The following three posts at the University of Makeni are being publicised on our website in conjunction with VMM who are in partnership with the University. The posts are Lecture in Science Education, IT Administrator and Research Co-ordinator:
| Background of VMM
VMM’s aim is to build the capacity of local development organizations’ through strategic partnership in terms of the provision of skilled human resources, counterpart mentoring and project resource support. Established in 1969, VMM has built strategic partnerships in over 25 countries and provided over 2,500 specialist personnel, access and provision of training courses for local personnel and access to project specific funding in line with agreed Partner Plans. VMM undertakes its development under the principles of integral human development and dignity and respect for all. |
Background of University of Makeni
The University of Makeni was founded in October 2005. It admits students from all creeds and beliefs. It is located in Northern Sierra Leone and is a private university managed and funded by the Catholic Church through the Diocese of Makeni. The university has two colleges, Fatima College and St Joseph’s College. Each occupies its own campus close to Makeni town, a town of around 80,000 and the headquarters of Bombali district.
The University started as the Fatima Institute in 2006, and became the first private university in Sierra Leone in 2009. The activities of the institute are centered on the following:
Educational networking: to attract quality graduates in the fields of Social Sciences, Philosophy/Divinity, Special Education and Agriculture.
Training and capacity building geared towards improving civil society organisations that are dedicated to improving the social, political, economic and religious condition of the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.
Research and development: conducting social research, build and nurture scientific networks through collaboration with other institutions and organisations.
The university also plans to introduce courses in Agriculture, science and science education, health sciences, and engineering in the near future. As well as its teaching function the university has a well developed community outreach programme in mental health, good governance training for local counsellors and other community posts.
1. Role Title
Lecturer in Science Education *
Location
Makeni, Sierra Leone
Duration of Assignment
Two Years
Duties
Job Description
There is a need to improve science education at all levels in Sierra Leone in order begin to implement social and economic development. Secondary school science education is of poor quality and at the end of senior secondary school few students have achieved the necessary grades in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to qualify for entrance to university.
The University of Makeni plans to introduce science and science education courses to address these problems and as a first step has started one year remedial courses aimed at tutoring students to enable them to resit the WASSCE exams and gain the required grades to gain entrance to university. This post is designed to improve the quality of science teaching on the remedial course, focusing in particular on practical science skills.
Main Responsibilities
1) Teach two or more of maths, physics, chemistry, biology subjects to students on the remedial programme of UNIMAK (this is a repeat year for students failing to get high enough grades in West African Senior School Certificate Examination for university entrance)
2) Teach on the Bachelor of Education and Post-graduate Certificate in Education as required. Subjects dependent on skills and experience of the VM
3) Provide expertise in equipping and organising the science lab(s) as they are built.
4) Provide staff development activities in the area of active participatory teaching and learning and practical skills in secondary school science.
5) Work as part of the team of staff in UNIMAK Department of Education/ Science and with Unimak partners, to draw up a modular programme of science and science education at undergraduate level
Qualifications Required
- Third Level Degree in Science or Maths
- Relevant Secondary School Teaching qualification
Qualifications Desired
- Masters degree or Ph.D. in Science Education
Skills Required
- Significant experience of teaching Practical Science and/ or Maths in secondary schools
- Fluency in English
Skills Desired
- Ability to work with colleagues to develop their skills in active teaching and practical science.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Teaching experience in development countries
Closing Date
No closing date has been set for this role. Applications are considered on a first come first serve basis. For further inquiries please contact your nearest Regional Office or apply online
* Personnel appointed to this post will be vetted in accordance with the VMM Child Safeguarding Policy
- Role Title
IT Administrator*
Location
Makeni, Sierra Leone
Duration of Assignment
One Year
Duties
Job Description
1) Oversee and coordinate all aspects of IT in UNIMAK administration and facilities for academic staff and students
2) Participate in senior management meetings to provide input on IT needs and developments
3) Provide expertise and advice on upgrading of systems as the university expands
4) Oversee staff development activities in the area of IT to ensure staff that can make efficient use of all IT facilities available
5) Put in place systems for secure use of the IT network including the databases.
6) Responsible for overseeing all existing databases and advising on necessary upgrading and training as identified
7) Work alongside local counterpart staff member to mentor and develop their skill set to enable them to be able take over the role by the end of the two year assignment
Qualifications Required
- Relevant Advanced Third Level qualification in IT/Computer Science
Skills Required
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Ability to be proactive in foreseeing and avoiding problems.
- Self motivated able to take initiatives to deal with difficulties
- Fluency in English.
Skills Desired
- Significant experience in developing and maintaining IT systems for an educational or commercial institution
Closing Date
No closing date has been set for this role. Applications are considered on a first come first serve basis. For further inquiries please contact your nearest Regional Office or apply online
* Personnel appointed to this post will be vetted in accordance with the VMM Child Safeguarding Policy
3. Role Title
Research Co-ordinator*
Location
University of Makeni Fatima College, Makeni, Sierra Leone
Duration of Assignment
Two Years
Duties
Job Description
The University hopes to develop a strong research programme over the next five years. This post focuses on the task of developing and supporting a strong research programme relevant to the needs of the country.
1) Develop a research centre at Unimak to coordinate and stimulate a culture of research within the institution
2) Participate in senior management activities aimed at developing the university
3) Provide staff development activities in the area of research skills- project design and implementation, project bids, publications
4) Develop a programme of research
5) Be responsible for developing Unimak research journal and support both staff and students to contribute
6) Draw up an annual programme of research seminars using both Unimak and workers from other institutions in Sierra Leone, Africa, and other continents to participate
7) Work in partnership with an identified member of Unimak staff to skill share and mentor so that they may take over the post before the end of the two year placement of the VMM personnel
8) Work with heads of department to support research activities of departmental academic staff
Qualifications Required
- Masters and/or Ph.D from an accredited third level institution.
Qualifications Desired
- Ph.D from an accredited third level institution
Skills Required
- Significant experience of designing and carrying out research projects.
- Good record of publications in academic journals.
- Fluency English
Skills Desired
- Experience of successfully bidding for research funds
- Previous work experience in universities in developing countries
Closing Date
No closing date has been set for this role. Applications are considered on a first come first serve basis. For further inquiries please contact your nearest Regional Office or apply online
* Personnel appointed to this post will be vetted in accordance with the VMM Child Safeguarding Policy