School Principal, Pharo School – Kigali, Rwanda

Organization Overview

The Pharo Foundation (the ‘’Foundation”) is a privately funded entrepreneurial organization that runs philanthropic programmes as well as a for-profit arm, Pharo Ventures. The vision of the Foundation is an economically vibrant and inclusive Africa. The mission is to achieve this vision by investing in Africa's human and physical capital, with a strong focus on job creation.

Established in 2011 as a UK-based non-profit, the Foundation has since made a strategic shift to design and implement its own programmes to ensure greater community engagement, better results, and increased accountability. The Foundation has carried out numerous projects in Eastern Africa, focusing on Ethiopia and Somaliland, and is now expanding operations in Rwanda and Kenya. The key strategic pillars for the philanthropic side of the Foundation are Education, Health, Water, and Agriculture.

Aligned with the Foundation's overall strategy, in Rwanda, the Foundation plans to focus on all four of its strategic pillars: Education, Health, Agriculture, and Water. Within the education sector, the primary focus will be to:

• Run its K-12 schools (Kindergarten up to S6) with a focus on quality 21st-century learning;
• Collaborate with the government to implement key government priorities in education; and
• Promote TVET education.

 About the School

The anticipated Pharo School will be located in one of the most vibrant metropolitan areas in Kigali City. We anticipate attracting a substantial number of students from communities around the school and some other areas of Kigali City. This will be the first in tens of schools that The Pharo Foundation Rwanda is planning to launch in and around the Kigali area. 

 Position Summary

In anticipation of the launch of the first-ever Pharo School in Rwanda, the Foundation is seeking to recruit a proven School Principal to lead a diverse community of learners, educators, and parents who will choose the Pharo School as their number one choice for kindergarten and primary school education. Among other things, the individual will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational management of the school community leading to improvements in teaching and learning for all students. The role offers an excellent opportunity to coach, mentor, and supervise a committed team of educators to achieve the school's mission. The Pharo School Principal serves as an educational leader responsible for managing policies, regulations, procedures, and routines to ensure that all children have an opportunity to learn in a safe learning environment that meets the approved curricula. Achieving academic excellence requires that the School Principal works collaboratively to direct and nurture all school staff members and to engage the Pharo School community effectively. Inherent in the position are scheduling, curriculum development, extracurricular activities, personnel and finances management, emergency procedures, and facility operations.

Role: School Principal

Reporting to: Head of Education (Rwanda)

Functional Relationships: Regional Head of Academics, Head of College Counselling and Preparation (Kenya)

External Relationships:

• Relevant local authorities in Rwanda
• Contractors, suppliers, service providers, and consultants
• Government stakeholders (these include the Ministry of Education, District, and Sector Education Authorities).

Direct Reports: School Management Teacher

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Governance and Finance

• Provide strategic direction and leadership and exercise oversight of the Pharo School.
• Establish, manage, evaluate, and supervise effective and transparent procedures and systems for the efficient operation and functioning of the school.
• Assume responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of all students, employees, and visitors.
• Nurture students and teachers to achieve their most significant academic, instructional, and social potential.
• Work with the Head of Education to produce strategic plans, school policies, systems, and processes.
• Develop, review and operate the school budget, provide financial accountability to a sophisticated corporate level and multiple external auditors, and ensure high levels of fiscal responsibility and awareness.
• Be responsible for effective data management by ensuring that all relevant data about students and staff are entered into the appropriate systems accurately and promptly.
• Work with the Senior HR Officer to ensure that all the statutory requirements of the local government authorities and Rwandan Labor Law are fully adhered to.
• Ensure positive relationships with parents and the community through implementing strategies aimed at continuous communication (e.g., regular parent/teacher meetings, school open days, newsletters, extra-curricular activities involving the community, etc.).

 Planning

• Establish priorities, objectives, and targets to be achieved during each semester and the academic year.
• Establish and maintain the annual master schedule for the instructional programs, ensuring sequential learning experiences for students.
• Establish schedules and procedures for supervising students in non-classroom areas (including before and after school and field trips).
• Oversee the implementation of the long-term strategic planning of the school.
• Lead the development of the School Improvement Plan, which analyses student and staff performance, identifies areas of teaching and learning weakness, sets out the strategies for improvement, and creates short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals that focus on improving teaching and learning.
• Direct the preparation of the school’s annual operational plan, using the school’s School Improvement Plan as the base, with specific targets for higher student achievement, which include all aspects of the school’s operations, including classroom planning, teaching, and learning, assessment, and reporting

 Teaching and Learning

• Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance and responsibility for behavior.
• Develop the quality of teaching and learning through evidence-based, data-driven decision-making and continuous professional development, with the primary aim of improving student learning outcomes.
• Establish a strong understanding of the Rwandan curriculum and associated high-stakes assessments.
• Continually develop student attainment at the Rwandan examination level and beyond.
• Supervise the school's instructional programs, evaluate lesson plans and observe classes (teaching, as duties, allow) regularly to encourage the use of various instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on learning and child growth and development.
• Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance and responsibility for behavior.
• Establish procedures for the evaluation and selection of instructional materials and equipment.
• Supervise and review student evaluations and performance and use that data to design professional development programs in the school.

