Secondary Head of Department Modern Foreign LanguagesJob Posting Date: 5 Feb 2026Location: Geneva, CHJob ID: 8607Main Purpose of the RoleThe Secondary Head of Department for modern foreign languages will work closely with the Principal of each section to lead and manage the department. They are an experienced secondary school teacher with a background which includes teaching in High School (and/or Second Cycle) and with an understanding of other sections’ needs.Their pedagogical skills as well as commitment, enthusiasm and integrity will allow him/her to act as an example to his/her fellow teachers. His/Her personal skills, responsiveness and flexibility will facilitate the dialogue and collaboration with his/her hierarchy and colleagues and effective communication with parents, members of the community and colleagues in other Nord Anglia schools.The candidate must be able to teach at least 1 language up to IB/AP level.The position is available from mid-August 2026.Leadership responsibilities:Promote the school’s mission and vision by assisting students to discover and develop individual strengths, make powerful, life-long global connections, and be their best selves.Contribute to the creation of a caring and inclusive learning environment in which students can flourish, ensuring that each student’s health and well-being are given the necessary priority.Embody and promote Collège du Léman’s RISE values of Respect, Internationalism, Spirit, and Excellence.To develop strategic plans for the department, collaborating with colleagues to establish a Vision and ‘Learning Plans’.To have a data driven approach, using student data to inform interventions with classes, teachers and students.To guide and lead Heads of Departments in other sections, ensuring alignment of departmental business, such as curriculum design and book ordering.To liaise with Heads of Departments in the other sections and with the section Principals in leading teachers in the department through the TAPD performance evaluation system, such that good practice can be recognised, refinements to instructional methods made and the level of performance documented.To oversee the induction of new teachers into the department, including the appointment of a mentor/buddy for an initial induction period of at least the first three months of activity.To create and develop a positive team atmosphere and where necessary mentor, coach and encourage team members to be their best.Hold team members accountable for performance and results.To innovate and lead collaborative projects that provide cross-curricular opportunities and trips.To provide curriculum leadership for the subject and ensure a written curriculum is implemented and reviewed, in accordance with the curriculum review policy.Duties and other responsibilitiesRelating to the studentsTo ensure appropriate placement of students in classes or levels of a given course.Inspire students to passionate, excited and curious learners.Be an outstanding role model for students and staff.Relating to curriculum and assessmentTo direct curriculum review and ensure that curriculum maps are maintained by departmental staff.To liaise with other Heads of Departments, teachers and administrators concerning horizontal and vertical articulation of curricula:Promoting opportunities for cross-curricular (horizontal) collaboration.Ensuring vertical articulation by liaising with High School and Middle School staff.To validate the order of resources requested by the teachers.To review, periodically, student assessment data and to use this data to direct future instructional methods and curriculum review.To review end-of-year examinations within the department to determine their appropriateness and quality, check standards and assess results.Relating to peers and the staff teama)Professional guidance to teachersEnsure high quality teaching and learning through regular lesson observations and feedback.If needed implement performance improvement plans with guidance from the High School Principal.To assist in the growth and development of each teacher's potential (especially new teachers), suggesting professional development activities linked to the needs of both teacher and department.To promote the use of Nord Anglia University to enhance professional development.To encourage differentiated instruction and the use of varied strategies and materials consistent with research on learning to engage students and guide them towards autonomy over their learning.To keep abreast of new developments in the department field and to communicate these to teachers.To arrange and chair regular departmental meetings, setting the agenda and recording decisions.To liaise with Exam Coordinators concerning examination candidates and arrangements.To assist Pastoral Heads and Homeroom Advisors in matters relating to students’ academic needs.To facilitate the liaison between the teacher and the Co-curricular Manager concerning the supervision of private teachers for the Co-curricular programme.Relating to the administrationTo maintain regular contact with the section Principal(s).To consult and advise the Principal(s) concerning:suitability of applicants for staff vacancies;allocation of teachers to particular courses;teacher timetables;pedagogical strategies;staff appraisal, especially for new teachers.To advise the Principal(s) concerning the special needs of students in respect of extra help, tutoring or individual programmes.To meet all additional teaching and pastoral responsibilities, as outlined in the Teacher’s Manual.Relating to the CDL environmenta)Supporting servicesTo monitor learning areas to ensure that the facilities support learning and are attractive, organised, functional, clean and safe.To manage external examinations and facilitate the collection and analysis of data.To compile and periodically check a department inventory.To initiate the ordering of equipment and materials through approved channels, including books and digital iBooks.Skills and competenciesWe are seeking an inspiring and collaborative Head of Department who combines academic rigour with strong people skills and a genuine passion for languages and learning.Highly organised, with the ability to plan ahead and coordinate programmes, assessments and team prioritiesStructured and methodical, ensuring clarity, consistency and high academic standards across the departmentAn attentive and empathetic listener, open to dialogue with students, colleagues and parentsDynamic, motivated and committed to continuous improvement in teaching and learningProfessional, discreet and reliable, acting as a role model within the department and the wider school communityTrustworthy and loyal, with a strong sense of institutional responsibilityDemonstrated leadership skills, with the confidence to guide, support and develop colleaguesPatient and approachable, fostering a positive, inclusive and supportive departmental cultureAble to manage pressure effectively, particularly during key assessment and reporting periodsComfortable exercising authority with fairness and clarity, supporting both accountability and growthSound knowledge of safeguarding, emergency protocols and school procedures, or the capacity to master them quicklyA clear understanding of internal academic policies and school regulations relevant to teaching and learningQualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree or recognised teaching qualificationPreferredExperienceRequiredExperience teaching in secondary educationAbility to work collaboratively within a teamComfortable working to tight deadlinesPreferredExperience in an international schoolExperience in a boarding environmentExperience in a management or leadership rolePrior Knowledge & SkillsRequiredAbility to use and integrate ICT effectively within the curriculumAbility to build positive relationships with students; firm but fair classroom managementGood organisational skillsClear and effective written and verbal communication skillsPreferredBilingual proficiency in English and FrenchFamiliarity with international curricula and programmes such as IMYC, IGCSE, IBDP or APWHO WE ARECollège du Léman is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious international day and boarding schools, located on the edge of Lake Geneva in view of the Swiss Alps. Collège du Léman is a member of the Nord Anglia family of more than 89+ schools worldwide.At Collège du Léman, we shape generations that harness differences, changing our world for the better, and are proud of our “RISE” (Respect, Internationalism, Spirit and Excellence) values.We are a truly international community of more than 120 different nationalities. These come together on a green, village-like campus covering 8 hectares. Students follow national and international curricula, with English, French and Bilingual programmes offered.ESSENTIAL INFORMATIONIt is important that the post holder is always aware of Child Protection guidelines and observes a professional distance from students whilst still developing effective working and caring relationships.You understand and embrace the importance of diversity and inclusion and stand against discrimination in any form.Background investigations and reference checks for the past ten years will be conducted during the selection process.All areas of this job specification are subject to regular review and changes.
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