the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Trainers for training of preschool teachers on intercultural education

We are Searchers.

We are over 600 strong worldwide. We believe in our mission to end violent conflict.

It’s our purpose- our call to action.

A Searcher understands our vision of a world where:
Differences stimulate social progress, rather than precipitate violence

Respect for and cooperation with those we disagree with is considered the norm

A Searcher is a dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate individual, committed to our values.
Shared Humanity. Empathy. Impartiality. Inclusivity. Courage. Hope. Humility. Audacity.

With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, we implement projects from 55 offices in 34 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. You will be joining other highly motivated Searchers with a good team spirit and through commitment and dedication, have opportunities to grow.

Project Title: Advancing Social Cohesion Project (ASCP)

Funded by: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Implemented by: Search for Common Ground (Search)

1.Background Information

Organizational Background

Since 1994, Search for Common Ground in Macedonia has been working toward reconciliation, interethnic relations and stability in the Western Balkans. Search’s mission is to transform the way people and communities deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and towards cooperative solutions. Its projects are created to strengthen societies' capacity to deal with conflicts constructively: to understand the differences and act on the commonalities. Using innovative tools such as education, media –PSAs, TV and radio series, facilitation, training, music, theater and working at different levels of society, SFCG engages in pragmatic long-term processes of conflict transformation.

Project Summary

The project’s objective is to improve relationships among children and youth across ethnic, religious and social divisions, so the country can better withstand ethnic, social and economic shocks without resorting to violence in the future. The project is consisted of education and media component:

1. Strengthening Interethnic Interaction among children and Advancing Intercultural Education in Public Kindergartens and Primary Schools and
2. Increasing Public Awareness of Positive Ethnic Integration and Social Cohesion

Through its education component ASCP aims to strengthen interethnic interaction among children and advance multicultural education in public kindergartens and primary schools by providing training on multicultural integrated education to preschool and primary school teachers, inspectors from the State Educational Inspectorate (SEI) and the Bureau for Development of Education (BDE), and the pedagogical students who will become future preschool teachers. It will also organize workshops for parents of children from multi-ethnic preschool groups, and outreach and sport activities for students from primary schools in target municipalities.

2.Scope of the work

This assignment requires the trainers to:

• Conduct the trainings of the preschool teachers on intercultural education skills and method in 10 public kindergartens in multiethnic communities;
• Choose the training module within topics on Mozaik-model intercultural education depending of the need of kindergarten, in cooperation with the kindergarten management and ASC Project Manager;
• Develop the concept of the training(s) and teaching aids (including agenda, working methods and procedures, handouts and evaluation forms) consulting the Project Manager, kindergartens’ representatives and other experts in the project for the trainings;
• Work as team member and be part of the pool of trainers/educators for Intercultural education;
• Distribute and collect evaluation forms as well as analyze the findings; and
• Prepare and submit the final report.

Expected results of this assignment are:

• Increased capacity of the preschool teachers in planning multicultural activities;
• Increased use of relevant skills for implementing integrated intercultural education with the preschool children particularly age 3-6;
• Improved classroom climate especially with multi-ethnic children.

Location: Trainings will be performed in the kindergartens in the municipalities of Kumanovo, Skopje, Tetovo, Gostivar, Kicevo, Debar, Struga, and Radoviš.

3.Deliverables

• Training agenda;
• Presentation PPP and handouts;
• Evaluation forms;
• Training report.

4.Time-frame

The time-frame for implementation of the trainings shall be in the period of the implementation of the ASC Project.

5. Requirements

• Experience in teaching children age range 3-6 years old;
• Practice in the use of active learning methodology;
• Experience in conducting trainings, producing agendas and training materials;
• At least 3 years of teaching in interethnic groups or at least 5 years of training in the topics indicated above;
• A completed preschool education, psychology or pedagogy or a closely related subject;
• Qualification for preschool education;
• Excellent skills as communicator and facilitator.

6.Contract terms and conditions

The main contact point of the trainer shall be Skopje but mainly work in the field, in the community. Sometimes he/she will have to undertake his/her activity under emergency terms.

7.Payment for provided services

The payment for services provided by the trainer will be made upon the training report and the timesheet will be submitted and accepted by the Project Manager during the given reporting period.

Sound good? To apply, interested candidates should:

• Send a cover letter and current resumeto our employment website here.

This consultancy posting will close on November 3rd. We are looking to fill this position with the right candidate. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Please see our website www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.