Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Through my capstone project I have been able to research employment opportunities all over the globe. My research has taken me to FHI360 – The Science of Improving Lives.  “FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions” (FHI360, 2014). FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

The career opportunity that interested me was the position of: Technical Advisor / Teacher Development Specialist.  This is for a five year project to:  “a) improve and expand safer education services, especially to the most disadvantaged populations; b) enhance relevance and promote learner well-being; and c) strengthen quality and management at the county and to support basic education” (FHI360, 2014). Some of the job qualifications are a Masters Degree in some type of Education, Minimum of five (5) years field management experience in Africa, and eight (8) years of experience in development programs; and experience managing and reporting on large donor-funded programs. Candidate must have experience working in post conflict regions. This is a field-based position located in Juba, South Sudan. They offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package (FHI360, 2014).  

Save the Children - Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organization for children. They work in more than 120 countries. They save children’s lives; fight for their rights; help them fulfill their potentials. Save the Children works together, with their partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treat children and achieve immediate and lasting change in children’s lives. Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, & Learning (MEAL): The Head of MEAL would work with the Field Managers to ensure that all development and emergency projects are continually monitored; lessons are documented and communicated to inform ongoing implementation and future programming. Qualifications are a Masters Degree in social sciences or development or substantial relevant professional experience; Excellent spoken and written English along with strong spoken and written French. A confident, flexible and initiative-taking attitude with the ability to work independently, to be proactive in working with others, a willingness and commitment to work long hours and/or over weekends and to visit field sites. The candidate must have experience working in West Africa (Save the Children, 2014). 

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)  - Careers through this organization are categorized in four groups. They are the professional, young professional, general service, consultant, and intern. UNESCO has two categories of Professionals, the International Professional Staff and National Professional Officers. The position that would interest me would be the International Professional. They are hired internationally and work in expert and/or managerial roles that require a significant level of technical expertise. The expertise I could bring would be my knowledge of early childhood education or administration and management which are two out of six professional categories that are hired. Qualifications are an advanced degree, fluent in English and French, Senior Level experience of 10-15 years. UNESCO is looking for competent, dynamic and flexible professionals with creative thinking, who are proactive and responsive. They require individuals with strong personal integrity, who are fair, impartial and respectful of cultural diversity (UNESCO, 2014).  

I believe these to be very interesting and challenging career opportunities. I chose them because of the passion I have for children and their families. I think there is a very vigorous hiring process because these are positions that would take you away from your home and put you in situations that may be very difficult to live in. I would be interested in working in these programs home based operations, with planning and development for world projects. The information researched showed numerous positions that are now available because of the ebola outbreak. I commend these workers who put their lives on the line for helping to make our world a better place to live.

Reference

FHI360. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.fhi360.org/

Save the Children. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.net/jobs/job-details/1553

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2014). Retrieved from http://en.unesco.org/careers/professional