Time Well Spent

                                                  

It seems as if it was had been yesterday when I started my journey here at Walden University. I brought with me the things that I knew. However, in being presented with the many resources and interacting with my colleagues and lecturers, I found that there was a lot more knowledge in store ready to be unleashed. There are so many things that I have gained as an educator, mentor, facilitator, and mother. Some of which includes:

(a) Early experiences are key elements to children's adulthood.

(b) We belong to a diverse world wherein different perspectives are unleashed into the society.

( C ) High quality early childhood programs have the same policies, approaches but not all are followed due to socio economic stabilities.

(d) Families, stakeholders, educators should be on one accord so as to sustain children's future. This can be done by being advocate of change.

(e) Being knowledgeable about the power of community of practice for both my personal and professional development as well as the holistic development for the nation's children.

My long term goals include:

-Upholding a positive, supportive relationship with children and families as this is important during the earliest years of life.

• Educating children, families, staff members, and other stakeholders about the importance of effective leadership.
  In delving further, I want to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to all of my lecturers, colleagues, families and friends who assisted me throughout my years of this masters program. Indeed, your feed backs were very beneficiary towards my growth and development as a strong and passionate educator. Today, my knowledge has been extended and I am feeling elated to unleash all that I have gained. Once again a big thank you.
  Image that reflect my experience and learning in this program is the faces of our children.

My favourite quote is, “ Never underestimate the power of a strong black woman because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Beyond the sky is my limit.

I can be contacted via howe_lati@hotmail.com . Keep in touch with me my colleagues.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Three international organizations that appealed to me after viewing the various websites presented are:

Save the Children

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When disaster strikes, they put children's needs first. They advocate for and achieve large-scale change for children. They save children's live. They have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.9 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programs in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

One job opportunity that appealed to me is that of an Operations Team Support Manager. The roles of such career includes:

• Serves as a liaison with Save the Children members to play a key role in ensuring operations and humanitarian response are appropriately resourced - including leading on proposal writing and negotiation
• Ensuring effective administrative systems are in place and that processes and planning are closely coordinated
• Lead on the coordination of the Centre EPP and in the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal job description and vary working hours accordingly.

To obtain such position it calls for the following qualification:

Proven writing and numerical skills and experience in basic financial information systems (e.g. Excel), budget monitoring, editing of proposals and drafting of summary reports and briefing documents.

• Proven attention for detail and ability to effectively manage a high volume of data and information
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal / written communication skills in order to deal tactfully and sensitively with a wide range of people in a large organization, very often at a distance.
• Previous experience of working in a program management department in the humanitarian sector
• Previous international operations experience
• A flexible and initiative-taking attitude with the ability to manage an unpredictable workload
• Good project management skills related to the development of information products.
• Excellent computer skills including word processing, presentation and use of spread-sheets combined with the ability to develop and maintain office and management information systems.
• Highly developed communication skills.
• Experience of problem solving.
• Willingness and ability to travel abroad at short notice.

Even though I am not acquainted with such job title and is not equipped with the necessary skills I definitely like it and most of all being an advocate of change in the lives of young children.

United Nations Children's Fund

UNICEF is the world's leading advocate for children. The heart of UNICEF's work is in the field. Each country office carries out UNICEF's mission through a unique programme of cooperation developed with the host government. This five-year programme focuses on practical ways to realize the rights of children and women. Their needs are analysed in a situation report produced at the beginning of the programme cycle. Regional offices guide this work and provide technical assistance to country offices as needed.UNICEF's work is fully part of other United Nations activities in a country. 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. They believe that they can, together, advance the cause of humanity. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. One job opportunity that I am interesting in is that of a Communication for Development Specialist ( Polio Endgame)

Qualifications

Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences or public health (Sociology, Anthropology, Health Communication/Education, Public Health) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for social and behaviour change, social mobilization, participatory communication, and design research.
Eight years of relevant work experience in the development, planning and management of social development programmes, including several years based in developing countries.
Practical experience in communication research, strategic planning, and program support is an asset. Experience working with immunization and/or health programmes is an asset.
Fluency in English required. Proficiency in another UN language or a local working language of the duty station would be an asset.

Competences of Successful Candidate

as highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.
Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of  individuals across organizational departments.
Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.
Seeks and proposes opportunities for advancing UNICEF's mission.

FHI 360

FHI 360 is a non-profit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Their staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender equality, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

Their vision is a world in which all individuals and communities have the opportunity to reach their highest potential. While their mission is to improve lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development.

I am interesting in the job opportunity of a Senior Program Officer being offered in Washington.

Qualifications

Master’s degree required in International Development, International Education, or related fields;

• Minimum of 4-years experience managing international development programs;
• Minimum of 2 years managing staff;
• Experience creating, managing and monitoring budgets;
• Experience with complex procurement procedures and sub-award management of international partners;
• Familiarity with Department of State grants highly preferred;
• Demonstrated understanding of Middle Eastern cultures and knowledge of recent developments in the region;
• Experience working on women’s and/or minority issues in the Middle East highly preferred;
• Creative and strategic thinker with strong ability to anticipate challenges and generate solutions;
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, professionalism in written correspondence and report writing, excellent presentation and oral communication skills;
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Able to work independently and as a team member with consistent ability to take initiative, meet deadlines, and be flexible;
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft productivity programs;
• Language skills in Arabic and/or Kurdish are a strong plus.

References

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm

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

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