Terms of Reference
 Qualifications
Education
 Work Experience
 Professional Preparation
 Personal Preparation
Upon Arrival
Upon Return
UNRWA Employment Details
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TERMS OF REFERENCE
Supervise and coordinate work of educational team
Manage budget and monitor expenditures
Manage project staff
Promote vocational education within Palestinian community
Compile reports
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
University degree in education or related field
10 years management experience
English language
Computer proficiency
Organizational skills
Education
Valerie Kae Ken
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Present
International Community Development program, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB
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Apr-May 2009
CELTA Certificate - Teaching ESL, Global Village, Calgary, AB
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Nov. 2008
Travel Writing Course, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB
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Sept 2008
Writing for Magazines Course, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB
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Jan-Apr 2007
Certificate - Web Design, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB
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May–Aug 2003
Studies in Adult Education Certificate, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB
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Sept 1978 to
June 1980
Certificate (with Distinction) – Clothing Production/Pattern Cutting, London College of
Fashion, England
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Jun 1980
Certificate (with Distinction) - Women’s Light Clothing Manufacture, City and Guilds of
London Institute, England
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Sept 1982-Jan1983 Travel and Tourism 1, Seneca College, CFCCP, Baden-Sollingen, West Germany
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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
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PRESENT
Contract - Child and Family Services Authority, Calgary, Alberta
- Life History Writer
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AUG 2009-OCT 2011
Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre, Calgary, Alberta
- Teaching ESL (volunteer) to refugee and refugee claimants
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JUNE, 2010
Contract – (TVET) Rwanda Workforce Development Authority (WDA), Rwanda.
- Educator, Designed and delivered Professional Development Workshop
Tailoring Schools, Southern Province
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1996 TO PRESENT
Over 15 years volunteer work in Africa
St. Francis Family Helper Project, Nyamitanga, Uganda
CFJ Padri Vjeko Centre, Kivumu, Rwanda
- Curriculum development, Educator/Consultant - Tailoring Schools
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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
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JULY - AUGUST 2002
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1990 - 2002
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OCT, 1999 - FEB, 2000
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1995 TO 1998
Self-employed - Market Weavers, Byward Market, Ottawa, Ontario
- Member of Co-operative - artisans designing high-end clothing
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1996 TO 1998
Self–employed. Southex Exhibition Inc, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, ON
- designing and manufacturing high-end leather clothing &
accessories
ACCC - Association of Canadian Community Colleges, Ottawa, Ontario
Consulting position in Romania. (Leather Clothing Manufacture)
- Designing Training Curriculum & Teaching Modules
- Reviewing and approving equipment lists
Self-employed, SuModa Design Company, Ottawa, Ontario
- Designing and producing high end custom clothing
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
Photos from Classrooms
in Rwanda..
Professional Preparation
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Research
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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
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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
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Documents & paperwork in order
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Medical – check-up, insurance, immunization, dental, prescriptions, records
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Finances – banking arrangements, bill payments, notify credit card companies,
estimate expenses
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Contingency plans – in event of emergency
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Property arrangements – rental, discontinue services
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Packing requirements - weight allowance, pre-shipped items
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Communication arrangements – mail, change of address, contact numbers
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Research – country history, politics, culture, local customs, cuisine, language,
currency, cost of living, banking procedures
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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
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Transport arrangements
Customary work schedule
Resources available
Expectations
Key contacts
• Accommodation concerns
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Assessing the neighbourhood
Location of essential shopping locations
Cleaning, renovation, furniture purchase as required
Connecting any utilities
Upon Return
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Documentation:
- Register back with Canadian authorities
- Driver’s license renewal
- Renewal of medical coverage, etc.
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Accommodation arrangements:
- Moving stored items
- Utility hook-ups
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Financial Issues
- Currency exchange
- Bank account transfer
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Medical & dental check-up
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Re-connect with family & friends
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Find someone who shares a similar experience
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Continue contact with colleagues in Syria
Additional
Web-sites – Validating Work Experience - Valerie Kae Ken
• http://vjeko-rwanda.info/en/news/373-jos-jednom-sam-ponovo-uafrici.html
• http://vjeko-rwanda.info/en/news/233-dvotjedni-tecajusavrsavanja-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-kivumuruanda.html