 Human Resources

• Recruit, retain, and develop a high-quality faculty and support staff.
• Supervise the provision of high-quality learning through appraisal-based performance management.
• Ensure the efficient and effective management of school human resources.

 Reporting and Documentation

• Complete in a timely fashion all records and monthly, quarterly and annual reports as requested by the position.
• Establish procedures for the safe storing and integrity of all public and confidential school records and ensure that student records are complete and current.
• Protect the confidentiality of records and information gained as exercise professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information.
• Supervise the production of quarterly student grade and behavior reports.

 Qualifications, skills, and attributes

• The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field.
• Master of Education in educational planning and management/ administration /leadership (preferred).
• Demonstrable experience in leading a school or a chain of schools; at least five years as a school principal.
• A high track record as a classroom teacher and educator.
• Agile, can communicate in English and has professional IT Skills.
• Passionate about education and having compassion for children.

School Operations and Logistics Lead, Pharo School – Kigali, Rwanda

Organization Overview

The Pharo Foundation (the ‘’Foundation”) is a privately funded entrepreneurial organization that runs philanthropic programmes as well as a for-profit arm, Pharo Ventures. The vision of the Foundation is an economically vibrant and inclusive Africa. The mission is to achieve this vision by investing in Africa's human and physical capital, with a strong focus on job creation.

Established in 2011 as a UK-based non-profit, the Foundation has since made a strategic shift to design and implement its own programmes to ensure greater community engagement, better results, and increased accountability. The Foundation has carried out numerous projects in Eastern Africa, focusing on Ethiopia and Somaliland, and is now expanding operations in Rwanda and Kenya. The key strategic pillars for the philanthropic side of the Foundation are Education, Health, Water, and Agriculture.

Aligned with the Foundation's overall strategy, in Rwanda, the Foundation plans to focus on all four of its strategic pillars: Education, Health, Agriculture, and Water. Within the education sector, the primary focus will be to:

• Run its K-12 schools (Kindergarten up to S6) with a focus on quality 21st-century learning;
• Collaborate with the government to implement key government priorities in education; and
• Promote TVET education.

About the School

The anticipated Pharo School will be located in one of the most vibrant metropolitan areas in Kigali City. We anticipate attracting a substantial number of students from communities around the school and some other areas of Kigali City. This will be the first in tens of schools that The Pharo Foundation Rwanda is planning to launch in and around the Kigali area. 

Position Summary

In anticipation of the launch of the first-ever Pharo School in Rwanda, the Foundation is seeking to recruit a proven School Operations and Logistics Lead to manage the operations and logistics of the school.

The School Operations and Logistics Lead will plan, manage, and coordinate all logistical aspects of the school. The ultimate goal for this role is to ensure that the school provides an environment that offers an opportunity to our students, educators, and everyone in our school community to thrive and achieve their maximum potential.

Role: School Operations and Logistics Lead

Reporting to: Principal

Functional Relationships: Finance and Administration Manager (Rwanda)

External Relationships: Contractors, suppliers, service providers, and consultants

Direct Reports: School Operations and Logistics Team

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Operations and Logistics

• Manage suppliers to ensure that supplies are received on time and in agreed quantities and quality and oversee the receipt of goods purchased.
• Manage school systems and services, including but not limited to IT, cafeteria, school bus system, and transportation.
• Prepare requisitions for procuring materials, books, equipment, and services.
• Assist staff as needed, ensuring that proper procedures are adhered to.

 Maintenance of School Facilities

• Develop and implement a five-year preventative maintenance program for the school, including planning for minor works during school holidays or other agreed periods.
• Ensure that the school premises are well maintained and cared for to facilitate smooth learning and teaching.
• Ensure regular maintenance, repair, refurbishment, and good presentation of school buildings through appropriate management, coordination, and delegation of duties.
• Organize, prioritize, and supervise construction and maintenance work in the school to maintain a safe, clean and tidy environment.
• Monitor and review the supply of all services (gas, electricity, water) and secure competitive prices from utility providers.
• Liaise with the school leadership teams to identify maintenance and facilities upkeep needs.

 Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Contribute to the school’s security planning, advising on the use of CCTV cameras, automated entry points, etc.
• Manage health and safety teams in school and oversee health and safety training requirements and the process of risk management within the health and safety teams.
• Conduct the school’s internal health and safety report and alert the school leadership team of deficiencies.
• Ensure that the school complies with all health and safety legislation as it relates to buildings and premises, including but not limited to asbestos management (if applicable), PAT (portable appliance testing), COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), and COVID-19 regulations.
• Ensure compliance with fire safety regulations related to buildings and premises, contribute to developing policy and procedure and, in consultation with the school leadership teams, implement and monitor actions required under the school’s external fire risk assessment.
• Arrange periodic fire marshal/drill training for school staff and students and undertake fire awareness induction for new staff.

