Job Opportunities

Excellence is our guiding principle.

Jobs available

One of the standout qualities of John F. Kennedy International School lies in its friendly, inclusive community. Here, parents, students, and staff effortlessly connect, forging friendships and being in an environment characterised by openness and mutual regard.
Within our dynamic and skilled workforce, a robust spirit of cooperation and unity prevails. Each person’s unique abilities, talents, and contributions are embraced and valued at our ’Small School – Big Heart.’
To explore employment opportunities, we feature all our job listings on the TES (Times Educational Supplement) platform. Please feel free to visit our careers portal for further details.

Resident Graduate Assistant - Boarding Assistant

Boarding General Job Description

JFK is a unique small school with a family feel. We believe that learning exists inside and outside the

classroom and that each child is different and so their learning and progression will also be unique

JFK staff are expected to foster a professional environment through exhibiting the core values of the

school.

Key areas of responsibility

• Provide care and security for the Boarders while they are in the School’s care

• Ensure general health, hygiene and sleeping routines are met

• Ensure all Boarders maintain a healthy diet and mealtimes are happy and civilised

• Manage the discipline of Boarders, monitoring behaviour, manners and dress to ensure they are in

keeping with the School’s Code of Conduct

• Ensure that the boarding area of the School looks neat, tidy and attractive in line with House

expectations

• Comply with duty routines as outlined by the Head of Boarding

• Assist with the beginning of the term preparations and end of term pack down

• Ensure there is a constant review of pastoral approaches, keeping up to date with developments in

child wellbeing practices

• Set high, clear and consistent expectations for student achievement and support home based learning

• Be flexible and adjust methods to meet individual Boarder’s needs

• Liaise with different departments to ensure that information is shared efficiently

Student well being

• Ensure safeguarding of students, reporting concerns to the appropriate member of staff

• Create a positive community of mutual respect and support

• Positively embrace differing cultures

• Read and adhere to the various policies of the School and support the ethos of the School by

upholding the behaviour code, uniform regulations and other expectations

• Be inclusive, provide all Boarders with the best possible experience of a boarding education by

ensuring a challenging and supportive environment: a home from home for Boarders

• Act as a positive role model for students, exemplifying a positive attitude

• Ensure the safety and security of all Boarders when they are in the School’s care by following

procedures, adhering to ratios and supervising vigilantly

• Have an understanding of students’ personal, academic and emotional needs and be concerned for

all aspects of their development

Accountability

• Ensure student progress is reported by assisting with written reports to parents each term

• Demonstrate responsibility by motivating and enthusing staff and students

• Ensure Boarders are making good progress, taking appropriate action if a Boarder needs extra

support

• Ensure your personal beliefs are not infiltrating through your work

• Participate in the School Professional Development and Mentoring Programme

• Reflect on your pastoral care and adapt as necessary

• Attend weekly meetings as outlined by the Head of Boarding

Additional duties

• Attend all school functions as required, outlined in the staff and boarding calendars

• Participate in meetings, training, preparation days and school/boarding events as needed, including

before the start of term, when term has finished and during long weekends

• Make a contribution to school events and projects

• Ensure that all deadlines are met, as published in the school calendar or highlighted by your line

manager

• Provide in House cover as and when required by line manager

• Engage in professional development both inside and outside the school

Other

• Liaise with your line manager promptly, communicating clearly, listening carefully and

responding to feedback appropriately

• Demonstrate effective time and resource management

• Work cooperatively with colleagues

• Ensure that as a member of staff you set the highest standards (being punctual, dealing with adults

and students in a sensitive manner, being open to change, appropriate dress, etc.)

• Positively embrace differing cultures

• Preserve and promote the good name of JFK in all dealings with the community and parents

• Work effectively with other people by treating people respectfully and equally and developing

good working relationships

• Maintain confidentiality – never publicly relay information about the School until the Director has

given permission

• Manage resources effectively, in particular demonstrating strong time management skills but also

effective management of equipment, ICT facilities and information

• Maintain a professional and business-like appearance at school

• Ensure that all interaction with students and parents remains within the confines of an appropriate

professional relationship. (including facebook/instagram pictures and friendships)

The entire School site is a non-smoking area

Benefits

• All meals are provided for boarding staff during term-time

Comfortable, on site accommodation is provided for boarding staff throughout the year, inclusive

of facility costs and parking

Overnight stays by third persons is generally permitted but the use of the facilities must be

authorised ahead of time by the Head of Boarding / School Director

• The purchase of a ski pass and a percentage of a half price train card

The job description is subject to variation depending on the needs of the school. Teachers may be

required to carry out additional reasonable requests as requested by their line manager or the Director of

the school.

Specific Job Description

Resident Graduate Assistant

• Work 6 duty days of the week for a 100% position, averaging a 42 hour week over the

course of the year (taking into account the vacation periods).

• The Resident Graduate Assistant (100%) is entitled to a consecutive 30 hour period off

per week (except the first and last week of each Term).

• Additional time off such as day or evening duties are provided at the discretion of the School with

the expectation that sufficient time and responsibility is taken to ensure the general organisation of

the role.

