A Mother's Wish and Toddlers to Scholars TM: Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The three International organizations or communities of practice that appeal to me are:

1. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). http://www.unicef.org/

UNICEF is a “leading humanitarian and development agency working globally for the rights of every child” (UNICEF, 2011). The primary goal of UNICEF is make sure that every child (no matter where they are or their current situation) is: safe, healthy, and protected from, “disaster and conflict and traverse the life cycle: pre-natal care for healthy births, clean water and sanitation, health care and education” (UNICEF, 2011).

UNICEF is of interest to me because the organization is solid in their beliefs and ethics. The organization has been around for 70+ years. You cannot have historical longevity for that long and not be morally and professionally grounded. UNICEF does not pick and choose a certain culture or class of children to work with. ALL children are included because the organization recognizes that there are no boundaries when it comes to supporting the healthy development of our children. UNICEF leads by example in the support and development that children should be given the same opportunities in life regardless of their race, culture, creed, or religious affiliation (or the lack of either).

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH UNICEF:

Consultancy Assignment: Communication – Media Early Childhood Development

Position Title: Communication Specialist: Media – Early Childhood Development
Equivalent Level: P-3 (SSA)
Location: New York, Headquarters
Duration: 11.5 months
Reporting to: Chief of Media Section at the Division of Communication
Organizational Unit: Division of Communication

Background
A qualified media specialist is needed to support the work of UNICEF’s early childhood development advocacy and communication priorities.

UNICEF plans to initiate a platform for launching a public engagement campaign for early childhood development that is based on neuroscience and investment evidence. The objective of the campaign is to create awareness about the importance of early childhood development among key stakeholders and partners; establish advocacy opportunities for leveraging resources and policy attention to Early Childhood Development (ECD); provide tools and options for decision-makers and planners to integrate ECD into mainstream development and humanitarian agenda – to ensure sustainability.

Scope of Work
The consultant will work closely with colleagues in the media section and other DOC sections, and Early Childhood Development team in Programme Division. And when appropriate, with UNICEF regional and country offices, donors, and partners. S/he will support the development and implementation of media and communication strategies and plans around ECD; and support on media activities on other programme areas which support UNICEF’s ECD work including health, nutrition, education, social inclusion, WASH, HIV and child protection.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement a media strategy and activities to increase awareness of the evidence on ECD across broadcast, radio, print and online media.
2. Work closely and network with relevant external media partners to establish UNICEF as knowledge leader in ECD.
3. Undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• At least eight years of professional experience in media relations and communications, at least three of which should be in an international setting.
• Knowledge of international media and understanding of print, broadcast and online media operations.
• Solid understanding of development issues, world affairs and current events. Familiarity with Early Childhood Development and knowledge of the development of the brain during the early years of life are highly desirable.
• Track record in implementing media strategies, networking, and developing media materials in a deadline driven and target audience way;
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and preferably another UN language.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to quickly and easily liaise with multiple stakeholders, including those in the programmatic area to prepare strategic communications materials.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and work under tight deadlines.

2. Save the Children. http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.B143/Official_USA_Site.htm?msource=wexmshomb615&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ms-branded.

Save the Children is very similar to UNICEF in the fact they are also dedicated to saving the children. They are dedicated to making sure that children all around the United States are given a healthy start, beginning at their childhood. “By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours” (Save the Children, 2011).

Save the Children is a new program of interest for me. I am firm believer that children are our future. Because of that, we are responsible for what and who they become in their adult lives. In order to make sure that children are given the opportunity to fulfill the requirements of society will need and have in the future; we must come together in order to change the dynamics of, not only their future; but ours as well. I am also intrigued with ‘Save the Children’ because they give you so many choices to assist and be an advocate within the organization. You can obtain a membership, you are can make donations, start a fundraiser, run a race, become a strategic partner, or sponsor a child of your own. This gives others the opportunity to get involved at whatever level works for them. I believe that giving people choices can increase the number of participants that you can effectively reach and receive benefit from. Limiting the choices of how one participates may limit the amount of participation.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH SAVE THE CHILDREN:

Deputy Chief of Party, Education program in Somalia

Location: Kenya – Nairobi

Division: International Programs

Summary

Save the Children is preparing for the anticipated USAID-funded education project in Somalia. This new activity seeks to increase equitable access to education for marginalized populations and also to enhance education authorities' abilities to manage and lead the education sector in Somalia. This procurement is expected to be a five-year contract in the $50-$75-million USD range.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief of Party will be responsible for the technical oversight of the project and is specifically responsible for project implementation that relates to National, Regional states and community level service delivery. The DCOP reports directly to the COP and will take a leadership role in ensuring technical implementation and ensure the project meets stated goals and reporting requirements. S/he will coordinate with other technical leads of key stakeholders, other USG implementing partners, and GOS, particularly at the Regional state level. S/he should be knowledgeable of the dynamics of fragile states and conflict sensitive programing and project implementation and consortium service delivery approaches. S/he will assume the responsibilities of the COP in the absence of the COP.

