About GEMS International School, Dubai Hills
Located in the heart of Dubai Hills, GEMS International School (GIS) is a leading IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum.
As the official GEMS Centre of Excellence for Aeronautics, Aviation and Space, GIS combines academic excellence with future-focused learning, preparing confident, globally minded students for success at leading universities worldwide.
Why Join GEMS International School, Dubai Hills?
- Full IB continuum within a collaborative, inquiry-led learning environment.
- Prime location in the prestigious Dubai Hills community.
- Official GEMS Centre of Excellence for Aeronautics, Aviation and Space.
- Exceptional university outcomes, with 100% of the Class of 2024 securing university places and 91% gaining entry to their first-choice institution, and USD $31.5 million in university scholarships awarded to the Class of 2024.
- A culture that values innovation, wellbeing and professional growth.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Assistant Principal – Safeguarding Lead to provide whole-school leadership for safeguarding and child protection at GEMS International School – Dubai Hills.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Senior Vice Principal – Student Life & Culture, you will champion a strong safeguarding culture, oversee child protection practices and ensure compliance with GEMS, UAE and KHDA requirements. Working collaboratively with school leaders and external agencies, you will play a vital role in ensuring every student feels safe, supported and valued.
Start Date: January 2027 (flexibility for a later start for the right candidate)
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for safeguarding and child protection across all school phases, ensuring compliance with GEMS, UAE and KHDA requirements.
- Oversee safeguarding concerns and complex child protection cases, ensuring timely identification, accurate recording, appropriate referrals and effective escalation.
- Promote a strong safeguarding culture through preventative education, student voice, early intervention and inclusive practices that support vulnerable learners.
- Lead safeguarding training, professional development and awareness initiatives, ensuring all staff understand their responsibilities, reporting procedures and professional boundaries.
- Work collaboratively with HR to support safer recruitment, staff vetting, professional conduct and appropriate safeguarding procedures.
- Drive safeguarding quality assurance, policy reviews, audits and school improvement initiatives, ensuring robust systems and inspection readiness.
- Provide professional guidance and support to safeguarding leads, pastoral teams and school leaders, strengthening consistency, accountability and effective multi-agency collaboration.
- Contribute to whole-school strategic planning, critical incident management, student wellbeing initiatives and wider school improvement priorities as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.