As I began researching early childhood
international organizations I realized there are so many organizations, groups,
and individuals who work diligently to improve the lives of young children, yet
we are still struggling to get the world to understand the importance early
care and education. It is a little
disturbing to me that more people know about how Miley Cyrus behaved at a
concert than they do about how important the first five years are to young
children. All the research and data is out there, now how do we reach every
home around the world?
The organizations I chose did not have job listings, with
the exception of UNICEF, however, I felt they would be organizations for which
I could see myself working.
The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is an organization dedicated to promoting the optimal
education and development of children in a changing world through various
programs and projects that align with ACEI's mission. ACEI is committed to
supporting and advocating for access to education, equity in educational
settings, quality educational content, and the child's right to education. ACEI
recognizes the significance of promoting international and intercultural
understanding through dialogue and mutual respect. Over the years, ACEI members
have acted as social change agents, involving themselves in various critical
societal issues in their efforts to ensure that children around the world are
protected, supported, and educated in ways that allow them to reach their full
potential.
I found it interesting that ACEI began as a Kindergarten
Union (IKU) in 1892, by educators concerned with the professional preparation
of kindergarten teachers. In 1931, it evolved when the National Council of
Primary Education joined with the IKU to form the Association for Childhood
Education (ACE). Finally, realizing the critical importance of advancing
childhood education throughout the world, ACE added "International"
to its name in 1946, becoming the Association for Childhood Education
International (ACEI). Today, ACEI has members in many nations, country
liaisons, and network groups.
They have a program I really liked call Love Me, Teach Me.
The purpose of this program is to promote the needs and rights of children
everywhere. The campaign is built upon four cornerstones, each contributing to
the well-being of children and related intimately to children’s needs and
rights. These four cornerstones are See Me, Hear Me, Love Me, and Teach Me, and
they apply to all children, worldwide.
I was unable to find career opportunities with ACEI,
however, they do have an internship program: Interns should be enrolled in a graduate
degree program that focuses on global education issues with a particular
interest in children's education. A focus on one specific aspect of childhood
education, such as basic education or early childhood development, is also
acceptable. Interns who have had some international experience(s) working or
living outside the U.S., are preferred.
http://www.acei.org/
UNICEF is the world's leading
children's organization and is active in more than 190 countries and
territories through country programs and National Committees. Over the last six decades, UNICEF has
cultivated policy positions on a wide range of issues that affect children.
UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every
child are realized. They have the global authority to influence
decision-makers, and a variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most
innovative ideas into reality. The organizations believes that nurturing and
caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. UNICEF was created with this purpose in mind
– to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease
and discrimination place in a child’s path.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its
workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all
national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with
disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. UNICEF’s workforce
is made up of different categories of staff reflecting various levels of
responsibilities and duties. Each category of staff has its own requirements.
There were several positions for Temporary Appointments.
None of these positions dealt directly with early childhood education and I was
unqualified for any of the jobs listed. Additionally, there were a few job
openings listed in e-recruitment section however the majority were IT positions
and one was for a Deputy Executive Director, Field Results, for which I was not
qualified. There were many Consultancy Assignments listed on the website, but
again, they were not in the realm of my skillset. I found one that peaked my interest though it does not deal with early childhood either. It is more of an inventory/transportation position (which is the field I was in before entering into the ECE field).
The position is for a Procurement Services Assistant
Under supervision and guidance of the Procurement Services Manager, the
Procurement Services Assistant is responsible for processing requests from analyses/assessment of
partner’s needs, timely and accurate processing of cost estimates and sales
orders; issuing and expediting of orders and deliveries and reporting to meet/satisfy
the needs and expectations of partners. The Procurement Services Assistant will
act as focal point for assigned Key Accounts and Key Partners as well as for
specific countries/regions as assigned.
KEY
ACCOUNTABILITIES, DUTIES & TASKS:
QUALIFICATIONS OF
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:
Education, Work Experience, Technical Competencies &
Languages:
- High
School Diploma/A Levels and technical or university courses in Business Administration
or related field
- Five years of work experience in a similar
administrative function with proficiency in use of data processing systems
·
Fluency in English
and working knowledge of another UN language is desirable
·
IT Skills and working knowledge of SAP,
Microsoft – Excel, PowerPoint and Word software
COMPETENCIES OF SUCCESSFUL
CANDIDATE:
Values and Competencies: Our
Core Values reflect attitudes and convictions that are shared across all UNICEF
staff and include diversity and inclusion, integrity and commitment. The
successful candidate must believe in the core values and have the ability to
work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for UNICEF’s
mandate. The required competencies for this particular position are:
•
Communication, (Level 1)
• Working with People, (Level 2)
•
Drive for Results, (Level 1)
• Analyzing, (Level 1)
• Learning and Researching, (Level 1)
• Planning
and Organizing, (Level 1)
• Following
Instructions and Procedures (Level 1)
ISSA is the third
organization I researched. I was delighted with all the information I was able
to glean from this site. I learned that ISSA promotes inclusive, quality care
and education experiences that create the conditions for every child to be
happy and reach his or her full potential. The organization does this through
three different pillars of action: ensuring equal access for all children;
promoting high-quality and professionalism in early years, and supporting
parents and communities to take part in their children’s development and learning.
The programs and activities implemented focus on:
1.Raising
awareness of the importance of quality care and education, through informing
the general public and influencing policies.
2.Developing
resources for practitioners working with young children.
3.Nurturing
the capacity of organizations in the network.
4.Piloting
and evaluating programs.
5.Strengthening
alliances.
I was unable to locate any job openings for this
organization. I had not known about this organization in the past and feel it
is one I will be able to use in the future. I am definitely adding it to my
list of resources.
http://www.issa.nl/
It would be an honor to work for any one of these
organizations.
