Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The first international organization that I researched was the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This organization was formed to promote policies that will improve economic and social well-being of people around the world. According to OECD (n.d.) we compare how different countries' school systems are readying their young children for modern life. I chose this organization because I will be able to interact with other international organizations across the world while making a difference. The research will be exciting and I will learn best practice from others. The job that I would apply for would be the Thomas J. Alexander fellowship which is a one year fellowship program. If I received this job, I would have to relocate to Paris. I would analyze policy issues related to education and collaborate  with others in organizing conferences and workshops. I would need an advance university degree in education, psychology, social sciences, economics, or a related field. I would also need to learn how to speak French. The job description for this position encourages fellows who have a doctoral degree and familiar with quantitative research methods and has published work in a scientific journal to apply. 

I researched the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This organization interests me because it "works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values" (UNESO, 2011). This organization focuses on two different global priorities; Africa and gender equality. I have a contact in Africa, Eric Atmore, who is an Associate Professor in South Africa. He has published many articles concerning early childhood education and poverty. The job I found working for UNESCO is Education Roster. This position also requires an advance university degree and a knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. The job description states that this position requires consultants who are recognized specialists or authorities working in an advisory or consultative capacity. The site lists many different fields that a person could work in and I would choose to work with cultural and linguistic diversity in education and early childhood care and education. This position asks that all applicants have a relevant professional experience at the national, regional, or international level.

A third organization I researched was the International Step By Step Association (ISSA). This organization began in 1994 and is an early childhood reform initiative in fifteen countries in Central Europe and Eurasia. The goal is to improve the lives of young children and families through a learning community active in national and regional reform programs. According to Klaus & Ghent (2014) since its establishment ISSA has developed a number of pedagogical tools and guides designed for teachers and other early childhood stakeholders emphasizing inclusion, diversity, and the values required in open, democratic societies. I would love to be able to develop curriculum for these young children and expanding the program as far as we can go. 


Klaus, S., & Ghent, L. (2014). First steps: A brief history of the step by step program. Retrieved from, http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/first-steps-brief-history-step-step-program  

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (n.d.) Retrieved from, http://www.oecd.org/home/0.2987_201185_1_1_1_1_1.00.html

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Retrieved from, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/