House Leader - 50 % House Leader and 50 % other duties
House Leader
ApplyUWC Red Cross Nordic (Norway)
Job title: House Leader - 50 % House Leader and 50 % other duties
Location: UWC Red Cross Nordic, Flekke, Norway
Working pattern: Permanent
Application deadline: 29 May 2026
Start date: 1 August 2026
Enquiries: ainhoa.orensanz@uwcrcn.no
View other vacancies at UWC Red Cross Nordic
Founded in 1995, UWC Red Cross Nordic offers a two-year academic and experiential programme for approximately 200 students aged 16-20. All students study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which provides a rigorous academic framework grounded in inquiry, critical thinking and global contexts.
UWC Red Cross Nordic is located in a beautiful and remote rural setting on the western coast of Norway, approximately three hours by car from Bergen and one hour from Førde. The College sits beside a fjord and is surrounded by mountains, forests and open water, offering exceptional access to outdoor environments.
Living and working in this location offers unique opportunities - for connection with nature, community life and a slower pace - as well as practical challenges. Applicants should be prepared for rural living, seasonal variation in light and weather, and limited immediate access to urban amenities. The nearest village shop is 40 minutes on foot from campus. The nearest (small) town is 15 minutes by car.
Academic learning is complemented by a rich residential, experiential and extra-academic programme, guided by our educational model: Red Cross humanitarian action, peacebuilding, environmental stewardship and Friluftsliv advocacy. Through this, students develop awareness of self and others, systems thinking, respectful communication, inclusive collaboration, community participation, and compassionate leadership. Teachers contribute to all three programmes, creating learning that is purposeful, relational, reflective and transformative.
Students live in one of five residences and are supported by House Leaders and personal Advisors.
UWC RCN are seeking a House Leader reporting to the Community Life Leader.
We are seeking a full-time permanent House Leader commencing 1 August 2026. The role combines 50% House Leader responsibilities with 50% additional duties, depending on the successful candidate’s background and the needs of the College.
The House Leader plays a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant, supportive and inclusive residential community. As a key figure in the pastoral care of students, you will foster a home-away-from-home where every individual feels valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute.
This is a residential position requiring commitment to evening and weekend work. To balance this, House Leaders have 10 days off per 5-week period, although these do not always fall at weekends.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities below are indicative and intended to provide a general sense of the role.
House Leaders are at the heart of residential life at UWC Red Cross Nordic. They help create a house environment where students feel safe, welcomed, supported and challenged to grow. This is a deeply relational role, centred around building trust, fostering belonging and helping young people navigate life in a deliberately diverse and fully residential community.
House Leaders are expected to be a visible and engaged presence in the life of the College. This includes supporting students through transitions, facilitating house meetings and conversations, encouraging student leadership, and helping shape a warm, inclusive and respectful house culture. The role also involves regular evening and weekend responsibilities, including weekly “Connect” check-ins and participation in a rotating duty system.
House Leaders also act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads within the College safeguarding structure. They are expected to respond appropriately to student concerns, contribute to safeguarding processes and documentation, and work closely with the wider safeguarding and wellbeing teams to help ensure students receive timely and appropriate support. Training and ongoing professional development in safeguarding and student wellbeing will be provided.
The position requires close collaboration with Advisors, educational staff, safeguarding structures, health and well-being teams, and families to support students in a holistic and coordinated way. House Leaders contribute to both proactive and responsive student support, including participation in restorative and disciplinary processes where needed.
Alongside the pastoral dimensions of the role, House Leaders contribute to the organisation and day-to-day running of residential life, including communication, reporting and practical student processes. They are also expected to engage actively in the wider life of the College and in ongoing professional learning connected to safeguarding, facilitation, wellbeing and community life.
Skills and preferred experience
The ideal candidate will be inspired by the UWC mission and committed to positively contributing to our educational community within and beyond the classroom. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate the ability to contribute actively to our extra-academic and residential life programmes.
- Essential
- Qualifications in education, residential/boarding, counselling or related fields
- Professional proficiency in English
- At least two years’ experience working within a residential boarding role or demonstrated commitment to residential life in a boarding school context
- Experience working with adolescents
- Understanding of inclusive practices, safeguarding and student wellbeing
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within student-oriented teams
- Strong communication, organisational, collaborative and IT skills
- Desirable
- Prior experience working in an international environment
- A second language
- Driver’s licence
- First Aid qualifications
- Mental Health First Aid qualifications or similar
- Experience or training in nonviolent communication, restorative practices or conflict resolution
- Ability to secure the right to work in Norway and relocate (if necessary) in time for an August 2026 start
Safeguarding and inclusivity
UWC Red Cross Nordic is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to child protection screening and satisfactory references. Training in safeguarding, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and diversity, equity and inclusion will be provided.
We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to equity, peace, and sustainability.