SLSPO/CSPO – Online Knowledge Coordinator

Posted by Ian Cunningham to South Asia, 8th August 2010, 8:59am
Location: , Sri Lanka
Applications close 6th September 2010

Description     

 

Please note, the volunteer for this placement will be based in Cambodia and Sri Lanka. The Cambodia Trust works with disadvantaged disabled people to enable them to participate as equals in education, employment and community life. The Trust aims to reduce poverty and increase self-sufficiency through rehabilitation, community work, training and advocacy.

 

EWB has been working with the Cambodia Trust through their prosthetics and orthotics schools in Cambodia (CSPO) and Sri Lanka (SLSPO). Over five years EWB placements have assisted hundreds of people from various backgrounds and countries to realise their dream of becoming a professional prosthetist – orthotists (P&O). The partnership has helped build the capacity of staff to develop curriculum and teach a range of engineering related topics such as maths, mechanics and materials science. The partnership is reaching a new phase as the capacity of staff at CSPO and SLSPO has been built and they now want to share what they have learned with others.

 

The Cambodia Trust has committed to sharing resources and achievements, as part of their work with the Asian Alliance of Prosthetic & Orthotic Schools  (APOS­­­, a network of Asian P&O schools). The  APOS has formed a sub-committee to develop a web-based resource called the ASPO Repository, which is located at:

 http://www.apos-asia.org/mod/system_home/ on a Jigsaw 2.0 web server.

This online portal will enable faculty from member schools to access and share teaching materials and collaborate to develop curriculum that is culturally appropriate and is specific to the local setting.

 

The successful volunteer will build on the work the APSO Repository sub-committee has undertaken over the last four year to assist them scope, design and develop the online space. Key to the role is building the capacity of member school IT staff to maintain the website and ensure it is culturally and contextually appropriate, whilst training academic staff on how to use the website.

 

The project will require the successful candidate to spend approximately three months at SLSPO in Sri Lanka then nine months at CSPO in Cambodia. It is expected that the volunteer will continue to be available at least one hr per week to assist and mentor the local APSO website managers remotely for up to two years after the placement.    

 

In addition to working with local staff, the volunteer will collaborate with another EWB volunteer placed as the SLSPO Curriculum Development Facilitator, the EWB Curriculum Development Knowledge Hub  and previous SLSPO, CSPO volunteers. Like all EWB volunteers you will not only be an ambassador for EWB, but the key person in our relationship with SLPSO and potentially other organisations in Sri Lanka. This gives the volunteer a fantastic opportunity to take part in creating the future of EWB’s work with SLSPO, and in the region.

Timing

The role consists of three important phases beginning October 2010, including a 12 -month field secondment commencing in January 2011.

 

Phase 1: Pre-departure – October 2010

 

• Pre-departure preparation (medical, training, administrative)
• Linking with EWB project team (Australia-based) if required for the project
• Linking with a local EWB chapter to enhance your resources and support networks and create opportunities for sharing your experience with members

 

Phase 2: Field operations – January 2011 –January 2012

 

• Departure to host country and Partner Organization
• Linking with EWB Field Officers to develop appropriate ‘Learning & Change’ materials to share with EWB members and partner organizations
• Undertaking specific role within partner organisation

 

Phase 3: Post field alumni –January 2012 Onwards

 

• Assist with remote technical and functional maintenance of the Website, Mentoring Cambodia Trust IT staff. Minimum expected commitment of 1hr per week for up to 2 years
• Return to Australia to collaborate with the project team, knowledge hub and with and EWB chapter for a minimum period of 12 months
• Participate in various EWB events including the National Conference
• Participate in the development and dissemination of ‘Learning & Change’ materials within the EWB community
• Mentor future field volunteer preparing to work with the Partner Organisation

 

Criteria

Essential

• Degree level or qualification in IT, or extensive evidence of experience in the field of website, online Database development (design, creation, management and maintenance).
• Understanding of different needs and abilities of the website users across a variety of countries, educational backgrounds and IT facilities
• Flexibility to adapt to and design for different cultural working methods and communication styles.
• Good interpersonal skills and strong cultural awareness
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and methodologies in a clear, concise and easy to understand manner through electronic format.

 

Desirable

• A proactive and motivated approach to work
• Experience working in Knowledge management role
• Experience in learning or curriculum development environment
• Evidence of a participatory approach to teamwork
• Experience working in international teams, working remotely
• Experience in ‘train the trainer’ roles.
• Experience living and working in a developing country

 

Allowances

• Volunteers will receive an allowance for living and basic accommodation.
• Volunteers will be provided with airfares at the commencement and completion of the placement, plus basic travel insurance and emergency evacuation insurance.

Applications

Please complete the volunteer application form and attach a statement addressing how you meet the selection criteria. We cannot assess applications that do not address the selection criteria.

 

Applications close on 6th September 2010. Please complete and return applications to Ian Cunningham by email to:

 

i.cunningham ‘at’ ewb.org.au

 

Or to the EWB National Office, PO Box 388, South Melbourne, VICTORIA 3205

 

Please DO NOT attach CVs, references or any other documentation.

 

For more information contact Ian Cunningham at the National Office;at the email address above or on:

 Ph:+61 3 9696 9040, Fax:+61 3 9696 9034

 

Confirmation of secondment is subject to:

• Formal approval from EWB and the partner organisation.
• Procurement of visa and work permits.
• Satisfactory completion of a first aid certificate.
• Satisfactory participation in a pre-departure briefing run by EWB (in November 2010)
• A satisfactory medical examination for the applicant.
• A satisfactory criminal record check by the Australian Police for the applicant and all accompanying adults.

 

EWB adheres to statutory laws in Australia and foreign countries regarding child exploitation, child pornography and the abuse of children. We are committed to the protection of all children from all forms of harm.

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