Job Title: Head of Assurance, Risk & Compliance
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Full Time
Contract Term: Fixed Term
Workplace: Dubai English Speaking Schools
Site: DESS College
Job Start Date: 2nd November 2026

About Us

Collectively the DESS family of schools is known as Dubai English Speaking Schools, consisting of two primary schools - DESS Primary Oud Metha and DESS Primary Academic City and one secondary school - DESS College also based in Academic City, Dubai.

DESS Primary Oud Metha (age 3-11) has been a cornerstone of the community since 1963, and DESS College (age 11-18) has built on this legacy since its founding in 2005. Both have been consistently rated as Outstanding by the KHDA and BSO, a testament to our commitment to educational excellence. DESS Primary Academic City (age 3-11), opened in September 2025, and extends this heritage by offering the same high DESS standards.

For more information please visit our Website.

About the Role

The Head of Assurance, Risk & Compliance is the independent oversight, challenge and assurance across Dubai English Speaking Schools (DESS).

The role exists to support the CEO and Trustees in maintaining effective organisational governance, risk management, compliance and internal control arrangements. The postholder will provide assurance that key organisational, regulatory and operational obligations are being met and that significant risks are identified, appropriately managed and escalated where necessary.

The role will develop and maintain frameworks for risk, compliance, assurance, governance and policy management across the Group while supporting a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.
For a comprehensive understanding of the role and its requirements, we encourage you to review our detailed job description.

About You

• Degree-level qualification in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Governance, Law or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in compliance, governance, assurance, finance, administration, audit or risk-related roles.
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and project-management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written communication and report-writing ability.
• Sound judgement and analytical capability.
• Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and influence constructively.
• Strong stakeholder-management and relationship-building skills.

What We Offer

• An exciting and fulfilling role in a happy and caring close-knit community.
• Competitive tax-free salary.
• In-house training.
• End of service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law.

Application Process

• To apply for this position, please visit our Careers Page
• Only fully completed application forms will be accepted.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Safer Recruitment Statement

DESS is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers who work with the school to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo a rigorous screening process that includes: verification of qualifications, birth certificate and passport; obtaining satisfactory references (including current / most recent employer and at least one from a previous employer); providing a Police Certificate(s) from the UAE (if applicable) and from all countries that the applicant has resided in for the last five years and one from their home country if they have resided there in the last ten years; Prohibition Checks (for applicants with a UK background). Any employment gaps on the application form will be addressed during the interview and may be explored further.

DESS welcomes applications from UAE Nationals who have the relevant qualifications and experience.