University Counsellor
University Counsellor
ApplyUWC Dilijan (Armenia)
Job title: University Counsellor
Location: UWC Dilijan, Dilijan, Armenia
Working pattern: Full-timeDuration of contract: Fixed-term contract
Application deadline: 2 March 2026
Start date: 1 August 2026
Enquiries: careers@uwcdilijan.am
View other vacancies at UWC Dilijan
UWC Dilijan is looking for an experienced and committed University Counsellor, reporting to the Assistant Head of Academic Development.
At UWC Dilijan, we don’t just prepare students for exams; we prepare them to change the world. We are seeking a high-calibre University Counsellor to join in August 2026 to help shape the futures of our students as changemakers.
UWC Dilijan – one of the 18 United World Colleges – is an intentionally diverse international boarding school in Armenia. It first opened its doors in August 2014 and now has more than 220 students (16 to 18 years old) from 80 countries, studying for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
This is a high-profile opportunity for a professional who understands that university placement is the culmination of a transformative journey, requiring a mentor who can balance high-stakes strategy with a profound commitment to each student's unique aspirations.
If you are a seasoned expert ready to leverage your international network and passion for student success within a world-class institution, we invite you to help us build the institutional frameworks that will sustain our students' success long after they leave UWC Dilijan.
At UWC Dilijan, we believe that education is “a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future” (UWC Mission Statement). We are a caring learning community that aims to support the intellectual, moral, emotional, social, spiritual and physical development of our members following the UWC educational principles and values.
UWC Dilijan is also part of a wider network of organisations that work to transform Armenia, such as the IDeA Foundation, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, and the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology. In this role, you will draw on the unique positioning of UWC Dilijan to leverage a powerful network of innovation and philanthropy to provide students with unparalleled opportunities for unique career pathways.
Responsibilities
- Lead students through the pathways of global higher education, providing expert guidance on selection, testing and application strategies that align with their identity and ambitions.
- Provide bespoke individual and group coaching to navigate complex financial aid and scholarship systems, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit a student's potential.
- Partner with the DP Coordinator to guide students on IB course selection to ensure their academic profile is both rigorous and strategically aligned with their future ambitions.
- Support non-traditional trajectories, including gap years, summer courses and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Represent UWC Dilijan on the world stage, building effective partnerships with university admissions offices through international conferences, fly-in programmes and high-level networking.
- Curate and host high-level visits from premier international universities, engaging global recruiters and our diverse student body in productive dialogue.
- Refine student testimonials and school profiles to ensure our students' unique narratives resonate with the world’s most selective institutions.
- Direct the meticulous and timely production of essential school documents, including transcripts and school profiles, ensuring they provide a high-impact, accurate representation of our students to global admissions committees.
- Maintain our standing within International ACAC and the UWC advisors' network, ensuring the school remains at the forefront of global admissions trends and ethics.
- Act as a leader for faculty, training staff in the art of writing powerful references and understanding diverse international selection perspectives.
- Serve as the vital link between the school, parents and the university world, ensuring all stakeholders are informed, aligned and inspired.
- Manage a system of records and reporting for the Board of Governors and SLT, using data to continuously refine our placement success.
- Immerse yourself in the life of our residential community, serving as a mentor, supervising CAS projects and participating in the outdoor and service programmes.
- Act as a visible leader within the school community by contributing to staff meetings, school assemblies, etc.
Skills and preferred experience
The following specifications outline the expertise and mindset required to thrive in this high-profile role. We recognise that extraordinary mentors follow unique paths. If your professional journey has equipped you with the skills to successfully launch our students into tertiary education, we invite your application.
- A deep passion for the UWC mission, supported by at least three years of proven success in navigating the complexities of university counselling.
- A proven track record of inspiring and empowering adolescents. We value those who can connect with young change-makers from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
- A strong undergraduate degree in a relevant field; a postgraduate qualification in education, counselling or a related discipline is highly desirable and viewed as a mark of professional dedication.
- Full professional fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in additional languages and a rich history of intercultural engagement are highly valued.
- An open-minded, sophisticated ability to thrive and lead within a complex, international and multilingual environment.
- An intuitive and proactive approach to well-being, demonstrating the ability to build trust and provide a stable foundation of care for students as they navigate the transformative journey of a UWC education.
- A genuine readiness to embrace the rhythm of a 24/7 residential school, understanding that some of the most profound mentorship occurs outside the traditional office setting.
- Prior engagement with the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the Council of International Schools (CIS) as an examiner, workshop leader or visiting team member will be considered a significant advantage.
- A high degree of fluency with platforms like ManageBac, Maia Learning and UCAS to ensure a smooth application experience.
What we offer
- An opportunity to work with truly diverse, academically and socially motivated and talented students.
- Fixed-term contract with a possibility to extend by mutual consent.
- A competitive salary fixed in USD and paid in Armenian Dram.
- Rent-free accommodation on or off-campus, including utility bills and free meals in our canteen.
- An annual travel allowance and relocation allowance at the beginning and end of the contract.
- Usage of the school’s excellent facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, gym, theatre, workshop, and art studios.
- Professional development opportunities. Private medical and travel insurance.
- The school endeavours to organise social activity programmes for staff and their families: fitness sessions, yoga sessions, aqua fitness, and swimming sessions.
- Armenia has much to offer, whether you are interested in nature, history, or culture. Located in the Caucasus, the region is developing, and there are myriad opportunities to explore it.
Safeguarding and inclusivity
UWC Dilijan is committed to safeguarding our students and visitors. An application for a position implies explicit consent to undergo thorough background checks and screening. Successful candidates will be subject to background checks, including reference requests from previous employers, as well as a security check.
How to apply
Being an intentionally diverse community, we welcome applications from qualified candidates from all cultural and educational backgrounds. If interested in different positions, you are encouraged to make joint applications. All applications have to be submitted electronically via careers@uwcdilijan.am before midnight on 2 March 2026 (UTC +4). Please specify the title of the job in the subject line. Please note that the interviewing process can be started before the application closing date, as soon as the relevant applications are received. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.