Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Having the unique opportunity this week to explore professional job opportunities within international organizations and communities of practice have allowed for me to feel as if I can have a greater impact on the world’s children than what I had thought I could in the past. Allowing myself to take part in international organizations will not only offer me once in a lifetime opportunities, but I will in turn be making a difference in the lives of thousands of children worldwide.

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)

UNICEF is perhaps the most popular, as well as world’s largest organization seeking to protect the rights of young children (UNIFEF, 2014). This organization appeals to be because it seeks to ensure children’s rights to developments are embraced on an international level (UNIFEC, 2014). This organization never gives up on children and is constantly advocating for the rights of young children and through their success and commitment, I have been inspired to find my voice and join such a remarkable organization.  

Current Vacancy: Consultancy assignment: Strengthening data and inclusion of children with

                                disabilities in education

“UNICEF world’s leading organization working for the rights of children, seeks a consultant to undertake an assessment of the existing Education Management Information System (EMIS) in 2 UNICEF programme countries and based on the assessment to support piloting of disability inclusive EMIS in these countries, depending on agreement from the concerned Ministry of Education to proceed with the pilot. The consultant will also develop a paper making a case for investment on children with disabilities to support advocacy and action in education as well as other sectors” (UNICEF, 2014 p.1).

Skills & Qualifications;

*Advanced degree in relevant field, preferably education or social sciences.
• 15-20 years of professional experience at the national or international level in relevant field, preferably on issues around disability and education.
• Strong background in working with data, statistical analysis, monitoring and evaluation, disability measurement, EMIS.
• 2-3 major publications.
• Ability to work in international environments.
• Ability to work in a team and as a team leader.
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
• Familiarity with UNICEF’s mission

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)

            The Association for Childhood Education International (2011) is an organization which aims to bring together individuals in order to share new approaches to education, allowing for young children to reach individualized goals through education. I chose this organization because it seemed to be a model for an effective community of practice as it brings together educators from around the world in order to expand their curriculum and approaches to helping children to reach their developments. The organization seeks to ensure young children, as well as their educators feel supported and develop a passion for life-long learning, which is also a goal of mine in my professional career (AEIC, 2011).

Current Vacancy: Summer Online Research/Data Gathering Internship

            “ACEI often has internships available during the summer months, with applications being reviewed during the spring. Interns are given the opportunity to gain work experience consisting primarily of online research and data gathering that will contribute to the development of briefing papers and other types of resources. In addition to their day-to-day assignments, interns will have the opportunity to attend various meetings related to childhood education” (ACEI, 2011, p.1).

Skills & Qualifications;

“*Schedule which allows for the opportunity to attend various meetings related to childhood education for 8-12 weeks.

*Enrolled in a graduate degree program that focuses on global education issues with a particular interest in children's education.

*Interns who have had some international experience(s) working or living outside the U.S. are preferred.

*Must reside in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area during their assignment

*Must be responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation” ACEI, 2011, p.1)

           

Save the Children

Save the Children “gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When disaster strikes, we put children's needs first. We advocate for and achieve large-scale change for children. We save children's lives” (Save the Children, 2014, p.1). This organization appeals to me as they appear to be extremely proactive in helping children in any way they possibly can. I wish nothing more than for all children in the world to feel loved, provided for, and supported, and Save the Children does just that. They seek to ensure the lives and developments of all children are fostered in a way which allows for them to reach their goals in life without having to deal with extraneous variables which may hinder their achievements (Save the Children, 2014).

Current Vacancy: Fall Early Childhood Development Intern

            “The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) team seeks an intern to support its role in thought leadership. The intern will assist in coordinating the global ECCD working group and support the Senior Director in facilitating advocacy and dissemination of evidence” (Save the Children, 2014, p.1).

Skills & Qualifications;

·         Be able to organize Webinars

·         Able to help facilitate country status mapping

·         Strong documentation skills

·         Bachelors degree (with preference for Master's underway) in early childhood development, education, international development, public policy, communications or other related field

·         Possess strong written skills, solid interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team

·         Must be proficient in Microsoft Office

·         Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

·         Must be enrolled in a relevant undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate academic program

Reference

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). (2011). Internships at ACEI.

Retrieved from http://www.acei.org/about-us/internships-at-acei.html.

Save the Children. (2014). Careers. Retrieved from

https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/requisition.jsp;jsessionid=379DE7876A76D3FEA7A4A4F04B677827.NA10_primary_jvm?org=SAVETHECHILDREN&cws=5&rid=2600.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNIFEF). (2014). UNICEF: Employment. Retrieved from

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_74673.html