please indicate your current or expected salary on your CV. Candidates not contacted by the closing date may assume their application was unsuccessful.