Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)—I chose this organization because I believe in its mission statement and appreciated the fact that it placed emphasis on professionals as well. The Association for Childhood International’s mission states, “Our mission is to promote and support in the global community the optimal education, development, and well-being of children, from birth through early adolescence, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society” (ACEI, 2011). As a professional in the field, I am glad to know that there are organizations that are committed in not only the healthy development of young children but also professional growth as well.

The Amala Foundation (2014) was founded in 2001 as organization committed to uniting and serving children from all parts of the world. The Amala Foundation assists those in need affected by war, abuse, neglect and extreme poverty, just to name a few (2014). I chose this organization because it was able to reach children and other individuals through summits, camps, and other humanitarian projects, which to me allowed them to reach a greater audience.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (n.d) was another organization that appealed to me. The statement that stuck out to me in connection with the UNICEF was, “We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future” (UNICEF).  This statement allowed me as a professional to see that the job I do each day is critical to young children regardless of sex, religion, ethnicity, or ability. It is organizations like the ones above that allow professionals and families a platform to advocate for early childhood education and education for all.

Job Opportunities

One job that appealed to me is an Education Cluster Coordinator-3, Bamako, Mali. I chose this job because it affords me the chance to travel, would grant me the opportunity to interact with natives of the country and make my mark on their early childhood education field. The skills needed to perform the job are as follows:

·         Advanced university degree in the combination of the selective disciplines relevant to the following areas: Education; Primary Education, Economics, Social Sciences, or a field(s) relevant to international development assistance.

·         Formal training in cluster co-ordination and/or demonstrated experience of effective high level co-ordination and chairing of meetings

·          At least 5 years of professional work experience at national and international levels in fields relevant to Education.

·          Demonstrated professional technical expertise in education in emergencies, early recovery and post-crisis transition.

·          In depth understanding of and trainings related to Education in Emergencies (INEE Minimum Standards, Cluster Coordination etc.)

·          Excellent advocacy skills particularly in relation to advocating for education provision in humanitarian crises

·          Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·          Demonstrable understanding of international humanitarian response architecture, co-ordination mechanisms, humanitarian reform and action

·          Understanding of the humanitarian funding mechanisms including (i.e. Consolidated Appeals Process, Central Emergency Response Fund and Flash Appeals)

·         Fluency in French and English. Knowledge of the local language (Bambara) an asset.

·          Experience working in the UN or other international development organization an asset.

The other organizations did not offer employment opportunities but all three organizations offered volunteer opportunities and ways to donate.

References

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI. (2011). Retrieved from https://acei.org/about-us/about-us.html

The Amala Foundation. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.amalafoundation.org/about-us/

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/