Technical Trainer Job Vacancy at Peace Corps in Uganda

Job Title: Technical Trainer-Secondary Science Education

Announcement Date:   September 19, 2012
Closing Date:   September 26, 2012 at 5:00 PM
Position Classification:    Short term Services Contract

The Peace Corps is an agency of the United States Government, which sends American Volunteer development workers to assist in capacity building and technical assistance activities in over 70 countries worldwide.  Peace Corps Uganda will be conducting training in November 2012 and invites applicants for the position listed above which is based in Kampala, Uganda and may require travel to different parts of Uganda.

Basic Function of Position:
This position provides support to the Peace Corps Programming and Training Team in the area of pre-service technical training to 26 American Peace Corps Trainees (PCT) who will teach science (Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in Ugandan Secondary schools. The Technical Trainer Secondary Education collaborates closely with all members of the Programming and Training Team. The technical training is in two parts – intensive full days of training at a School -“School Based Training” (SBT) and partial days in small clusters that accompany language and cross-cultural training in different parts of Uganda, known as “Community Based Training” (CBT). SBT will also involve Ugandan teacher mentors and the CBT will involve American teachers experienced in teaching in Ugandan classrooms.

Contract Days and Period:
The Contract will be for approximately 43 days for full time service during November and December and a few days in January 2013.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Deliverable No.1: Activity Plan for Secondary School Based Training (SBT) and Satellite Community Based Training (CBT) (approximately 15% of the time)

• Identify topics and activities in line with the Ugandan Curriculum and the Peace Corps agreed- upon topics for the specific subjects to be covered for each of the classes during SBT.
• Arrange the selected topics and activities in logical sequence and develop a teaching time table for each of the classes to be taught during SBT.
• Teach, mentor, and coordinate activities and assignments in logical sequence for trainees during SBT and CBT to enhance technical training consistent with Ugandan secondary curriculum.

Deliverable No.2: Six lesson plans per PCT, PCT instructional materials, 4 model lesson, 2 lessons observed per PCT, technical assignments, lesson notes  (approximately 50% of the time)
• Train PCTs on how to scheme, plan for and evaluate lessons through discussion and practical demonstration.
• Train PCTs on how to make instructional materials from locally available materials through demonstration and facilitating sessions.
• Train PCTs on how to teach science in Ugandan Secondary schools through modeling Ugandan science lesson teaching among others. Improve PCT teaching proficiency and lesson delivery by attending and observing PCT lessons and giving constructive feedback.
•  Assess PCT technical competencies through designing, giving and assessing technical assignments and provide feedback during face to face and distance learning during the CBT period.
• Share with the trainees strategies of teaching and managing large classes in limited “resource” environment.
• Train PCTs on how to make and give good quality lesson notes to Ugandan students.
• Design, provide and assess additional PCT technical assignments.

Deliverable No.3: PCT assignments assessed and report (approximately 10% of the time)
• Review trainee work assignments such as lessons plans, schemes of work s and provide constructive feedback during face to face and distance learning.
• Prepare subject specific technical trainer’s reports at designated intervals.

Deliverable No.4:  Trainee Volunteer Support (approximately 15% of the time)
• Provide PCTs technical advice and emotional support to enhance their teaching proficiency in Uganda and community integration through one on one and small group discussion, remedial lessons.
• Provide up to date information and data on Ugandan education policies, the education system in Uganda, and relevant subject specific insights, tips, textbooks and reference materials.

Deliverable No.5: Other duties and activities assigned (approximately 10% of the time)
Do any other duties activities as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelors of Science (hons) with Education.  Additional qualifications in education will be added advantage.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written;
• Experience: at least three years of teaching as a Registered Teacher of the Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports in Mathematics and Physics and ability to interpret their syllabi; strong demonstrated practical classroom teaching; demonstrated ability to make and use/or source for instructional materials from locally available materials to enhance teaching and learning.
• Preferred experience: more than two years of teacher training experience.
• More than two years experience in technical training and supporting education volunteers from the western world in Uganda.
• Knowledge of Ugandan Education system, participatory training techniques such as PRA, appreciative inquiry and translation of theory into practice. 
• Experience in participatory training techniques such as appreciative Inquiry and translation into practice.
• Ability to improve knowledge, skills and attitudes of secondary school students and teachers in Mathematics, Science, ICT and English.
• Experience in practical teaching methodologies that contribute to critical thinking and quality education.
• Ability to work on a regular Monday through Friday schedule with occasional evening and weekend hours when necessary.
• Good interpersonal, communication and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English and at least one Ugandan language.
• Computer knowledge of Excel and MS Word

Other requirements
Team player, positive attitude, personal integrity, strong interpersonal skills and strong interest in Uganda’s development in education sector.

Position Elements
Supervision Received: Supervised by the Program Manager for Education with daily direction provided by the Program Specialist Secondary Education. For new, difficult, or unusual tasks, the supervisor gives directions on objectives and suggested procedures.

HOW TO APPLY
1.     Please submit a letter of interest, resume and any other documentation that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above. Also, send names and contact information for three references.
2.     Attach an original copy of a reference letter from your are Local Council (LC1)
Submitted documents become the property of the Peace Corps and will not be returned.  You will be contacted ONLY if you are deemed qualified and invited for an interview.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO
applications@ug.peacecorps.gov
OR  via mail:
Administrative Officer
Peace Corps Uganda
Plot 48 Malcolm X Avenue
P. O. Box 29348
Kampala, Uganda
Clearly indicate the position applied for on the envelope.

Deadline: 26th Sept 2012