Head of School

Job Description

Job Title: Head of School

Location: Kigutu, Burundi

Organization: Kigutu International Academy (KIA) A Program of Village Health Works (VHW)

Reports To: Executive Director, Village Health Works

Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site

About Village Health Works (VHW)

Village Health Works is a U.S.-based, Burundi-registered nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, community-driven health, education, and development services in one of the world’s most resource-constrained settings. Founded on the belief that health and education are inextricably linked, VHW provides integrated services that address the root causes of poverty, including malnutrition, gender-based violence, and inadequate access to quality education.

With a 40-acre campus in Kigutu and a growing national footprint, VHW’s programs include a modern hospital, mental health services, agricultural and nutrition programs, and Kigutu International Academy, a world-class boarding school focused on holistic, values-based education.

About Kigutu International Academy (KIA)

Kigutu International Academy (KIA) is a world-class, values-based secondary boarding school located in rural Burundi and operated by VHW. KIA integrates rigorous academics with leadership, character development, and service learning to prepare future generations of ethical leaders committed to social transformation in Burundi and beyond. KIA serves as a model of holistic, community-rooted education that nurtures both academic excellence and human dignity.

Position Summary

The Head of School (HOS) is the senior academic and administrative leader of Kigutu International Academy (KIA). The HOS is responsible for driving the strategic vision and operational excellence of the school, ensuring alignment with the Burundian national curriculum, Village Health Works’ mission, and international educational standards adapted to local realities.

This leadership role requires a forward-thinking, culturally grounded educator with a proven ability to build high-performing teams, uphold institutional values, and drive student outcomes. The HOS ensures the integration of academic excellence, character development, and inclusive leadership while navigating the complex intersection of local policy, rural constraints, and global ambition.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Educational Leadership – 25%

• • Define and communicate a compelling, measurable vision for academic and operational excellence aligned with national policy and informed by global best practices.
  • Ensure effective implementation of the Burundian national curriculum, maintaining full compliance with standards on promotion, assessment, and graduation.
  • Drive achievement of institutional priorities, including academic outcomes, student engagement, and staff performance.
  • Cultivate a collaborative, student-centered culture grounded in continuous improvement, ethical leadership, and respect for student voice.

Curriculum Oversight & Pedagogical Excellence – 20%

• • Guarantee alignment of all instructional programs and assessments with Ministry of Education regulations while integrating proven, evidence-based teaching approaches.
  • Provide strategic oversight of instructional delivery to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking across subjects.
  • Empower academic leaders to evaluate, reflect on, and enhance teaching practices that serve the diverse needs of all learners.

Teacher Leadership & Professional Growth – 15%

• • Lead recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of staff through a transparent and consistent performance management framework.
  • Build a strong professional learning culture by championing ongoing training, mentoring, and leadership succession planning.
  • Promote staff accountability and growth through regular feedback, performance reviews, and recognition of excellence.

Policy Compliance & Government Relations – 10%

• • Serve as the key liaison for compliance with Burundian education legislation, Ministry mandates, and internal governance standards.
  • Oversee accurate and timely reporting to government entities and internal stakeholders.
  • Represent KIA at national education forums, nurturing productive partnerships with regulatory and oversight bodies.

Student Life, Safeguarding & Post-Secondary Pathways – 15%

• • Provide holistic student services to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful boarding environment.
  • Align The Pathways Program with evolving post-secondary opportunities, including universities, vocational training, and employment sectors.
  • Supervise the Pathways Manager in advancing student outcomes through scholarship access, alum engagement, and career preparation.
  • Embed civic engagement and student voice in the fabric of school life.

Operations, Resource Management & Risk Mitigation – 10%

• • Oversee efficient daily operations, including scheduling, staffing, facilities, and resource allocation, in collaboration with VHW.
  • Identify and address operational risks to ensure the sustainability and continuity of learning.
  • Implement systems that foster accountability, resource stewardship, and resilience.

External Relations & Stakeholder Engagement – 5%

• • Act as the face of KIA in engagements with external partners, donors, education networks, and the broader community.
  • Establish inclusive feedback loops with parents, students, alumni, and staff to inform school planning and improvement.
  • Cultivate partnerships that enrich student learning, leadership, and community engagement.

Performance Accountability

The Head of School will be evaluated based on measurable impact across key areas:

• • Student achievement and performance in national assessments
  • Compliance with Ministry standards and governance policies
  • Staff performance, growth, and retention metrics
  • Operational efficiency and risk management practices
  • Student wellbeing, safeguarding outcomes, and school climate
  • Post-secondary success and alumni engagement
  • Stakeholder satisfaction and trust across the school community

Qualifications

Education & Professional Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in a secondary school setting, preferably in an international, mission-driven, or values-based school.
• Demonstrated success in leading institutions that combine academic excellence with character development and community engagement.

Competencies: Skills, Knowledge & Abilities (SKA)

• Inspirational leadership, with the ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of student-centered, experiential, and competency-based learning approaches.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a proactive, hands-on leadership style.
• High cultural sensitivity, humility, and ability to thrive in a cross-cultural and rural environment.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in French and/or Kirundi highly desirable.
• Commitment to social justice, equity in education, and the transformational power of community-led development.

How to Apply

To apply, please email the following documents to jobs@villagehealthworks.org with the subject line: Head of School – KIA

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the position
• Your current resume/CV
• Contact details for three professional references (including one former supervisor)

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until August 15, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Village Health Works is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Burundian nationals, and individuals from underrepresented communities.

Burundian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.