EXPLORING JOBS/ROLES IN THE INTERNATIONAL ECE COMMUNITY

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

http://www.unicef.org/

"People in every country, every culture, every religion are working to ensure that each of the world's 2.2 billion children realize their rights to survival, health, an education, a caring family environment, play, their culture, protection from exploitation and abuse of all kinds, to have his or her voice heard, and opinions taken into account" (UNICEF, "For Every Child," 2010).

UNICEF fights for the basic human rights of all children around the world.  They are active in over 190 countries and territories working to uphold the Convention of the Rights of the Child.  UNICEF takes a life-cycle approach which recognizes that by helping children they are helping families and communities as well as securing a stronger and healthier future for the lives of children.  This organization is committed to the well-being of every child.

UNICEF provides multiple opportunities to be a short-term consultant for various projects.  One such role includes Consultancy assignment: Communication Consultant-Early Childhood Development (ECD) (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_81424.html).  

Desired skills and experience: 

• Advanced university degree in communication, journalism, social sciences, early childhood development or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience developing and implementing communication and public advocacy strategies.
• Excellent networking and communication skills.
• Proven experience with social media strategies and outreach.
• Excellent understanding and knowledge of UN and UNICEF priorities and work in early childhood development.
• Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills.
• Experience in website design, development and content management. Experience working on multi-lingual websites and international web issues a plus.
• Excellent English writing and editing skills; knowledge of another UN language, preferably French and/or Spanish a plus.
• Preferred graphic and web design skills: Advanced knowledge of web design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and ImageReady. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, including source code editing, image optimization, and FTP; Dreamweaver and Adobe Acrobat/Distiller.
• Experience with UNICEF implementation of RedDot CMS, Wordpress and other current trends in technology.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, neuroscience, and organizations involved in this programme area a plus.

Save the Children

http://www.savethechildren.org/

Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. By transforming children's lives now, we change the course of their future and ours. -www.savethechildren.org, 2015

One of hundreds of career opportunities include Early Childhood Program Specialist.  "The Program Specialist is the on-the-ground Save the Children staff member providing training, technical assistance, and management support to program partners to ensure quality program implementation and results for children" (www.savethechildren.org, 2015).  This position requires a bachelors in Early Childhood Development and recommends a masters degree.  They are looking for a person that has experience as a trainer, mentor, or coach.  This person should also have experience working with home visiting programs, rural communities with limited resources, and families with economic hardships.  This person has the most contact with program partners and therefore should have excellent communication and collaboration skills.

FHI 360

http://www.fhi360.org/

FHI 360 works to provide the opportunity for individuals and communities to reach their highest potential.  They provide longer lasting solutions by using locally driven solutions for human development.  This means that they evaluate the specific needs of a community in order to create solutions that fit with their history, culture, and needs.  When solutions are community based members become invested and utilize these solutions after outside assistance is removed.  This is ideal because the strengths of a community are used instead of only seeing the deficit.  It also empowers communities instead of "rescuing" them.

FHI 360 is looking for a Student and Family Engagement (SAFE) Officer.  "The SAFE officer will also be expected to become a vibrant member of the community, working regularly with targeted groups of students and supporting the administration, school leadership team, parents and key school staff through programs and strategies that help the school set and meet an integrated vision and goals of becoming a community school" (www.fhi360.org, 2015).  To qualify this person will need a bachelor degree and experience working with urban public schools and urban youth.  This person needs to be aware of culturally competent practices and have the ability to work with youth, families, and communities from diverse backgrounds.  Strong communication and relationship building skills are required.