Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

As I explored the international community /organizations of early childhood that appealed to me, I have chosen the following three for employment as well as roles that I would like to pursue anywhere in the world, now and in the future:
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) - This is an organization that is active in more than190 countries and territories through country programs and National Committees. They are also part of the Global Movements for Children a broad coalition dedicated to improving the life of every child (UNICEF, 2012). A part of UNICEF’s mission statement is the nurturing and caring for children who are seen as the cornerstones of human progress. Hence, UNICEF seeks to collaborate with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. They believe that in partnering with others they can advance the cause of humanity, therefore advocating for measures to give children the best start in life is one of their top priority. I am particularly interested too in the active role they take to ensure that that all children are immunized against common childhood diseases, and are well nourished, because[they believe] it is wrong for a child to suffer or die from a preventable illness (UNICEF, 2012).

As I researched the job opportunities available on the UNICEF website, the one that I am most interested in is to be an EARLY CHILDHOOD HEALTH and DEVELOPMENT EXPERT, at the Inter-sectoral Coordination Regional Office for CEECIS Geneva, Switzerland.
QUALIFICATION OR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
• Higher university degree in health, child development and/or social sciences;
• Knowledge of and expertise in the latest developments in the field of early childhood development
• A good understanding of UNICEF's Regional Leadership Agenda and home visiting systems
• Relevant experience with child and public health and child protection
• 5-10 years of relevant experience of working with the CEECIS
• Ability to work in a team and international environment
• Knowledge of computer applications, i.e. word processing, spreadsheet and data base
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of another UN language an asset
• Proven analytical and writing skills
• Previous experience working for UNICEF an asset
As I peruse the skills and qualification necessary, I know that I would have to pursue knowing more about UNICEF maybe as a volunteer to gain more experience working in an international environment and public health. I do not see this as an unattainable position seeing that I am passionate about making an impact and a lasting difference in the lives and health of children (UNICEF, n.d.).
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)- The mission of this organization is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The OECD uses its wealth of information garnered from a broad range of topic to help government foster prosperity and fight poverty through economic growth and financial stability. OECD's work is based on continued monitoring of events in member countries as well as outside OECD area, and includes regular projections of short and medium-term economic developments. The OECD Secretariat collects and analyses data, after which committees discuss policy regarding this information, the Council makes decisions, and then governments implement recommendations (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) (OECD) (n.d.)
One of the job opportunities that I found interesting from the OECD website that would facilitate traveling as well as involvement in promoting policies for the improvement of the economic and social well-being of people around the world is Programme Assistant (Job Number 09226). This job is specifically based in Paris and I would be working directly under the supervision of the Paris 21 Human Resource Officer and in close collaboration with the other assistants of the PARIS21 Secretariat.
Main Responsibilities

Programme implementation support
• Provide meeting support: circulating information, preparing briefing notes, drafting notes, identifying documents and other information which may be of use for discussion and taking notes of any follow-up action required, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Provide editorial and formatting assistance (publications, web pages); assist the PARIS21 Technical team in updating and consolidating documents, reports and web pages
• Undertake upon request small web searches on specific agencies, programs or initiatives.
• Organize web conferences with external partners as required (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) (OECD) (n.d.)

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background
• A very good secondary level of education, preferably in Business Administration, or another relevant field would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of and interest in working on development matters would be
Professional Background
• A minimum of five years’ relevant experience in administrative and/or programme assistance functions, preferably within a multicultural/ international environment.
• Very good knowledge of the administrative, budgetary and meeting’s procedures of the OECD or another International Organization, or the ability to learn and assimilate new rules and procedures quickly.

Tools
• Excellent knowledge and experience in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn a new range of software
• Good knowledge of SAP would be an asset

Languages
• An excellent written and oral command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset. (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) (OECD) (n.d)
This job is indeed an interesting one that will inspire me to sharpen my skills in learning the French language as well as more computer software.
Save the Children -This is the third organization that I have chosen. Born out of the hindsight of dedication to children its founder, Eglantyne Jebb, dedicated her life to permanently changing the way the world treats children. Since 1919, Save the Children has been fighting for children’s rights, saving their lives and providing hope for brighter futures in 120 countries. It is also interesting to note that their audited financials show that 89% of their funds are spent on programs and services for children and families in need. I am particularly interested in this organization, because their mission is to give children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm (Save the Children, 2011).

The job that piques my interest on the Save the Children Website is that of the Chief of Party "Girls Education Challenge" Programme. This position will ultimately contribute to Save the Children's learning on girls' education and education delivery in conflict-affected and fragile environments. The location of this job is Kinshasa, Congo and the required qualification and experience are as follows:
Essential criteria:
• At least 5 years experience of working in education.
• Prior experience at senior management level within fragile or conflict affected states.
• Prior experience in managing DFID funded programs.
• Prior experience in management of consortia.
• Knowledge and working experience of Child's Rights Programming approach.
• Proven skills in programme management and administration, including grants management aspects and donors' compliance.
• Experience of building, leading and developing a team of senior staff with different backgrounds and expertise.
• Skills and experience in programme monitoring review, reporting and evaluation.
• Strong skills in people management, moderation, conflict resolution and capacity-building.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically.
• Ability to lead a programme and support a team working from remote locations.
• Fluency in written and spoken French and English.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children aims, values and principles.
Desirable criteria:
• Expertise in gender issues, relating to girls' education specifically.
• Experience in protection programming.
• Working experience in other countries of the Great Lakes context in challenging and insecure areas.
• Experience in promoting children's participation in programming, design, implementation and evaluation (Save the Children. (2011).
I find this job to be very interesting. Presently, I am working in a gender facilitated school, and we have been receiving training on how to educate boys and girls differently. I know that I will need training in other areas, but I am a willing lifelong learner.

References
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from
http://www.unicef.org/
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28,

2011, from http://www.oecd.org/home/0,2987,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html

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