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 t
raining 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.
2. Overall purpose
and scope of the position
The two ICT Regional Officer positions are 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 challenges in the field locations; co-ordinating with
national telecoms on connectivity; and for back-stopping all technical issues
related to INS. Travelling at least 50% of the time, the positions take overall
responsibility for the effective technical running of the Instant Network
Schools programme, with each position taking responsibility for different
geographical locations.
Area
Description of Tasks
Performance Indicators
Support to programme set-up
Provide technical support to the planning and establishment of the INS
locations in schools and community hubs
· Supporting the design of the new deployments including procurement of
hardware and acting as a key contact point for Programme Managers;
· Back-stopping trouble-shooting for all equipment during and after set up
Programme Management
Supports UNHCR and VF team with the strategy, project planning, identifying
mobile technology based solutions for the specific education needs in the
location
· Support and approval given to quarterly and annual plans developed by the
Programme Managers
· Feedback and support role around the selection and deployment of education
content including to the VF team
Responsible for the oversight on the implementation of the INS programme in
accordance with approved time schedules, budgets and both UNHCR and Vodafone
Foundation guidelines and procedures
· Fortnightly meetings with VF team on technical and programming developments
and plans in each location
· Oversight of technical logs issues and escalating these to the VF team where
they cannot be solved
Monitoring and evaluation
Support all locations in the monitoring of the programme, in particular in
analysing the use of the INS equipment and technical challenges
· Monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring, evaluation and impact reports sent
to VF and internally within UNHCR as required
Resource Planning and Management
Manage the inter-agency implementation and support teams
· Monthly report and activity plan outlining activities, needs and planning of
the programme team overall
Leads and supports the work of the Coaches in the schools
· Monthly feedback on Coaches’ activities and a detailed plan on training and
support for the coming month
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
· Working with the VF team to design and deliver trainings
· Supporting Programme Managers in delivering regular on-the-job trainings to
Coaches
· Supporting other trainings and support to all stakeholders across the
programme
3. Desired Skills
and Experience
· Masters degree in ICT;
· A background in education and knowledge of educational technology will be an
advantage;
· 5 years of proven experience with various distributed ICT Systems and
Networks, preferably in a development setting;
· 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 with low bandwidth field
technologies;
· 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 (one position) and English and French (one
position). Knowledge of Somali 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.
4. 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:
Employment Modality
This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The contract will run until
December 2016 with the possibility of extension. Preference will be given to
Kenyan Nationals.
Application Deadline: 31 August 2016
Please send your CV and cover letter to the following email address:
KENRHHEA@unhcr.org