Guidance Counsellor & Careers Advisor at Mzuzu International Academy

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT – GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR & CAREERS ADVISOR

Mzuzu International Academy (MIA) is a co-educational day (Years 1-6) and boarding (Years 7-11) school located on the outskirts of Mzuzu City with an education system centred around the National Curriculum of England and the requirements of Cambridge IGCSE. To deliver its strategic objectives effectively
and efficiently, Mzuzu International Academy now invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Guidance Counsellor & Careers Advisor.

JOB PURPOSE

The Guidance Counsellor & Careers Advisor plays a pivotal role in supporting students’ academic, personal, social, and career development. The successful candidate will provide counselling services, offer careers advice, and facilitate university applications, ensuring students make informed decisions about their future pathways.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Student Counselling & Well-being:

• Provide confidential guidance and support on academic, personal, and social issues.
• Foster a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help.
• Work with teachers, parents, and external specialists to address student well-being concerns.
• Develop and implement strategies for stress management, resilience, and emotional well-being.

2. Careers & Higher Education Guidance:

• Offer individual and group sessions on career planning, university choices, and subject selection.
• Guide students on UK, US, and global university applications, including UCAS, Common App, and scholarships.
• Organise attendance at careers fairs, university visits, and guest speaker events.
• Assist with CV writing, personal statements, interview preparation, and work experience placements.

3. Academic Support & Mentorship:

• Collaborate with SENCo, Head of Secondary, Head of Boarding and teachers to identify students needing additional academic support.
• Help students set realistic academic and career goals.
• Support students in transitions, such as moving from IGCSE to A-Level or to post-secondary education.

4. Pastoral & Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (or support the DSL team) to ensure student safety.
• Promote a culture of inclusivity, respect, and student well-being.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions in line with confidentiality and safeguarding policies.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Professional counselling or careers guidance qualification (e.g., Level 6/7 Diploma in Careers Guidance, BACP certification, or equivalent).
• Experience in student counselling and/or careers advisory roles, ideally in an International British Curriculum setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable:

• A degree in Psychology, Counselling, Education, Careers Guidance, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of university admissions processes (UK, US, and international).
• Experience working in an international school or cross-cultural environment.
• Familiarity with UCAS, Common App, and international scholarships.
• Training in safeguarding and child protection.

Method Of Application

Interested candidates should submit application letters, curriculum vitae with three (3) traceable referees, copies of educational and professional certificates to the address below not later than Friday, 27th June, 2025.

Applicants sending applications electronically should send attachments in PDF format to [email protected]

The Principal
Mzuzu International Academy
P.O. Box 20165
Luwinga, Mzuzu 2