EWB Long Term Fellowship
Salaama Vocational Education Center Limited
Role: Innovation and Institutional Sustainability Specialist
Partner Organization: Salaama Vocational Education Center Limited
Website: http://www.svec.ac.ug
Location: Lyantonde, Central Uganda
Start Date: Full-time Training in Toronto (accommodation provided) beginning October 1st 2017, departure for placement October 22nd 2017
Duration: 3 weeks of training in Toronto, 12 months in Uganda
Engineers Without Borders Canada (EWB) is a Canadian NGO that invests in people and social ventures to create a thriving and sustainable world. Bolstered by its network of 36 chapters and 1,600 members, EWB provides seed funding, talent and mentorship to social enterprises throughout sub-Saharan Africa. For more information on EWB, visit http://ewb.ca.
The EWB Fellows Program
The EWB Fellows Program exists to develop a cadre of Systems Change Leaders by equipping them with the opportunities, competencies and skills needed to build a more thriving and sustainable world. Every year we recruit 25-30 outstanding people for a 12-month Fellowship, placing successful candidates in one of our early-stage Ventures located throughout sub-Saharan Africa or with our partners. This Fellowship opportunity is with Salaama Vocational Education Center in Lyantonde, Uganda
Salaama Vocational Education Center Limited
The Salaama Vocational Education Center (SVEC) is located on a 20-acre campus in Lyantonde, a town of about 70,000 people. It officially opened to its first students in 2013, following a multi-year process of consultations, design, and construction. Today, the boarding school serves 200 students across its programs. SVEC is a registered organization in Uganda, with an independent board of directors. It offers vocational training at post-secondary National Certificate and Directorate of Industrial Training Level following the Ugandan government examined curriculum in Agriculture, Automotive Mechanics, Building Construction, Woodwork Technology, Hotel and Intuitional Catering and Fashion and Garment Design.
SVEC was established to provide a meaningful vocational education for those who might not otherwise have access to high quality technical training in a student centered organization. In addition, general education, communication and life skills were integrated into the curriculum development, and new learning and teaching strategies were at the center of its design development.
SVEC seeks to revolutionize how young people in Uganda access high quality technical/vocational training in order to equip graduates with the opportunities to increase their income earning potential so they, and their families, can thrive. Students are trained by top-quality teachers in classrooms with state of the art equipment and resources.
For more information, visit: www.svec.ac.ug
About the role
We’re seeking someone innovate and establish a sustainable operational plan to transform this institutions form of technical education. In this role, you will be a catalyst in transforming the norm for youth technical education in Uganda. Your expertise will be leveraged to discover, pilot and implement micro-innovations to increase the sustainability and viability of vocational training. Success is establishing a successful model others can look as best practice.
Now in it’s 5th year of operation, SVEC is looking for a committed, hardworking and passionate individual with experience in: operational efficiency, financial accounting and management, human centered design, sustainability, entrepreneurial training/microenterprise development.
As SVEC’s Innovation and Institutional Sustainability Specialist, you will report to the Principal and Director of the SVEC. You will be charged with leading the identification and implication of key changes at the school to improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness, maximize staff performance, and increase sustainability to ensure students continue to receive exceptional quality training for years to come.
Your role will prioritize operational efficiencies, financial accountability, sustainable programs and opportunities for entrepreneurial ventures which provide a viable learning experience and income generation to ensure students continue to receive exceptional quality training for years to come.
Your impact will be in helping to set up processes and programs that build the long term viability of SVEC.
Sound exciting? Here’s who we are looking for.
Your Mandate:
- Maximize teaching and management staff effectiveness through process improvements, clear mandates, and evaluation.
- Establish a revenue model that includes a diversification of revenue sources (currently student fees and donor funds).
- Identify opportunities to reduce operating costs while maintaining the high standards of learning.
- Inspire and motivate local staff in their roles and create opportunities for staff to grow and excel beyond their mandates.
- Identify and establish relevant community, regional, national or international partnerships that align with the values and mission of the school.
- Support both the local staff and international directors to augment/expand governance systems and reinforce local participation.
Skills & Qualifications
Required
- Undergraduate degree in related field required
- 2+ years experience in a field related to community development, project management, non-profit operations, business operations or entrepreneurial initiatives
- Expertise in financial management and revenue development
- A self-starter with strong initiative and developed organisational skills
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills in English
- Stakeholder management and relationship building skills
- Software such as Quickbooks and Microsoft Project
Wish List
- Experience managing a cross-cultural team
- Understanding or familiarity within a Ugandan context
- Keen interest in educational training and rural community development
Compensation
All costs relating to the placement are either paid for directly by EWB (airfare, insurance, vaccinations, trainings) or indirectly through a living stipend, which covers food, living expenses, local travel, etc. Fellows also receive an honorarium to assist with repatriation costs. The stipend covers basic living expenses for a modest lifestyle in your placement country. You should not expect to save money during this year or use the stipend to cover previous expenses (e.g. student loans).
Additionally, EWB offers a range of benefits including insurance, a settlement allowance, professional development opportunities, and more.
How to apply:
Submitting your application for the EWB Fellowship involves two steps:
Step 1: Under the subject line “Sustainability Specialist, Salaama Center”, submit your CV/Resume to [email protected]
Step 2: Complete the following online application form.
We highly encourage applicants to apply for more than one role as this is a highly competitive program. If you would like to submit your candidacy to more than one role, please fill out separate forms.
Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible. If the posting is still on our website, consider the role available.
More Information
- Job City Lyantonde
