Career Counsellor and Chief Exams Officer
About This Role
ROLE SUMMARY:
Vilamoura International School (CIV), a prominent educational establishment in southern Portugal, provides Pre-School, Primary, and Secondary Education through various national and international curricula, including Cambridge programmes.
Nestled within an exceptional natural setting and boasting an expansive 18,500 m² outdoor play area, CIV has cultivated an educational model for over 40 years that emphasizes early learning, inquiry-led education, and a values-oriented approach rooted in democratic and humanistic principles.
CIV is committed to maintaining high academic standards and is on the lookout for a **Career Counsellor and Chief Exams Officer**, commencing in **August** for the upcoming academic year. This dual leadership position encompasses providing career guidance and overseeing the strategic management and administration of examinations within the International Curriculum. The successful candidate will assist students in making informed academic and career decisions, ensure the efficient planning, compliance, and execution of all internal and external examinations, and contribute to the holistic development of students—academically, personally, and professionally.
Additionally, you may be interested in our in-person Inspired Portugal Teacher Recruitment Event at King’s College School, Cascais on Saturday, 7th March 2026. This event will connect headteachers and hiring managers from various Inspired schools across Portugal, presenting an opportunity for you to engage directly, learn more about our organization, and explore career possibilities for this and the following academic year. For further details and to register, please visit: https://jobs.inspirededu.com/job-invite/8103/
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Offer comprehensive career guidance to students, facilitating academic pathway selections, university applications, and post-secondary planning within international curricula.
- Conduct individual and group career counselling sessions, assisting students in identifying their strengths, interests, and aspirations for the future.
- Oversee all facets of internal and external examination administration related to the International Curriculum, ensuring full compliance with examination board regulations and deadlines.
- Serve as the primary contact for examination boards, ensuring accurate registration, secure handling of materials, adherence to regulatory standards, and timely submission of entries and results.
- Manage examination logistics, including scheduling, invigilation arrangements, access provisions, secure material storage, and record maintenance.
- Ensure the school adheres to all regulatory and safeguarding requirements pertinent to examination processes.
- Collaborate with teaching staff, curriculum coordinators, and school leadership to integrate career guidance and examination planning with academic programmes.
- Maintain precise and confidential student records regarding career guidance and examinations.
- Facilitate effective communication with students, parents, staff, universities, and examination boards.
- Promote international awareness and informed decision-making in line with the school’s values and international education philosophy.
- Actively engage in school meetings, events, and continuous professional development activities.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
- A degree in Education, Psychology, Career Guidance, or a related field.
- Experience in career counselling, preferably in an international or secondary school environment.
- Demonstrated experience as an Examinations Officer, ideally within Cambridge or other international examination systems.
- Strong understanding of international curricula and post-secondary pathways (e.g., international universities, vocational options).
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with the capability to manage intricate examination processes and deadlines.
- Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities effectively in a dynamic school setting.
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
- A student-centered approach with a passionate commitment to fostering students’ academic, personal, and career growth.
- Keen attention to detail, confidentiality, and professional integrity.
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
Inspired Education Group is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and third parties to uphold this commitment. Safe recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be conducted prior to the confirmation of any appointment.