Inclusive Education Teacher, Kakuma- Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Location: Kakuma- Turkana, Kenya

Organizational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organization with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organization was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 56 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. The main services provided are in the field of education, reconciliation, livelihood activities and psychosocial support. Currently, more than 724,000 individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects. In Kenya, JRS has two projects: an urban refugee project in Nairobi focusing on Education and Livelihoods and field project in Kakuma Refugee Camp focusing on Education, Integrated psychosocial inclusive Education programme in Centres and Safe Shelters.

Key Responsibilities

The position, under the supervision of the Inclusive Education Coordinator will perform his/her duties in support of the Inclusive Education department in Kakuma. S/he will perform below tasks

• Assess learners’ abilities and learning needs of children of a whole range of abilities.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to develop individual education plans for the child in the project.
• Work with the Refugee teachers to ensure all curriculum objectives are aligned with the Education standards and the targets of JRS project plan.
• Guide teachers in adapting learning materials to learners’ needs
• Keep track of and reflect on learners’ progress
• Monitor children’s behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed
• Prepare learners for transition to the next grade or mainstream schools
• Inform parents about their children’s performance and potential problems
• Coach/mentor the refugee staff who work with children with disabilities
• Collaborate with the support staff (e.g. Psychosocial Officer, Occupational Therapist and speech therapists) to create holistic intervention plans
• Develop and facilitate a professional learning and care staff team focused on the highest attainable model quality’.
• Conduct regular observation in all five Inclusive Education and maintain records.
• Engage the Inclusive Education staff in individual and group reflective coaching to discuss observations and develop a plan to strengthen challenging areas and build on areas of strength.
• Support peer observation and learning between the Inclusive Education staff of the five centres.
• Supervise the School Meals Program in collaboration with the School Supervisor.
• Performs other, similar duties as assigned by the Inclusive Coordinator

Qualification and Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special needs Education or Diploma from an approved training institution.
• Must be computer literate
• Experience working with children with a wide range of disabilities for a minimum period of 2 years.
• At least three (1) year of professional experience in an NGO and/or international organization is an added advantage
• Excellent knowledge on current Special Needs Education policy framework in Kenya and children rights as provided for in the Kenya Children’s Act.
• Vast knowledge of learning techniques and approaches in the relevant
• Demonstrated knowledge of children developmental sequence and skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and openness to new ideas in educational practices, particularly relating to Special needs Education.
• Excellent client service skills and the ability to create partnerships with families
• Proven strength in verbal and written communication and organizational skills
• Ability to create Individualized Education Programs
• A patient, resourceful, and resilient personality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A team player with the ability to work well with others
• An enthusiastic personality
• Ability to mentor and train others.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in working with children and vulnerable communities
• Previous experience with a faith-based NGO is an added advantage

Core values and ethics

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value

Terms and Conditions

Contract is for Six Months, renewable, with an initial probationary period of Three months. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served.