Job Description

Head of Islamic Studies Department – August 2026
THE POST

ADNOC Schools is currently seeking Head of Islamic Studies Department to join our growing family of owned and operated schools in the UAE. The current vacancies are based in ADNOC School, Sas Al Nakhl Campus Abu Dhabi for an August 2026 start.

Successful candidates will combine an excellent track record of effective leadership experience, developed in the UK, USA or other international settings, with strong inter-personal skills and cultural awareness with the ability to manage the demands and needs of a wide range of stakeholders from Board level to parents, teachers and Principals. Exceptional communication skills combined with being a visible leader and ambassador for the school are pivotal to this role.

The role requires high level strategic thinking combined with a firm grasp of how to ensure outstanding education outcomes across the school. Candidates must be committed to working in partnership with other schools within the group and developing ways to engage with strategic partners to support the work of the school, the group as a whole and the UAE’s wider education vision.

Successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole curriculum area and to monitor and support student progress.
• To be accountable for student progress and development within the curriculum area.
• To develop and enhance the teaching practice of others.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the curriculum area, in accordance with the aims of the school and the curricular policies determined by ADNOC Schools/Aldar Education
• To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the curriculum area.
• To effectively manage and deploy teaching/educational support staff, financial and physical resources within the curriculum areas.
• To support and enhance the specialist nature of the academy.
• Development and implementation of departmental policies and practices in line with whole school expectations.
• Use of a range of data to inform policies, practices, expectations, targets and teaching methods.
• Formulation of a department action plan and identification of clear targets for improvement.
• Monitoring and evaluation of progress in achieving the department’s plans and targets.
• Ensuring curriculum coverage, continuity and progression in the subject for all students.
• Ensuring clear guidance for teaching the subject and enhancing key skills through the schemes of work including research and technology-based learning.
• Ensuring that there is a clear departmental assessment policy in line with school guidance and examination requirements providing internal examination papers and external examinations entries, as required.
• Evaluating the teaching of the subject in the school and taking action to improve further the quality of teaching.
• Developing links with other members of the local and extended school community in order to extend the subject curriculum, enhance teaching and develop students’ broader understanding of the subject.
• Ensuring implementation of school policies on issues such as equal opportunities, teaching and learning, behaviour management.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies or bachelor’s degree in a related subject with PGCE or other teacher qualification

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Education
• Leadership/Management
• Administrative/Leadership certification
• Demonstrable experience managing College Board Programming

Minimum Experience

• 6 years’ experience, including 4 consecutive years teaching performance exceeds standards and expectations as evidenced by Performance Appraisal

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions
• Able to make judgments and work under pressure
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels
• Able to organize tasks and multi-task
• Able to think and plan strategically
• Must possess supervisory and leadership skills
• Must be competent in IT
• Must have integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality

WHAT WE OFFER

ADNOC Schools are a family of world-class, child centered and innovative schools based in the UAE. We educate over 22,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow, so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational and dedicated school leaders.

We offer an attractive remuneration package including medical cover, flights, furnished accommodation and free child school places. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training. Successful candidates will have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to both lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.

Aldar Education is keen to hear from like-minded, forward thinking school leaders who would welcome the challenge and opportunities that we have to offer.

APPLICATION

Interested applicants should forward:

1 side A4, letter of interest

Most recent resume/CV

2 references (1 current Principal/Supervisor)

This job description is not all-inclusive. ADNOC Schools reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volume of applications and robust selection process, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 10 business days.

Aldar Education and ADNOC Schools are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people, and any offer of appointment will be subject to any relevant medical checks and clearance from appropriate safeguarding authorities.