Job overview
This time in a young person’s life can be both exciting and challenging for them and their families. We believe that the best university counsellors provide support and encouragement, ensuring well-being and success remain the top priorities. The best counsellors optimise opportunities for students to engage in informed decision-making about their futures. We welcome applications from candidates who share these values.
OIS staff take a child-centered approach to learning, benefit from excellent training opportunities, and enjoy strong collegial relationships in a truly international community. Our staff is committed to the development of individual learning experiences for an engaged and talented community of students from around the world who achieve some of the best IB Diploma results in Europe. The professional appointed to this position will have the opportunity to work with collaborative colleagues in a growth-oriented environment.
About the Role
Graduating classes at Oslo International School typically include between 40-50 students.
In addition to this position, we have a second part-time university counsellor on staff with whom the appointed professional will work collaboratively.
This is a full time (100% FTE) position reporting to the Head of Secondary.
We are ideally looking for a candidate who can start no later than 1 January 2026. However, for the right candidate, we are open to discussing alternative start dates.
Key Responsibilities
- Guide students and families through university and higher education application processes.
- Conduct workshops and provide tailored education for students and families.
- Build relationships with universities and stay informed on higher education trends.
- Support students in essay writing and application review.
- Support staff in writing letters of recommendation.
- Collaborate with colleagues to enhance OIS’s university counselling program.
- Initiate and coordinate university counseling events to enhance student opportunities and promote OIS.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
We welcome applications from candidates with a range of experiences, and the following will be viewed favourably:
- Experience with college counselling, either as a counsellor or as an admission professional at a selective college or university.
- Thorough knowledge of the higher education sector internationally and a passion for remaining up to date on the developments and trends in college admission.
- High level understanding of a range of universities and university systems. In recent years, OIS students have matriculated to universities in the UK, Norway, the US, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, and Australia.
- Experience in international education, including experience with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
- Experience with online platforms like Unifrog and ManageBac to streamline university work.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A high level of cultural competence and a track record of connecting with a variety of people.
- Proficient English language skills, including speaking, listening, and writing skills.
- Passion and expertise for growing our excellent university counselling programme.
- A relevant bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.
Why Join OIS?
Oslo International School offers a unique and enriching professional experience. Here’s what makes OIS a great place to work:
- Comprehensive benefits – We offer health and treatment insurance, an attractive pension plan, and employee fee reductions.
- Autonomy & flexibility – We value our staff’s professional expertise and provide autonomy in shaping their work.
- Professional growth – Ongoing professional development opportunities ensure that our staff continue to learn and grow in their careers.
- Supportive environment – OIS fosters a positive, collaborative, and diverse culture where staff feel valued and empowered.
- Location & accessibility – Our school is situated in Bekkestua, a charming and quiet area with easy access to Oslo via public transportation.
- Relocation support – For international hires, we provide assistance with relocation, including coverage of moving expenses.
Background Checks
The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check (police certificate). If you have lived or worked outside of Norway in the last three years, documented background checks from the relevant countries must also be provided, prior to the commencement of the position.