 Skills, Qualifications, and Behavioural Competencies

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role. Demonstrable experience in handling school operations and logistics will be an added advantage.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, or any relevant field. Agile, can communicate in English and has professional IT Skills.

School Accountant, Pharo School – Kigali, Rwanda

Organisation Overview

The Pharo Foundation (the ‘’Foundation”) is a privately funded entrepreneurial organization that runs philanthropic programmes as well as a for-profit arm, Pharo Ventures. The vision of the Foundation is an economically vibrant and inclusive Africa. The mission is to achieve this vision by investing in Africa's human and physical capital, with a strong focus on job creation.

Established in 2011 as a UK-based non-profit, the Foundation has since made a strategic shift to design and implement its own programmes to ensure greater community engagement, better results, and increased accountability. The Foundation has carried out numerous projects in Eastern Africa, focusing on Ethiopia and Somaliland, and is now expanding operations in Rwanda and Kenya. The key strategic pillars for the philanthropic side of the Foundation are Education, Health, Water, and Agriculture.

Aligned with the Foundation's overall strategy, in Rwanda, the Foundation plans to focus on all four of its strategic pillars: Education, Health, Agriculture, and Water. Within the education sector, the primary focus will be to:

• Run its K-12 schools (Kindergarten up to S6) with a focus on quality 21st-century learning;
• Collaborate with the government to implement key government priorities in education; and
• Promote TVET education.

About the School

The anticipated Pharo School will be located in one of the most vibrant metropolitan areas in Kigali City. We anticipate attracting a substantial number of students from communities around the school and some other areas of Kigali City. This will be the first in tens of schools that The Pharo Foundation Rwanda is planning to launch in and around the Kigali area. 

Position Summary

In anticipation of the launch of the first-ever Pharo School in Rwanda, the Foundation is seeking to recruit a proven School Accountant to manage finance duties for the school.

The School Accountant role is challenging for a self-driven individual who seeks to leverage their knowledge and understanding of the local accounting principles and tax regulations and ensure compliance with the required regulatory standards. The incumbent will be accountable for maintaining financial processes within the school through effective implementation of policies, systems, robust internal controls, and accurate and transparent record keeping.

Role: School Accountant

Reporting to: Principal

Functional Relationships: Senior Finance Officer (Rwanda) and Finance and Administration Manager (Rwanda)

Direct Reports

• None

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare quarterly and yearly variance reports and seek explanations with the help of the School Principal.
• Prepare school monthly financial reports and support the country office in providing financial school data as may be requested.
• Prepare monthly and termly fee reconciliations.
• Prepare and process all financial expenses for the school and submit them for further review and approval.
• Make payments from petty cash only when approved and perform reconciliation regularly.
• Prepare school payroll and submit it to the country office for processing.
• Scan and archive financial supporting documents every week.
• Post daily transactions in the accounting system regularly and seek reviews and approvals as required.
• Ensure all electronic and paper filing records for all accounting transactions and banking information are fully documented, well structured, transparent, and easily accessible.
• Ensure that the budget holders use the correct project codes while reviewing and processing financial transactions for approval.
• Work closely with the School Principal and Operations and Logistics lead to manage the school budget.
• Ensure the documentation for all accounting transactions is complete, transparent, and robust.
• Ensure program monthly controls are adhered to and executed effectively.
• Support the review and development of financial policies and ensure their implementation maintains integrity and transparency.
• Reconcile cash/bank accounts within three working days after the end of the month.
• Maintain proper inventory records and management of the school assets by ensuring they are secure and tagged.
• Ensure that all school supplies that have been paid for are fully delivered.
• The line manager may require other ad-hoc finance-related tasks.

Skills, Qualifications, and Behavioural Competencies

• Minimum three years’ experience in working in a similar capacity.
• Degree in Accounting or Business Management.
• A candidate with a CPA background will be an added advantage.
• Familiar with basic accounting and bookkeeping theory, e.g., .debits/credits and assets/liabilities.
• Experience using an accounting software package (Xero is ideal but not mandatory).
• Experience in using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Proactive and able to manage workload with minimal guidance from the line manager.
• Methodical with an attention to detail.

Application Procedure

Review of applications will begin as soon as they are received, and only complete applications will be reviewed. If an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline. For this reason, we encourage interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply at the earliest possible time. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.

Please send the information listed below, as a single PDF file, to the following email address:  recruiting.rw@pharofoundation.org with the subject line “SCHOOL ACCOUNTANT_RWA.”

1. A detailed CV and cover letter. State in your cover letter where you heard about this position, e.g., through the website, jobs board, etc.
2. An essay of no more than 1,000 words to respond to the following:

• What experience have you gained that makes you the most qualified candidate for the role?
• What challenges do you foresee as a School Accountant in managing increasingly complex financial accounting tasks in a growing international organisation, and what steps will you take to resolve these based on your experience and knowledge?
  3. A one-page list of five references with current addresses, phone numbers, and email contacts.
  4. Make sure to submit your application before July 29, 2022 at 5.00 PM CAT.