Live-in Governess — Dubai | English Native-Level Fluency with French or Spanish | 4-year-old girl | USD 5,000–6,000/month, visa provided
Position: Live-in Governess
About the family
We are a warm, internationally minded family in Dubai seeking an exceptional live-in governess for our 4-year-old daughter, who attends an American curriculum school.
She divides her week between two homes — Friday to Monday morning with her father, the rest of the week with her mother. The two homes are a short walk or drive apart, so the arrangement is settled and easy in practice. She has her own room where the governess will stay, and both households are properly staffed: a full-time nanny for her at her mother's home, a housekeeper at her father's.
There is also a 6-month-old baby sister with her own dedicated nanny. The governess is not responsible for her care, but will include her in play and learning, helping the sisters build a close bond from the start.
The role
This is an education- and character-focused position rather than a traditional nanny role. No baby care, no housekeeping, no cooking — the practical side is covered. We are looking for someone to shape how our daughter learns, speaks and carries herself.
Supporting her schoolwork and American curriculum learning
Planning and leading extracurricular activities
Teaching manners, etiquette and social confidence
Instilling values, kindness, independence and good daily habits
Teaching French or Spanish through daily immersion and play
Age-appropriate exposure to other cultures, cuisines and traditions
Including her baby sister in play and learning
Working respectfully alongside both parents and existing staff
Hours (approx. 45 per week)
Monday: school prep and drop-off by 8:00am, then 3:00pm–9:00pm (or 2:00pm–8:00pm)
Tuesday–Thursday: 3:00pm–9:00pm (or 2:00pm–8:00pm)
Friday: off
Saturday & Sunday: 10 hours per day
Afternoon times to be finalised with her mother.
Salary and package
USD 5,000–6,000 per month, paid in US dollars, according to qualifications and experience:
USD 5,000 — strong early years experience, conversational French or Spanish
USD 5,500 — formally qualified (Montessori, CACHE L3+, early years or teaching degree) with genuine teaching fluency
USD 6,000 — PGCE/QTS or degree-level teaching background, strong second language, private international household experience
No personal income tax in the UAE, so nothing is deducted. Tax outside the UAE is the governess's responsibility.
Also included: employer-sponsored residency visa, private live-in accommodation, medical insurance, annual leave per UAE law, and an annual return flight home. 3-month probation.
About you
English at native-level fluency, plus fluent French or Spanish you can teach through immersion
Early years or teaching qualification — Montessori, EYFS, NNEB, CACHE L3+, PGCE/QTS, early years or primary degree, or international equivalent
Minimum 3 years' professional early years experience
Warm, patient and calm, with excellent manners to model as well as teach
Culturally curious, discreet, and a good team player
Paediatric first aid and enhanced DBS or equivalent police clearance, or willing to obtain
Driving licence preferred
Comfortable with a two-household arrangement and a split-shift Monday
Checkable references essential
To apply
Please send your CV, a short note on your teaching approach with young children, your second language and level, and two contactable references.