British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) is the largest dedicated network of British International Schools in the Middle East. We serve over 170 Member Schools and more than 120 supporting Partners in the organisation. BSME runs the largest inter-school Student Events programme in the Middle East, as well as a comprehensive Professional Learning (PL) programme of conferences, collabs, retreats and training courses. Additional services such as an Annual Conference for senior leaders and wider representation with educational and governmental organisations are also offered.

Role Purpose

BSME currently offers a range of Professional Learning services to schools. These include, amongst others, conferences, face to face courses, online training including webinars, communities and brokering for schools regarding PL providers.

Reporting to the BSME Business Manager, the Professional Learning Lead will be a highly motivated individual who works well in a team environment and possesses outstanding administrative and organisational skills. You will need to be an excellent writer and communicator with strong English language and IT skills. The ability to prioritise a busy workload is essential. Occasional regional travel may be required, as well as some weekend work to support the BSME events calendar and develop our offerings.

Responsibilities

Professional Learning Programme:

• Professional Learning Calendar
• In collaboration with the CEO and Business Manager, establish the annual calendar of Professional Learning including organising the schedule, allocating professional learning opportunities, and liaising with all webinar and conference speakers.
• Work with the Digital Marketing and Design Lead to plan, upload and maintain all relevant Professional Learning design work for the website. All copy and proofreading is the responsibility of the Professional Learning Lead.

Professional Learning Services:

• Work with the CEO, Business Manager and providers to plan annual courses and marketing opportunities, as well as drawing up MoUs.
• Manage all aspects of Conference planning, including suggesting and sourcing speakers, creating Service Agreements, liaison between schools and providers, and overseeing registration. Attendance at all BSME conferences is required, as well as key events by other organisations.
• Monitor the impact of Online Learning Providers, compliance with MoUs and make recommendations as required.
• Plan and support online subject communities, networks and clusters across the BSME community of learners, including schools and partners.
• Administrate and run the webinar programme, including uploading content to the website and marketing these effectively across the BSME community. 

Update and maintain administrative and management systems, including:

• Professional Learning Handbook
• Host Schools’ Handbook and templates for use by host schools
• Planning proformas
• School CPD Leader and Communities databases

Budgets:

• Consider all conference expenses to calculate Professional Learning conference costs
• Prepare financial reports on Professional Learning events, as appropriate

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• When required, conduct Professional Learning needs analysis, consulting all member schools and report findings as required
• Monitor and report Professional Learning activity termly for the CEO Report
• Create and collate online evaluation surveys for delegates, host schools and providers for reporting purposes

Reporting and Promoting:

• Collate annual Professional Learning information for reporting to stakeholders
• Celebrate Professional Learning successes, enabling BSME to become an acknowledged hub of professional development excellence
• Manage the Professional Learning pages of the BSME website with support from the Digital Marketing and Design Lead and prepare Professional Learning material for the termly newsletter.

Annual Conference for Headteachers:

• In collaboration with the CEO and Business Manager, execute the planning and delivery of the Professional Learning elements of the Annual Conference
• Support the CEO, Business Manager and Executive Committee in planning miscellaneous areas of the Annual Conference as required
• Liaise with all speakers to ensure smooth execution of the conference programme

Professional Development:

• Keep abreast of relevant Professional Learning providers, especially in the UK and UAE
• Identify any professional development opportunities that would enhance the Professional Learning Lead development

Relationships

The Professional Learning Lead will work with the BSME Team consisting of the CEO, Business Manager, Finance Lead, Student Events and Activities Lead, Digital Marketing and Design Lead, Membership and Services Lead, Student Events Assistant, Administrative Assistant and Junior Administrative Assistant. The BSME Team is guided by the BSME Chair and elected members of the Executive Committee.
 

Ideal Candidate Specification

Essential

The successful candidate will evidence:

• systematic and process-driven skills and experience
• conference event planning skills and experience
• the ability to engage professionally with a range of stakeholders
• excellent English writing and communication skills
• efficient time management skills
• advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team environment
• good knowledge of the British curriculum and education system
• high levels of independent task completion
• strong IT skills, including the use of Google software applications

Desirable

The successful candidate will ideally evidence:

• background and experience in British school education
• a relevant academic or professional qualification
• knowledge of databases, planning and/or tracking tools, eg. CRMs
• professional learning experience

Competencies

• Service focused
• Highly motivated
• Proactive, self-manager
• Flexible
• Attention to detail
• Professional manner
• Networking skills
• Negotiation skills
• Time management
• Ability to multi-task/prioritise

BSME Recruitment Policy

BSME is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its members and students. Successful candidates must be willing to undertake and submit a police check, which is a prerequisite for all appointments. In addition, BSME staff will regularly complete appropriate safeguarding and child protection training to keep abreast of critical updates.

How to Apply

All candidates wishing to be considered for the position of BSME Professional Learning Lead should submit their CV and a cover letter (maximum one side of A4), along with a completed copy of this HR form, addressed to the BSME Business Manager. Your cover letter should outline why you would like to apply, how you meet our ideal candidate specification and your salary expectations.

Only applications sent by email to [email protected] will be considered.

BSME requires three professional references, one of which must be the current or most recent line manager. Written references will be validated by telephone.

Early application is encouraged as BSME reserves the right to appoint a candidate before the application deadline.

Closing date: 29 August 2025

N.B.: Please note that only successfully shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Terms and Conditions

The precise details will be discussed and negotiated with the successful candidate. However, as a guide, BSME will offer the following terms:

Job title: Professional Learning Lead
Reporting to: Business Manager
Place of work: BSME HQ, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Hours of work: Monday - Thursday 8:00 - 15:00, Friday 8.00 - 12.30
Annual leave: 45 working days per year plus Dubai public holidays
Salary: The salary range for this role is AED 12,000 - 15,000 per calendar month
Benefits: Professional development opportunities
WFH: During school holidays
Start date: To be agreed with the successful candidate, but as soon as possible

Additional Comments

• We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the schools we serve and the community we work in. We encourage applicants from traditionally under-represented groups to apply. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected].
• The successful candidate will be required to attend the BSME Annual Conference which may require overseas travel in the region for up to 5 days in Term 2.
• Additional overseas travel may occasionally be required from time to time; travel expenses will be reimbursed accordingly.