Overview

Knight Frank ME is looking to recruit competent candidate for a managerial role in its Strategy & Consulting Service Line, more specifically Education Sub Service Line. The Education Consulting team provides advisory services to (semi) government entities, developers, education service providers, as well as private and institutional investors.
 

This position is suited for a senior K-12 education leader (school vice principal/ senior education leader with experience in new school startups in the region) to join our team that provides strategic consultancy and advice to government & semi government entities, international school operators, developers, and private & institutional investors in the MENA region.

Responsibilities

      General

• Develop pre-operational strategies for school setup, including obtaining academic plan approvals, facilitating regulatory interactions, formulating admissions and marketing plans, and assisting with HR and recruitment for new schools.
• Offer guidance on educational programs and pathways aligned with recommended school models.
• Conduct feasibility studies for prospective schools and organizations seeking to establish themselves in the region.
• Provide input on school concepts and designs based on the findings of feasibility studies.
• Liaise with government Ministries of Education in the region advising on programmes and strategic education projects.
• Liaise with operators in the region on new proposals for schools.
• Possess a solid understanding of the Middle East's macroeconomic landscape and the factors driving educational development strategies, particularly within the international school sector.  Stay updated on significant regional and global trends and developments in international education to offer well-informed advice to clients.
• Contribute to business development efforts, which may involve writing proposals and participating in networking events.
• As the project manager, the candidate is expected to serve as the primary point of contact with clients and ensure effective communication with all stakeholders and colleagues to facilitate the efficient and professional execution of tasks.
• Meeting project deadlines necessitates not only technical skills and experience but also the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and maintain a flexible approach to office hours.
• Undertake research for the identified services and provide meaningful market driven advice.

• Undertake feasibility and highest and best use studies, assess risk and financial feasibility.
• Liaise with sub consultants and other professionals where required to deliver results.
• Have an understanding and appreciation of Middle East macro-economics and drivers of development strategies and education sector growth.
• Keep abreast of key trends/developments in education sector regionally and globally in order to provide informed opinion.
• Refer business leads or other potential fee earning opportunities into other parts of the Middle East and Global business.
• Contribute to business development including proposal writing and attending network events.

      Global Liaison

• Liaise with other internal departments to coordinate inputs for reports. Cross sell opportunities into local and international teams Client Care.
• Communicate fully with all stakeholders and colleagues to ensure the delivery of tasks are managed in an efficient and professional manner Professional Standards.
• Build and maintain goodwill, confidentiality and trust with prospective and existing clients at all times in order to foster the professional image of the Partnership Team / Operating Environment.
• Completing deliverables to tight deadlines means that the ability to get on with colleagues and a flexible attitude towards office hours are as important as technical skills & experience.
• Increasingly demanding clients create a need for continuing development of research services and innovative solutions to client requirements.
• Requirement to provide high quality, user-friendly & value for money service.

Professional Experience and Personal Skills Profile

      Particular Aptitudes/Skills Required

• Previous experience as a school principal or senior leader preferred.
• Experience of new school start up in the GCC.
• Good interpersonal & communications skills for both written and oral presentations.
• Clear and logical thinker with well-developed report writing skills.
• Strong team player with the ability to build relationships.

• The candidate should have an education consultancy background or have worked with an education service provider with 5+ years of relevant experience and ideally have knowledge of the local markets in GCC.
• In addition, candidates with additional knowledge and experience in advising within the healthcare sector will be an added advantage.
• The ability to understand and make use of computers and information technology (KF Internal Systems).
• Language skills: English fluency crucial, Arabic strongly preferred.
• Flexible attitude towards travelling.

      Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Post Graduate Certificate in Education or Equivalent and / or master’s degree in education/educational leadership preferred and /or NPQH

      Systems & IT competence

• Word 
• Excel
• PowerPoint 
• Outlook