HEAD OF DEPARTMENT GRADE 6 – Public Service

You usually need a Bachelor's degree in Education or a relevant subject field, plus a teaching qualification such as a Higher Diploma in Education. Many employers prefer candidates with a Master's degree and at least 5-7 years of teaching experience, including some leadership or departmental coordination experience.

You will oversee curriculum implementation, manage and evaluate teachers in your department, coordinate examinations and assessments, and report to senior management on academic performance. You also handle timetabling, resource allocation, and may teach a reduced load yourself.

Namibian schools value respect for hierarchy and collaborative decision-making with senior management. Employers expect you to maintain strong community ties, participate in extra-curricular activities, and navigate bilingual or multilingual teaching environments, particularly in government and semi-private institutions.

You can advance to Deputy Principal, Principal, or regional education officer positions within the Ministry of Education. Some move into teacher training at colleges like UNAM or NUST, or transition to private education consultancy and curriculum development roles.

Government and established private schools usually offer medical aid contributions, pension schemes through GIPF or private providers, and generous annual leave often aligned with school holidays. Housing allowances and professional development funding may also be available depending on the employer.

Apply through the Ministry of Education's regional offices for government positions, or directly to school management for private institutions. Employers prioritize proven leadership experience, strong academic results from your teaching history, and evidence of successful departmental initiatives or curriculum improvements.