MERCEDES-BENZ INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Pune, India
seeks a

SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

effective August 2020

MISSION
Promote Learning - We promote learning through an inquiry-based international curriculum that
supports delivery of best-practice based learning, providing contemporary, empowering and healthy
learning environments for all students. We support holistic education through a balanced approach to
disciplinary, transdisciplinary, interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
Encourage Responsibility - We encourage responsibility by creating an environment that allows learners
to engage locally, nationally and internationally with issues of substance and take action to make a
difference in our world, understanding citizenship and service as an expression of individual
responsibility.
Celebrate Diversity - We celebrate diversity by valuing uniqueness, considering varied perspectives,
respecting our differences and encouraging international mindedness in order to develop balanced
world citizens. Learning at MBIS fosters mutual respect for the diversity of beliefs and values, and in
ways of being as well as ways of knowing and encourages learners to debate and freely inquire within
the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, confidentiality and respect.

THE SCHOOL
Founded in 1998, the Mercedes-Benz International School (MBIS) is a well-established, non-profit
school serving Pune’s expatriates, repatriating Indian families and also globally minded Indian families
who wish to offer an international education to their children.
Currently, almost 30 nationalities are represented with a student body of almost 360. The expatriate
student population represents 70% of total enrolment.
All of the 55 faculty members hold IB certification, and many hold advanced degrees and are
examiners, moderators, workshop leaders, and visiting team members. The school recruits globally
and tries to ensure that the highest quality individualised instruction is offered to all students. MBIS’s
faculty are innovative and growth-oriented using best practices in the state-of-the-art learning spaces.
The community of learners, including the faculty, are equipped to be 21st century global citizens with
a passion for life-long learning.
MBIS has been an IB World School since its foundation and is authorised to offer the Primary Years
(PYP), Middle Years (MYP) and Diploma Programmes (DP). The curriculum, textbooks, instructional
materials, and teaching methods are among those found in the top international and independent
schools worldwide. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New
England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is authorized to offer three IB programmes
(PYP, MYP, DP). The language of instruction is English.
A recent governance transition is resulting in a change of school name to Mahindra International
School. Candidates will notice changes to the website and school name in the coming months. The
school will retain its not-for-profit status and overall framework throughout this transition.

The climate of Pune benefits from its altitude (560 metres) and is pleasant throughout the year. A
rapidly developing industrial city with a high representation of multinational corporations, there is a
growing expatriate community that benefits from the school’s presence. As an educational hub for
tertiary education, the location in Pune is also attractive to both Indian citizens and to Persons of
Indian origin who wish for an international standard of education which at the same time celebrates
the positive elements of the host country.
THE POSITION
MBIS recognizes and promotes the role of the Secondary Principal as an instructional and pedagogical
leader. The Secondary Principal is responsible for the day to day operational and strategic decisions
relating to the Secondary School in consultation with the Academic Leadership Team (ALT).
Overview:
 Implement the Mission and Vision of MBIS and IB Programmes in the division
 Act as an ambassador for MBIS within the local, national and international community
 Take a full and active role, as a member of the Leadership Team, in strategic and operational
decisions
 Ensure the smooth running of the Secondary School on a day to day and long term basis
 Ensure that the Secondary School provides a safe and secure teaching and learning
environment for all

Primary areas of responsibility and accountability:

Educational Leadership
Act as an instructional leader, who demonstrates a firm understanding of the IB MYP and IB DP, to
ensure current innovative educational practice, relevant curriculum content and regular
assessment of the educational quality.

Teaching and Learning

Develop, monitor, evaluate and promote the secondary school instructional program in line with
the IB Programmes and the philosophy of MBIS. Provide a learning environment in which there are
opportunities for student leadership and an emphasis on excellence in learning informed by the
collection and use of data. Use current research, performance data, and feedback from students,
teachers, parents and community to make decisions related to improvement of instruction and
student performance. Create structures that enable and demand the practice of collaboration
among teachers in support of student learning.

Communication
Maintain a positive, interactive and transparent relationship with staff, students and the parent
body, and work closely with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Implement systems and allocate
time for effective communication and collaboration amongst all staff members. Recognize the
achievements of individuals in our community and make those achievements visible to the
community.

Staffing, Evaluation and Professional Development

Promote student learning through the management, motivation, support, development,
supervision, and evaluation of high quality teaching staff. Conduct a rigorous recruitment process
that results in highly effective staffing in accordance with the school’s mission and goals. Lead a
system of staff monitoring/appraisal, in collaboration with the heads of department, whereby all
teachers receive systematic feedback on their professional performance. Support professional
development programmes and processes to enhance teaching and learning.

Management
Make decisions effectively and in a timely manner, based on the gathering of information,
collaborative consultation, and good judgment and communicate effectively to the relevant
 community members. Structure time effectively in order to focus on issues and projects according
to the school mission and school-wide goals. Manage the school organization, operations and
resources to prove for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.

Ideal candidates would possess the following qualifications:

 Master’s Degree and current qualification/certification in administration or educational
leadership.
 Experience as a middle school and/or high school principal or assistant principal.
 An active member of the IB community (IBEN member).
 Commitment to team building and collaboration.
 An advanced level of intercultural sensitivity, international-mindedness, and engagement
 Highly effective communication skills
 Critical thinking, creative problem-solving, effective decision-making skills
 Ability to balance a results-orientation and a people-orientation.
 Ability to provide informed instructional leadership - aware of current best practices in
curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, particularly in the context of the IB MYP and IB DP.
 Strong management skills, including ability to prioritize and delegate.
 Actively models use of technology that enhances communication, organizational operations,
and school improvement efforts.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The position is a Senior Leadership position in the organization. Salary and benefits will be highly
competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should send an application as soon as possible but no later than November 15th.
(The review of files will begin as soon as applications are received). Candidates should note that, in the
event an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, MBIS reserves the right to make
an appointment before the deadline mentioned above and to bring the search to a close. For this reason,
interested candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible time.
 A letter of application, explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the
position.
 A current résumé not to exceed two pages.
 A one to two-page statement outlining educational philosophy and leadership style.
 A one-page list of references with phone numbers and professional E-mail addresses.
Submission of your application is an acknowledgement that the school may contact references both
listed and not listed who would know your professional background.
Preliminary interviews will be scheduled via Skype and short-listed candidates invited to the school for
a face-to-face interview. Finalists will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, parents, students, and
non-teaching staff. Selection will be completed soon after the conclusion of the interviews.
Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold
ourselves to a higher standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child
protection.