Whole School Librarian

About Us

We are delighted to introduce Kazakhstan International School (KIS) Astana. Ultimately, we aim to offer a full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Kindergarten to Grade 12, complemented by a rich selection of academic, artistic, and athletic disciplines in an environment that inspires excellence and a lifelong passion for learning.

Founded in 1998, KIS has prioritized student-centered learning from its inception. KIS Astana is evolving to become one of the select World Schools offering the complete IB Continuum: PYP (Early Years – Grade 5), MYP (Grades 6–10), and DP (Grades 11–12).

We are currently seeking a dynamic, organized, and dedicated Whole School Librarian to join our team and lead the development of literacy, inquiry, and information skills across all grade levels.

Job Summary

The Whole School Librarian is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the school library, supporting teachers and students from Early Years through Secondary School, and promoting a vibrant reading culture aligned with the IB philosophy. The Librarian manages the library’s physical and digital resources (including the Koha library management system) and supports students in developing research and critical thinking skills.

Key Responsibilities

1. Library Collection and Facility Management:

   • Manage the library collection using the Koha library management system;

   • Organize and maintain the library space as a welcoming, student-centered environment;

   • Oversee book checkouts, returns, cataloging, and inventory control.

2. Learning and Research Support:

   • Plan and deliver weekly library lessons for students aged 3 to Grade 5 (PYP);

   • Collaborate with teachers to support classroom learning and curate curriculum-aligned reading materials;

   • Assist Secondary students (MYP/DP) and faculty with research, academic referencing, and access to physical and digital resources.

3. Reading Promotion and Community Engagement:

   • Lead initiatives to foster a love of reading, including book fairs, author visits, reading challenges, and special library events;

   • Coordinate with vendors and external partners for resource acquisitions and school activities.

4. Staff Support and Development:

   • Provide training and ongoing support for staff in accessing and effectively utilizing library resources.

5. Reporting and Compliance:

   • Maintain up-to-date records and reports on library usage, inventory, and development;

   • Prepare and submit accurate statistical and analytical library reports in a timely manner upon request from the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, government authorities, and school leadership.

Requirements

• Degree in Library and Information Science or a related field (Master’s degree preferred);

• Proven experience working in a school library setting (preferably in an international or bilingual school);

• Knowledge of IB frameworks (PYP, MYP, DP) is a distinct advantage;

• Strong understanding of children’s and young adult literature;

• Proficiency with library management systems (experience with Koha is beneficial);

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required; proficiency in Kazakh and/or Russian is a plus;

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills to work effectively within an international team;

• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment.

What We Offer

• Official employment in full accordance with the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

• Competitive salary package (commensurate with qualifications, finalized following the interview and demo lesson);

• Working hours: Monday – Friday, 07:30 – 16:30;

• Corporate shuttle service provided for staff;

• Opportunities for official IB professional development, workshops, and certification;

• Work in a modern, fully equipped campus with motivated students in a dynamic international environment.