The DCOP will be responsible for leading and overseeing the development and delivery of a high quality, innovative, cost effective and sustainable Education programme resulting in immediate and lasting change for children and build the capacity of the duty bearers. S/he will be responsible for provide technical leadership to the programme, documentation and dissemination of innovation and good practices and establishing, maintaining and expanding partner relations for the sector. This includes providing technical and program oversight in the design and day-to-day management of implementation to increase the demand for quality priority education services and community engagement activities. S/he will also ensure the technical and methodological soundness of activities and, in collaboration with the project team and partners, support the design of service delivery strategies, based on sound and up to date evidences. S/He will be based in Mogadishu but with frequent (approx. 50% travel) to the regional states in FGS and Somaliland. This position is contingent on the issuance of USAID funding and the selection of applicants is subject to USAID approval.

Required Background and Experience, Skills and Behaviors

· Master’s Degree in education or related field in social science is a requirement.

· Minimum of seven years’ experience with progressively increasing responsibility in managing and implementing complex Education and capacity building programming in fragile states with projects of similar size and scope.

· At least five years of proven experience in managing and supervising a technical team and in project design.

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives, for-profit private sector entities, local community organizations, donors, consortium members and other stakeholders, at national and sub-national levels.

· Demonstrated hands-on experience in building Ministry of Education and devolved structures capacity in developing and realizing education strategic plans to provide quality Education services

· Demonstrated experience of supervising and mentoring technical staff

· Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the dynamics in Somalia Education system

· Familiarity with USAID or other USG administrative, management and reporting procedures and systems

· Proven track record managing a project team composed of several technical experts and fostering team work

· Strong management skills, leadership qualities, professional reputation, ability to create synergies where applicable, interpersonal skills, and written and oral presentation skills to fulfill the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the project description.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (professional level proficiency) and Somali language is mandatory

· Qualified Somali nationals are encouraged to apply

3. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

”UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. The Organization focuses, in particular, on two global priorities: Africa and Gender Equality” (UNESCO, 2011).

UNESCO embodies protection and prevention of poverty, the contribution towards a peaceful society, and effective communication amongst cultures. These are all areas of concentration that embellish my passion in the early childhood education profession. I am an advocate for effective communication skills. I believe that it is the key to empowering the fortunate and the less fortunate children of the world.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH UNESCO:

COMMUNICATION& KNOWLEDGE MGMT SPECIALIST

Domain : Education

Post Number : ED 492

Grade : P-3

Organizational Unit: EDUCATION SECTOR

Primary Location: FR-Paris

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Type of contract: Fixed Term

Salary: 74 091 EUROS (Annual Salary)

Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): June 27, 2016

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), the overall guidance of the Director of Executive Office and the direct supervision of the Chief of Knowledge Management Services (KMS), the incumbent will be responsible for planning and implementing a strategy to drive online advocacy and engagement on the Education Sector Portal and other digital platforms in a multi-lingual context. More specifically, the incumbent will assist the Chief of the Knowledge Management Services in the execution of the following tasks:

Produce highly engaging editorial and multimedia content across the Education Sector Portal and digital platforms in line with UNESCO’s graphic design and editorial style, including the overall supervision of thematic websites and the development of trans-media stories in support of UNESCO’s Education Programme agenda and campaigns.
Prepare and implement communication strategies including social media campaigns intended to support and promote large events, initiatives and Programme priorities.
Perform quality assurance of all English publications, documents and information materials produced by the Education Sector, encompassing editing, proof-reading and maintaining relations with concerned staff, other Sectors and Central Services.
Coordinate the Education Sector’s engagement with communication focal points internally as well as externally among key constituencies in order to leverage existing content and coordinate communication strategies developed around large events, initiatives and corporate education priorities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of communication, journalism or social media management. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of communication, journalism or editing, including developing content for a knowledge-driven website, of which at least 2 years aquired at the international level.
Proven experience in working successfully with internal and external partners on issues related to education.
Extensive experience with substantive editing and copy-editing of publications and documents.
Experience in using basic photo and video editing software such as Photoshop, InDesign and iMovie.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with social media outreach including familiarity and ease of use with mainstream social media platforms such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Skills/Competencies

Creative self-starter attitude towards undertaking tasks with a proactive, dynamic approach.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare, present and discuss findings and recommendations on issues clearly and concisely.
Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
Excellent IT Skills including knowledge of office software.
Proven experience with knowledge sharing systems including different Content Management Systems (CMS) and social media platforms.

Languages

Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and good knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills/Competencies

Experience with collaborative tools such as Sharepoint, Drupal, Yammer and blogs.
Experience with monitoring tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, etc.

Languages