Terms of Reference Qualifications

Education Work Experience

Professional Preparation Personal Preparation

Upon Arrival Upon Return

UNRWA Employment DetailsTERMS OF REFERENCE

Supervise and coordinate work of educational teamManage budget and monitor expendituresManage project staffPromote vocational education within Palestinian communityCompile reports

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSUniversity degree in education or related field10 years management experienceEnglish languageComputer proficiencyOrganizational skills

Education

Valerie Kae Ken Present International Community Development program, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB

Apr-May 2009 CELTA Certificate - Teaching ESL, Global Village, Calgary, AB

Nov. 2008 Travel Writing Course, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB

Sept 2008 Writing for Magazines Course, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB

Jan-Apr 2007 Certificate - Web Design, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB May–Aug 2003 Studies in Adult Education Certificate, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB

Sept 1978 to Certificate (with Distinction) – Clothing Production/Pattern Cutting, London College of

June 1980 Fashion, England Jun 1980 Certificate (with Distinction) - Women’s Light Clothing Manufacture, City and Guilds of

London Institute, England

Sept 1982-Jan1983 Travel and Tourism 1, Seneca College, CFCCP, Baden-Sollingen, West Germany

Sept 1968-Jun1970 Graduated Registered Nurse, Regina Grey Nuns Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan

LANGUAGES English – fluent, French – basic, German – limited

COUNTRIES of WORK EXPERIENCE Canada, Uganda, Rwanda, Romania, Germany

Record of Work Experience (1 of 2)Valerie Kae Ken

• PRESENT Contract - Child and Family Services Authority, Calgary, Alberta- Life History Writer

• AUG 2009-OCT 2011 Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre, Calgary, Alberta - Teaching ESL (volunteer) to refugee and refugee claimants

• JUNE, 2010 Contract – (TVET) Rwanda Workforce Development Authority (WDA), Rwanda.

- Educator, Designed and delivered Professional Development Workshop Tailoring Schools, Southern Province

• 1996 TO PRESENT Over 15 years volunteer work in Africa St. Francis Family Helper Project, Nyamitanga, UgandaCFJ Padri Vjeko Centre, Kivumu, Rwanda

- Curriculum development, Educator/Consultant - Tailoring Schools

• SEPT - OCT 2003 ACCC - Association of Canadian Community Colleges, Ottawa, Ontario.Consulting position in Romania. (Small Leather Good Manufacture) –

- Designing Training Curriculum & Teaching Modules - Reviewing and approving equipment lists

Record of Work Experience (2 of 2)Valerie Kae Ken

• JULY - AUGUST 2002 ACCC - Association of Canadian Community Colleges, Ottawa, OntarioConsulting position in Romania. (Leather Clothing Manufacture)

- Designing Training Curriculum & Teaching Modules - Reviewing and approving equipment lists

• 1990 - 2002 Self-employed, SuModa Design Company, Ottawa, Ontario

- Designing and producing high end custom clothing

• OCT, 1999 - FEB, 2000 Contract - Olds Community College, Olds, Alberta- Instructor, Department of Fashion Design- Classical and Contemporary Tailoring, Draping, Sewing with

specialty fabrics, Sewing Proficiency and Basic Sewing Skills

• 1995 TO 1998 Self-employed - Market Weavers, Byward Market, Ottawa, Ontario

- Member of Co-operative - artisans designing high-end clothing

• 1996 TO 1998 Self–employed. Southex Exhibition Inc, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, ON

- designing and manufacturing high-end leather clothing & accessories

Photos from Classrooms in Rwanda..

TVET Professional Development Group 2010

Working with 1st year students...

2nd year tailoring students

Professional Preparation• Research

Exact location of employment Visa requirements, work permit, resident permit, Immigration & custom procedures Political stability of situation Physical security while on location Medical healthcare system in Syria Transport system within country Scope of TVET project Consider potential benefits versus disadvantages

• Review Terms of reference (TOR) Travel arrangements Accommodation arrangements

• Networking Relevant professional contacts in Canada & elsewhere (MEDIC – Micro-finance, Head of

International Dept.- Olds College, ICRC – contact in Geneva) Investigate relevant internet sites Join on-line forums, groups with similar expertise Connect with persons already in situ

Personal Preparation• Documents & paperwork in order

• Medical – check-up, insurance, immunization, dental, prescriptions, records

• Finances – banking arrangements, bill payments, notify credit card companies, estimate expenses

• Contingency plans – in event of emergency

• Property arrangements – rental, discontinue services

• Packing requirements - weight allowance, pre-shipped items

• Communication arrangements – mail, change of address, contact numbers

• Research – country history, politics, culture, local customs, cuisine, language, currency, cost of living, banking procedures

• Briefing - contact CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society) to connect with Arab speaking person for personal briefing

Upon Arrival• Register with proper authorities

Canadian embassy/consulate Syrian authorities

• Orientation to workplace Transport arrangements Customary work schedule Resources available Expectations Key contacts

• Accommodation concerns Assessing the neighbourhood Location of essential shopping locations Cleaning, renovation, furniture purchase as required Connecting any utilities

Upon Return• Documentation:

- Register back with Canadian authorities- Driver’s license renewal- Renewal of medical coverage, etc.

• Accommodation arrangements: - Moving stored items- Utility hook-ups

• Financial Issues- Currency exchange

- Bank account transfer

• Medical & dental check-up

• Re-connect with family & friends

• Find someone who shares a similar experience

• Continue contact with colleagues in Syria WELCOME HOME !

Additional Web-sites – Validating Work Experience - Valerie Kae Ken

• http://vjeko-rwanda.info/en/news/373-jos-jednom-sam-ponovo-u-africi.html

• http://vjeko-rwanda.info/en/news/233-dvotjedni-tecaj-usavrsavanja-za-ucitelje.html

• http://vjeko-rwanda.info/en/news/231-poklon-za-kivumu.html

• http://vjeko-rwanda.info/en/news/65-josephovo-iskustvo.html

• http://vjeko-rwanda.info/en/news/77-josipova-kuca.html

• http://vjeko-rwanda.info/en/news/21-moje-iskustvo-u-kivumu-ruanda.html