Project Background

Ethiopia, as the second-most populous country in Africa with nearly half of its population under 15 years of age, has great potential to lead Africa’s effort to be at the Centre of the global knowledge-economy. The current national effort to increase school enrolment, improve quality of primary and secondary education as well as the strategic expansion of higher education institutions is a critical input towards realizing that potential.

Preparing children during their early years in education is paramount to ensure that the children have enough competitiveness to enter the global market and contribute to sustained economic development and wellbeing. Thus, it is important to promoting science, technology, and innovation among Ethiopian children to inspire and cultivate their potential and interest in science and technology.  It is also important to find ways of engaging the parents, teachers, and the public at large in a way that creates national grassroots movement for science and innovation in Ethiopia.

Moreover, science and innovation should be engaging, enjoyable, and integrated with the real-life and the local contexts. For this to happen and to create a grassroots movement, the role of the media and the availability of context-sensitive out-of-school content is of paramount importance.

One way of introducing science and innovation at early age of the children is by producing programs and materials that are age appropriate and attractive to them.  Edutainment is one approach that can entertain and educate children. This approach can help to support the formal education system in the country.

To support this effort, Addis Ababa University along with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, under the direction of the Ministry of Education, took the responsibility to develop a Science and technology edutainment project that will inspire, encourage, educate, and nurture children.

General Objective

The general objective of this Science for Children project is to promote Science, technology, and innovation among Ethiopian children by producing resources and materials that inspire and cultivate their potential and interest in science and technology. The project

The Role of the Coordinator

The project coordinator will be responsible for managing the Science for Children Project and reports to the Executive Director:  

Principal responsibilities:

• Coordinate the development of science and innovation resources and information for children aged 4-12 years;

• Coordinate the production of science, technology, and innovation media programs to address the demands of young children aged 4-12 years;

• Coordinate the development of indigenous knowledge resources for science education and innovation;

• Organize national and regional science and innovation discussions and resource assessments;

• Actively engage institutions, individuals and other relevant stakeholders to contribute to innovation education and awareness-raising activities of the young generation;

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Steering Committee and the project advisors on the smooth running of the project to make sure high quality science and technology resource are available for teachers, parents and children;

• Coordinate the development of ToR for Steering committee, executive director, and each project team.

• Engage external advisors, organize periodic meetings;

• Manage Students Science summer camps  (generate ideas, develop programs, promote and execute)

• Liaise actively with stakeholders. The project is a mutli-stakeholder project and it is very important to engage actively with the stakeholders.

• Work closely with each project team to make sure there is sufficient content for production

• Engage with AAU various faculties to get appropriate content

• Develop operational protocols, production schedules …

• Ensure all project staffs are aware of ethical procedures and adhere to them.

• Carry out additional tasks as directed by the executive director.

No. required: One

Reports to: The Center Leader

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• At least a master's degree in any of the Applied Science related fields, with thesis.

• Experience engaging Students/Children in Science and Innovation.

• Experience  or role in managing an Innovation project Including children has an advantage

• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines;

• Ability to work with and lead others;

• Open to learning and feedback.

• Strong computer program literacy and knowledge.

Personal attributes

• Well Organized

• A high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to work with others, including international collaborators

• Excellent communication skills

Terms and conditions

• Hours of Work: Are governed by the laws of Ethiopia. However, the nature of the work is such that it might require working overtime and weekends.

• Holidays: Are governed by the rules of Addis Ababa University for project workers.

• Length of Contract: This is a one-year position subject to annual contract renewals.

• Probationary Period and Notice Period: There is a three-month probationary period for this role. 

How to Apply

Candidates who fulfill the above requirements should submit a short CV and a covering letter. Applicants should bring original documents and also submit non-returnable copy of all required and supportive documents. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for additional recruitment processes.

The application should be submitted to the office human resource management of Tikur Anbesa specialized hospital, College of Health Sciences Addis Ababa University new administration building first floor office room number 118, within 10 working days from the date of this vacancy announcement.