About BSME

British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) is the largest dedicated network of British International Schools in the Middle East. We have more than 170 Member Schools and over 120 supporting Partner Members in the organisation.

BSME runs the largest inter-school Student events programme in the Middle East, as well as a comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. Additional services such as an Annual Conference for senior leaders and wider representation with educational and governmental organisations are also offered.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the CEO, the Student Events Lead (Maternity Cover) is a highly self-motivated individual who works well in a team environment performing a wide range of project management and administrative duties to run our calendar of student events.

The successful candidate will provide high-level administrative support to our member schools in both hosting and participating capacities, and have the ability to work well with all levels of management and staff as well as members and stakeholders. A flexible approach and excellent interpersonal skills are crucial.

This post is a Maternity Cover from August 2025 to February 2026 (6 months), but the organisation continues to grow so other opportunities may arise for permanent employment.

Responsibilities

BSME Games Events:

• Promote the BSME Games to encourage high level of participation from member schools
• Work alongside any external providers in an event coordination capacity
• Attend the Games and troubleshoot any enquiries (some weekend work required)

Stand Alone Events:

• Support and assist host schools in the organisation of their events which includes, but is not limited to:
• Acting as a point of contact for schools
• Attending events
• Ensuring timely communication of event information by the host schools
• Communicating event information to participating schools
• Ensuring that event deadlines are met
• Ensuring that BSME event guidelines are followed
• Managing event feedback and storing performance information
• Manage Social Media content for student events in collaboration with the Digital Marketing Lead

Administration:

• Act as a point of contact for BSME Student Events enquiries
• Monitor and update the Student Events section of the BSME website
• Update the BSME Student Events database in collaboration with the Digital Marketing & Design Lead
• Assist in planning, leading and documenting all HoPE Committee meetings

Line Management:

• Assist CEO in managing the Events Administrative assistant
• Allocate miscellaneous tasks
• Help to oversee the Events Administrative assistant’s workload

Relationships

The Student Events Lead (Maternity Cover) will work with the BSME Team, comprising the CEO, Business Manager, Membership & Services lead, Events Administration assistant, Professional Learning and Networks Lead, Digital Marketing & Design Lead, Finance Lead and Administrative Intern. In addition, the Student Events Lead (Maternity Cover) will work with and be guided by the BSME Heads of PE Committee and elected members of the Executive Committee.

Ideal Candidate Specification

Essential:

• Confidence to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders
• A proactive approach to problem-solving
• Proven organisational skills with an ability to think proactively and prioritise work
• Able to travel, including at weekends, and willing to work flexible hours
• Exceptional administration skills
• Competent IT user with ability to use Google suite
• Candidates must already be based in Dubai and have their own visa

Desirable:

• Academic or professional qualification
• Knowledge and understanding of British education in an international context
• Familiar with working in a school environment

Competencies:

• Attention to detail
• Excellent time management
• Ability to multi-task under pressure
• Highly organised
• Service oriented
• Assertive
• Excellent self management

BSME Recruitment Policy

Successful candidates must be willing to undertake and submit ACRO checks, which will be at the individuals’ expense. In addition, BSME staff will regularly complete appropriate safeguarding and child protection training to keep abreast of critical updates.

BSME is an organisation that values diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to our purpose, culture and values.

How to Apply

• All candidates wishing to be considered for the position of BSME Student Events Lead must submit their CV and cover letter (maximum one side of A4) addressed to the BSME Business Manager through the submission form below.
• Applications must be sent through the submission form below.
• BSME requires three professional references, one of which must be your 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.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications we regret that only applicants who have been shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

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: BSME Student Events Lead (Maternity Cover)
Reporting to: BSME CEO
Place of work: BSME FZE, DSO HQ D3 - 309, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai
Hours of work: Usual hours 08:00 - 15:00 Monday - Thursday; 08:00 - 12:30 Friday, with some flexibility (The position will entail some travel and an average of 2-3 days of weekend work per month so it is essential that applicants are able to manage this).
Annual leave: 45 working days per year (pro-rata) plus UAE public holidays
Salary: Salary is dependent on candidate experience; candidates must outline their salary expectations in their covering letter / Option to work from home during school holidays
Start date: TBD