Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The International Step by Step Association (ISSA), not only promotes open society values in education,  but  advocates for equal access to quality education for all children, strong family involvement, and community support in ensuring all children reach their full potential.   This organization works at uniting   individuals and organizations into a powerful network in order to foster democratic principles and promote parent and community involvement in early childhood education.  ISSA’s foundation is built on the belief that children learn best when they are active participants of their learning processes and that parents are their primary educators; therefore, must strongly advocate for parent involvement.  

Although I could not find a listing of job s or volunteer opportunities, I did find an area where I can become a member of this prestigious global organization.  However, if I had a choice, I would love to be a Program Coordinator so that I can go to various programs and help set up child-centered enriching environments to foster healthy development.  In order to be considered for this position I would need to passionate as well as committed to meeting the needs of individual children and their families have great communication skills, ability to facilitate diverse groups, open-minded and respectful of other people’s opinion and suggestions, supportive, and knowledge and experience in age appropriate practices.

Save the Children serves over 120 nations by helping impoverished marginalized and vulnerable children and their families, caregivers, community members and various organizations.  Save the Children’s advocates for saving the lives of children by protecting them from exploitation and assist them with gaining access to education and health benefits.  Save the Children also provide relief support to millions of children who are affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and ethnic violence.

Currently, Save the Children is looking for volunteers in Westport, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. areas to advocate, educate, and conduct fundraisers.  The international organization is looking for individuals who are interested in making a positive difference in the lives of children globally.  I think that I would be interested in volunteering in the Emergency Education field.   Interested applicants must be committed to empowering at risk children and their families, have great communication skills, ability to facilitate diverse groups, degree in education or at least five years of experience, experience in coordinating and chairing meetings, knowledge and experience in humanitarian response, excellent advocacy skills, and excellent writing and verbal English skills.

United Nations Children’s Fund:

I chose UNICEF because they advocate for children’s rights by helping to meet their basic needs and expanding their opportunities to reach their full potential.  They come to the aid of many at risk children during emergency situations such as war, disasters, extreme poverty, violence and exploitation, and disabilities. UNICEF is there to relieve the children and their families of pain and suffering; thus, striving to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behavior towards children.

UNICEF currently has a vacancy as a Junior Professional Programmer. This position provides experience working in international development cooperation activities with senior leaders of UNICEF, while contributing to the implementation of the organization’s country program. To be considered for this position one must be a citizen of the respective state, be between 28 – 32 years old, have at least a Bachelor’s degree, two years relevant experience, computer literate, ability to demonstrate a keen interest in the work of UNICEF’s mission, and have the ability to effectively communicate and interact with a diverse group of individuals.  The applicant must also be fluent in English and another United Nations’ language, i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian.

References

International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/nternational Step by Step Association