1.a Background
Since 2013, Vodafone Foundation and UNHCR have worked together on the Instant Network Schools (INS) Programme. INS aims to improve access to quality education for displaced children in refugee camps, through the use of technology and connectivity, alongside teacher training and capacity building support. An MoU has been signed between Vodafone Foundation and UNHCR for 2016-18, covering four countries across east Africa: Dadaab and Kakuma camps in Kenya; Nyarugusu camp in Tanzania; Ajuon Tok in South Sudan; and Boyabu, Mole, Inke and Goma in DRC.
1.b Concept
In each operation, the programme aims to establish Instant Network Classrooms in formal schools which are already operating in the refugee camps. Schools are selected by UNHCR along with the community and implementing partners, and cover primary, secondary and vocational training. From 2015, Community Learning Hubs were also established to serve the wider community; and in Kenya World Reader Mobile is being leveraged to give community access to eBooks on their own phones.
Both the Classrooms and the Hubs are equipped with internet connectivity, power, and equipment for use by teachers or coaches and students. An Instant Classroom Kit, comprising a laptop, projector, speakers and a local server for teachers to use, alongside tablets to encourage student interactivity, has been developed by the Vodafone Foundation and is being deployed. The Hubs will use the Kit, and will also be given eReaders which can be used by the community as part of a digital library.
Overall purpose and scope of the position
The Regional Officer position will be hired by UNHCR and reports to UNHCR Innovation’s Learn Lab Manager, with close communication with both the Programme Managers for INS in each location and upwards to the Vodafone Foundation’s Technical Co-ordinators. They are responsible for tracking and responding to technical and operating challenges in the field locations; facilitate grass-root initiatives that leverage the INS facilities; foster communication and interaction between the INS field teams and support programme M&E. Travelling at least 50% of the time, the positions take overall responsibility for the effective operational running of the Instant Network Schools programme.
Tasks will include:
Support to programme set-up: Provide programmatic and operational support to the setup and consolidation of the INS locations in schools and community hubs
Programme Management: Support UNHCR and VF team with the strategy, project planning, identifying mobile technology based solutions for the specific education needs in the location. Responsible for supporting the implementation of the INS programme in accordance with approved time schedules, budgets and both UNHCR and Vodafone Foundation guidelines and procedures.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Support all locations in the monitoring of the programme, in particular in analysing the use of the INS.
Resource Planning & Management: Manage the inter-agency implementation and support teams. Leads and supports the work of the INS Field PM in the schools.
Training and Support: Co-design and deliver high level on-the-job training to Coaches, partners and other stakeholders in using educational technology, ICT maintenance and other relevant areas. Identify and work with partners that could support the delivery of trainings (to the benefit of the INS field team or the teachers directly).
Desired Skills and Experience
Masters degree in ICT or Education;
A background in education and knowledge of educational technology will be an advantage;
5 years of proven experience with ed tech programming;
At least 3 years of providing support to geographically distant programmes and being able to manage support requests virtually as well as in person;
Experience working in harsh environments;
Excellent team work and problem solving skills;
Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitation and designing and delivering trainings;
Demonstrated experience conducting data collection for monitoring and reporting;
Solid writing skills and an understanding of project management cycle and programme management in complex emergencies;
Fluency in English and Swahili.
Knowledge of French will be an added asset.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills;
Exceptional abilities in multi-tasking effectively, managing own workload and balance competing priorities, reporting lines and deadlines;
Advanced interpersonal skills he/she must be able to relate well with others, dictate responsibilities, offer support and constructive feedback;
Must have excellent problem-solving skills. He/she must be able to adeptly and quickly solve problems as they come up;
Some experience in working with internet connectivity or in a telecommunications setting is desirable.
Core competencies
Innovation and Creativity – Generates innovative and creative solutions to problems that contribute to Organizational and inter-agency effectiveness. Tries different and novel ways of approaching work to create added value in the services provided.
Knowledge sharing – Actively develops and shares knowledge, leverages expertise to improve organizational and inter-agency effectiveness and add value within sphere of influence.
Collaboration and Influence – Encourages teamwork and cooperates with others to achieve mutually beneficial results. Gains the support of others for own ideas and initiatives, regardless of formal authority and organizational boundaries.
Critical Thinking and Judgment – Uses data, experience, and good judgment to make sound decisions and devise effective solutions to problems. Assesses and manages risk in own work.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your CV and Cover Letter detailing how you meet the criteria to KENRHHEA@unhcr.org by the 20th December 2016.
This position is open to Kenyan Nationals.