Student Futures Counsellor (Local Hiring)

Oeiras International School (OIS) is seeking an experienced and passionate local Student Futures Counsellor to support students in planning their academic, university, and career pathways. Reporting to the Head of Student Futures, you will play a key role in guiding students toward informed decisions that align with their aspirations, strengths, and the values of an IB education . If you're ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply! 

About OIS

OIS is a dynamic, not‑for‑profit IB World School offering the PYP, MYP and DP programmes. We take pride in being a vibrant international community dedicated to academic excellence, holistic development, and the nurturing of ethical, responsible global citizens. Our school culture is grounded in inclusivity, creativity, innovation, and strong values-based education.

Role Overview

As Student Futures Counsellor, you will provide personalised university and career guidance, help students navigate national and international application processes, and foster the confidence, skills, and wellbeing needed for success beyond school. You will work closely with students, families, teachers, and external partners to create meaningful opportunities and ensure every student is supported in achieving their future goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic, university, and career guidance to students, helping them make informed choices about subjects, higher education, and future career pathways.

• Support students through Portuguese and international university application processes, including personal statements, CVs, and interview preparation.

• Deliver individual and group counselling sessions for students and parents, offering guidance and wellbeing support throughout the decision-making process.

• Organize workshops and events focused on university admissions, career planning, and life skills development.

• Build and maintain relationships with universities and external partners to expand opportunities for students.

• Collaborate with teachers and school leadership to embed career education and university readiness across the school.

• Maintain accurate student records, application data, and career guidance resources.

• Stay current with IB developments, higher education trends, and counselling best practices through ongoing professional development.

• Support prospective family meetings, student admissions processes, and other duties as required by school leadership.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• At least 3 years of experience in university, career, or student counselling.

• Experience working in an IB or international school environment.

• Strong knowledge of international and Portuguese higher education systems.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• A student-centered approach with the ability to provide guidance and emotional support.

• Strong digital literacy and experience with counselling and application platforms.

• A commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and safeguarding.

What We Offer

• A supportive, collaborative, friendly, international, and innovative teaching environment.

• Opportunities for IB professional development and career growth.

• A welcoming school community with a strong culture of care and learning.

• Supportive Senior Leadership Team

• Thorough induction, integration and adaptation to Portugal/OIS process

• Professional Development opportunities 

• Openness to learn, grow and evolve as a learning community

• An idyllic location in which to work, learn and grow

• Salary and benefits aligned with experience:

  • Private medical insurance 

  • Heavily subsidised tuition scholarship for up to two dependent children (for local hires this only applies after the first year of contract)

  • Lunch allowance

Personal characteristics required for the position: 

• A commitment to international-mindedness and holistic education.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• EU citizenship or valid work permit for Portugal is an advantage

• A passion for education and working with students 

• Commitment to safeguarding children and young people 

• A visionary leader who is willing to participate in the development of OIS, fostering a positive learning community at OIS 

• An excellent communicator and public speaker 

• A team player who is interested in building the capacities and talents of those with whom they work 

• An awareness and interest in supporting community social service and Service Learning 

• An excellent level of written and spoken English 

• The ability and desire to "go the extra mile" 

• Honest, compassionate, friendly and fair.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

1) Application form:

Please be thorough when filling this form, since it will be what will stand out you over the other candidates, especially when giving information about yourself, your employment history and your motivation for the application.

Note: The names, school addresses and institutional e-mail addresses of  THREE professional referees must be included.

2) Online Questionnaire:

A link will be sent for you to answer to several questions.

3) Interviews via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face with local candidates (video camera required for the interview).

4) Teaching observation:  for candidates living in Portugal, you will be invited to OIS to teach a lesson.

We thank all applicants in advance, but only a short-list of candidates will be contacted in order to move forward with the process. 

OEIRAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS COMMITTED TO THE PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN. ENHANCED BACKGROUND CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON ALL EMPLOYEES IN ALL OF THE COUNTRIES IN WHICH THEY HAVE LIVED AND WORKED SINCE THE AGE OF 18.

Equal opportunities employer : OIS is proud to be an equal opportunities workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown.

GDPR : Please be aware that by submitting your CV and documentation, you authorize us to keep it for future recruitment activities (for 12 months).