Pedagogical Lead

Pedagogical Lead, HEI Schools Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

HEI Schools is an international preschool concept based on the globally well-recognized Finland's early educational model an Nordic approach with holistic and play-based learning approach. HEI Schools Ulaanbaatar River Garden kindergarten in Mongolia is currently seeking passionate Pedagogical Lead to join the team in August 2025. 

Please watch current Pedagogical Lead Hanna share her experience about living & working in Mongolia here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3hnqx-Y3SY

HEI Schools Ulaanbaatar River Garden kindergarten offers Finland-inspired early education services to families of children, aged 2-5 years old. The Kindergarten has successfully been operating for one year now with 45 children and 11 teachers. Due to the high interest from local families to enroll their children, the kindergarten is now looking for new team members to join their team in Mongolia! 

As Pedagogical Lead, you will be responsible for leading the planning, development and implementation and evaluation of HEI Schools curriculum and pedagogy in Ulaanbaatar. You will be the key person in planning and setting up the daily schedule, routine and pedagogical activities and practices for the whole kindergarten. As the expert of holistic pedagogy, you will introduce, inspire and guide local educators to implement Finland-inspired play-based curriculum. You are evaluating the pedagogical implementation of the HEI Schools pedagogy and ensuring the kindergarten is meeting the education quality standards. Together with the local team, you build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, educators and staff to deliver the best outcomes for families and children. The majority of your work will involve leading the pedagogy by rotating in child groups, some working time may also be allocated to substituting teachers as and when needed.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of HEI Schools curriculum and pedagogy
• Provide curriculum direction & guidance and support for local educators to effectively implement pedagogical planning 
• Build the knowledge, skills and professionalism of local educators 
• Guide families’ understandings about play-based learning, and the significance of the early years in the education continuum for children

To succeed in this role, you bring: 

• Work experience as a kindergarten educator with an holistic and play-based early education approach
• International / multicultural work experience as an educator
• Early childhood educator qualification
• Good written and spoken English. Other language skills are a plus.
• Other skills such as 
  • Strong communication and interpersonal/ intrapersonal skills 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary learning theories and a ‘Finnish’ mindset in educational settings relating to early childhood education and care, professional quality standards and approved learning frameworks
  • Ability to mentor and support educators from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of knowledge and experience
  • Embracing and showcasing a ‘ Finnish’’ mindset in an educational setting
  • Critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze and challenge conventional practice and ideas

What HEI Schools Ulaanbaatar River Garden offers:

• The employer is HEI Schools Ulaanbaatar River Garden and the employment contract follows the Mongolian labor law
• Fixed-term at least for one year, with a possibility for an extension
• Starting 01.08.2025, or as agreed
• Full-time position with working hours, normally from 8 to 17, Monday to Friday (9 hours / day, including 1 hour lunch, 45 hours / week) 
• Based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• Monthly salary depending on qualifications and experience (salary is paid in MNT)
• Holiday depending on the length of employment. About 2-5 weeks / year and paid public holidays (estimation 11 days / year)
• Housing benefit includes a fully furnished room in a shared apartment with other teachers for the duration of your employment. Running costs such as electricity, water, heating and internet estimation for total monthly cost 160-200 USD per person (covered by all residents equally).
• Insurances including local private accident and health insurance, liability insurance
• Gym membership
• Lunch at the kindergarten
• Round-trip airfare (flights) will be provided
• All Visa application expenses covered
• All educators will receive onboarding and training in addition to regular support from HEI HQ Finland during employment
• Support in relocation such as visa application, registering as resident in Ulaanbaatar, receiving local social security number, opening a local bank account
• Income tax in Mongolia is around 22% 
• Estimation of monthly living costs of 500-800 USD (incl. food, transportation, restaurants, freetime activities) should give a comfortable living standard in Ulaanbaatar 

A background check will be conducted for this role as part of the hiring process. A condition of the job is an accepted transcript of criminal record and health check.

Why join the team? 

• International and multicultural work experience supported by a global community of more than 23 HEI Schools branded kindergartens operating around the world and 20+ more coming in future. 
• An inspiring role as a Finland-inspired education pioneer supporting local education enthusiasts
• Meaningful work and ability to make a difference in transforming the education landscape!

Interested? Send your CV and a short 2 minutes video in English where you tell us why you would be the best person for the role. Apply as soon as possible as we will move forward with suitable candidates already during the application period. The last day to apply is 08.06.2025.