Jobs/Roles In ECE Community: Internationally

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:

·         Performs all procurement services activities in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, Supply Division Manual and other applicable procurement procedures.

·         Manage and monitor Key Accounts and Projects for assigned partners, under the guidance of the Procurement Services Manager and Officer and in line with procedure requirements.

·         Analyse requests, identify and address any potential operational risks, and communicate with partners, country offices and SD centres to ensure the clarity of specifications, appropriateness, delivery requirements and delivery dates.

·         Prepares cost estimates for warehouse items, including freight quotes in collaboration with business units and shipping unit.

·         Prepares sales orders for warehouse items and monitors and follows up on progress of sales orders to ensure that commitments entered into when preparing the cost estimates are met and transmits all relevant information to partner.

·         Ensures budgetary limits of the sales orders are respected.

·         Prepares and provides timely and regular status / monitoring reports as well as ad hoc reporting requirements to partners and other offices in UNICEF.

·         Closing of transaction files, ensuring adequacy and completeness of information in accordance with guidelines.

·         Ensures good communication and support to partners throughout the whole procurement process.

·         Provide inputs to the discussions and analysis on PS operational improvements.

·         Support key accounts and key partners to ensure timely response to queries and follow up on ongoing issues as required.

·         Other duties as may be required.

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)

http://www.unicef.org/

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.