Biology Teacher

Biology Teacher, Sheikh, Somaliland

Organisation overview

Pharo Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organisation that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes towards a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. Over the next decade, our goal is to create maximum impact towards three critical missions:

1.       Education: ensure that all students have an opportunity to access a high-quality and affordable education and become productive citizens in a rapidly changing world.

2.       Water: ensure that people and communities across Africa have access to a safe and affordable source of water.

3.       Productivity: eliminate health, financial, and structural barriers to employment and productivity for working people.

The Foundation also operates Pharo Ventures which is the for-profit arm of its operations with sustainable businesses in Ethiopia and Somaliland geared towards job creation and economic empowerment.

With over 700 employees in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, we are a diverse, multicultural, and passionate organisation. We have our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and a liaison office in London, UK, which is home to our parent organisation, Pharo Management.

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate Biology teacher who excels in their ability to teach and support students and who takes endless pride to design inspiring and engaging lesson plans and teaching units. We seek a compassionate, hardworking, resilient, and capable individual who works well with others and who will enjoy living at the school campus. As a boarding school, teaching life extends well beyond the time spent with students in a classroom. Tutorials, field trips, and ongoing engaging school and community-wide activities also form part of a teacher’s responsibilities. Working at Pharo Secondary School, Sheikh requires a genuine commitment to serve as a role model and be an active part of the community. The school is currently following the Edexcel International Curriculum; London University-based IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), and the Somaliland National Curriculum.

Job Title: Biology Teacher

Reporting to: Vice Principal of Academics

Location: Sheikh, Somaliland

Contract Type: Fixed Term - One year (possibility of renewal)

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1.       Leads all Activities within the Assigned Class

•       Prepare lesson plans and outlines in accordance with the curriculum guidelines or requirements of the school or government.

•       Teach lessons and facilitates or supervises a variety of non-academic activities. Ensures all necessary preparations are made prior to each lesson.

•       Involve students in the operations and maintenance of the school, including cleaning classrooms/dormitories, tending flowerbeds etc.

2.       Creates a stimulating learning environment

•       Maintain a positive degree of discipline inside and outside the classroom in order to create a safe, secure and appropriate environment for learning.

•       Promote a warm, supportive, non-threatening ethos in which the students find learning enjoyable and stimulating, and in which respect and cooperation are emphasised.

•       Use creative teaching methods.

•       Create a lively, stimulating atmosphere in the classroom.

•       Maintains the classroom in a neat and tidy condition in order to create an environment conducive to learning.

3.       Ensures the Educational Development of each student.

•       Provide individual attention to each student, monitoring their educational progress and taking appropriate corrective action as necessary.

•       Conduct academic support programmes to meet the educational needs of each student.

•       Develop and implements homework programmes which may include project work, extra reading or other assignments.

•       Teach all classes in English

•       Prepare online lessons

•       Prepare progress reports for each student as required by the Principal, detailing the student’s academic progress as well as overall development.

•       Keep attendance registers, grade records and any other records required by the school.

4.       Acts as a Participating Member of The Pharo Foundation

•       Actively participates in all school meetings and school activities.

•       Contribute to the improving the school system and mentoring other staff members

•       Maintain close contact with parents discussing the student’s academic progress and general development.

•       Perform administrative or other extra duties as required by the Principal.

•       Support students in extra-curricular clubs and activities

•       Assume responsibility for additional duties in the boarding school

•       Assist in the school’s involvement in supporting the Sheikh community

•       Assist in monitoring the student boarding section of the school

•       Provide support with other boarding-related duties as required, and perform any additional responsibilities assigned by the school administration.

•       Behave in an exemplary manner and at all times acting as a role model within and outside the Pharo School.

•       Have a caring and nurturing attitude towards young learners.

•       Passionate and driven to succeed

Work with school computer software

1.       Educational Qualification:

•       A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Biochemistry or a closely related field from a recognized institution.

•       A master's degree in biology/Biochemistry or a closely related field is highly desirable.

•       Teaching qualification: Completion of a recognized teacher education program..

•       English Proficiency: The ability to teach in English is required. Strong written and spoken English communication skills are essential, as all lessons and documentation will be in English.

2.       Curriculum Knowledge:

•       Knowledge of the national curriculum or equivalent Biology teaching standards for secondary school education.

•       Familiarity with and experience in delivering Edexcel or Cambridge (IGCSE and A-Level) curricula is required.

•       Understanding of assessment methods, including formative and summative assessments, and how to track student progress is also a requirement.

•       Additional  certifications  in  classroom  management,  student  counseling,  or  curriculum

development will be an asset.

1.       Teaching Experience:

•       At least 3–5 years of teaching experience at the secondary school level, specifically in Biology. Experience teaching mixed ability groups and advanced Biology topics is beneficial.

•       Proven experience in delivering Edexcel or Cambridge curricula, particularly at IGCSE and A-Level stages, is a requirement.

•       Experience in developing and implementing lesson plans and curriculum delivery aligned with school or other national and international requirements.

•       Proficiency in creating and delivering online lessons, as well as using virtual platforms for hybrid or remote teaching.

2.       Classroom Management and Student Engagement:

•       Proven track record of maintaining discipline and a positive classroom environment.

•       Ability to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where students feel motivated to learn.

•       Experience in innovative teaching methods, including project-based learning, interactive activities, and experimental biology, to promote student engagement.

•       Experience in organizing and supervising non-academic activities or school extracurricular programs, such as cleaning, gardening, or community service.

3.       Curriculum Development:

•       Experience in curriculum development is highly preferable. This includes designing or adapting curricula, course materials, and lesson plans that align with educational standards and meet students' diverse learning needs.

•       Ability to adapt or modify curricula as needed to fit local contexts or individual class needs while maintaining high academic standards.

4.       Administrative and Reporting Duties:

•       Experience in maintaining attendance records, grade records, and other documentation related to student progress.

•       Experience in preparing progress reports for students, parents, and school management, detailing academic performance and development.

•      Experience in mentoring other teachers is highly preferable.

5.       Community and Extra-Curricular Involvement:

•       A commitment to engaging in extra-curricular activities and contributing to the broader school community.

•       Experience in working in a boarding school environment and contributing to students’ extra-curricular activities, including overseeing and supporting student well-being.

6.       Application deadline : July 2nd 2025

6.       Application procedure

•       We will review completed applications on a rolling basis. If we identify an outstanding candidate early in the process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline. For this reason, we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we will only contact shortlisted candidates.

•       You are required to attach a detailed CV and cover letter.

•         To apply, please visit the Careers page on the Pharo Foundation website and submit your application https://www.pharofoundation.org/index.php/current-opportunities