Key areas of responsibility

• Support various departments with the day to day running of the School

• Provide support in the Boarding House as required, becoming familiar with House routines

• Be a contact person for boarding day duties as required

• Provide in House cover when needed, including as a replacement for Houseparents during times of

absence

School Duties

• Assist with general School administrative tasks and duties

• Participate in an engaging weekend activity program

• Contribute to the running of an enriching boarding program, including participation in routines,

events and initiatives

• Assist with Boarders’ extra curricular commitments, travel arrangements, appointments and

transport

 

UK APPLICANTS

Following the UK’s exit from the EU and the end of the withdrawal period agreed between the two parties on 31 December 2020, the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) between Switzerland and the EU no longer applies with the United Kingdom. From 1 January 2021, UK citizens are no longer citizens of the EU; instead, they have the status of third-country citizens.

Priority will be given to Swiss nationals, foreign nationals with a Swiss residence permit (C, B, L, S, or F ) and EU/EFTA citizens/permit holders, where candidates are equally qualified.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 1st March 2024. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Please review the Job Description for full details of the job role, terms of service and person specification.

We reserve the right to appoint the right candidate ahead of the closing date.

Please apply through TES directly.

JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp Activity Assistant or JFK Swiss Outdoor Boarding Assistant - 100%

Summer position available from 5th July – 19th August 2024

About JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp:

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp provides an immersive outdoor experience for campers, combining fun, learning, and adventure. We believe in fostering a spirit of exploration and personal growth through our carefully curated programmes.

Position Overview:

We are on the lookout for a dedicated Camp Activity Assistant & Boarding Assistant who embodies our ethos and is passionate about outdoor education. The selected candidates will work closely with our Camp Manager and seasoned guides, aiding in the execution and enhancement of our dynamic outdoor learning day / boarding programme.

Key Responsibilities:

– Assist guides in organizing and conducting outdoor activities.

– Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during all activities.

– Collaborate with the kitchen team to ensure dietary needs are met.

– Engage with campers, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

– Support other camp operations as required.

 

Our Offer:

– Chalet style accommodations

– A competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

– Additional benefits, including private accident & medical insurance.

– Fresh and healthy meals prepared daily by our in-house Chef.

 

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

– Previous experience in a camp or outdoor education setting is advantageous.

– Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

– Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

– First aid certification

 

How to Apply:

If you’re enthusiastic about outdoor education and wish to be a part of the JFK family, we’d love to hear from you!

 

Please send the following documents to Mrs. Zannie Odobasic-Leong – Business & Administration at zannie@jfk.ch:

  1. A letter of application detailing your interest and suitability for the position.
  2. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, highlighting your employment history and educational qualifications.
  3. Two letters of references from past employers.
  4. Clean criminal record check (updated within the last 3 months)

 

Application Deadline: 31st March 2024

Non-European applications

To our great regret, changes to Swiss law have made it extremely difficult for international schools like JFK to obtain work permits for non-EU citizens. For this reason, applicants without EU passports or Swiss work permits are advised that this greatly reduces their chances of being put on a short list.

JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Camp Activity Assistant Job Description

Camp Boarding Assistant Job Description

Cover / Supply Teacher

For grades in our Primary School and Middle School we require supply teachers for on-call basis to cover at short notice.

  • Cover teaching required for IPC (Grades 1 – 5) classes, IMYC (Grade 6- 9) for several subjects such as:
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • ICT
    • Geography
    • German
    • French
    • History
    • English
    • Music and Drama
    • Art

 

Responsibilities

  • Contributing positively to the collaborative culture and ethos of the school.
  • Attending whole school and departmental meetings as required.
  • Supporting the social and emotional well-being of the students in their classes.
  • Liaising with the Homeroom, Grade Level Teachers and IPC/IMYC Coordinator to ensure that the programme requirements are met within the classes taught.
  • Demonstrating effective classroom management that shows an understanding of the academic, social and emotional dimensions of learning.
  • Using technology to enhance learning.

 

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Current classroom teacher qualification to teach at Primary and Middle School level.
  • Minimum 3 years recent and relevant Primary and Middle School classroom experience.
  • Experience in an international school environment advantageous.
  • Knowledge and experience of the IPC/IMYC is advantageous.
  • Excellent English communication skills.
  • Experience in teaching learners with diverse needs.
  • Strong classroom management skills.
  • Empathy and strong social skills.
  • Valid Swiss work permit

 

Terms and conditions

The contract will be on an on-call basis and generous salary conditions will apply.

playground with sunset view
school building view middle school
church with sunset in the back
top school and playground view
gstaad view of mountains
Gstaad by night 2

Information to Job Applicants

John F. Kennedy International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a criminal check.

Please send by email to zannie@jfk.ch with all of the following documents:

  •       Your CV
  •       A letter of application
  •       Contact details of two referees, including your current employer (if available):
  •       Email address
  •       A copy of your passport

We will consider your application only all documentation has been received. Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Kindly be advised that only EU / Swiss nationals/permit holders will be considered due to strict visa regulations.

John F. Kennedy International School

Zannie Odobasic-Leong
Head of Business & Administration
Chilchgasse 8
3792 Saanen
Switzerland

 

Non-European applications

To our great regret, changes to Swiss law have made it extremely difficult for international schools like JFK to obtain work permits for non-EU citizens. For this reason, applicants without EU passports or Swiss work permits are advised that this greatly reduces their chances of being put on a short list.

Contact Human Resources

Odobasic-Leong Zannie
Zannie Odobasic-Leong