Location: Athens, field-based
Status: Full-time or Part-time position, evening shifts, or a shift-schedule may be required.
Starting Date: Immediately
Duration: probation period of 3 months with possibility of extension
About Better Days
Better Days was founded in January 2016 in response to the influx of refugees in Lesvos, Greece. Our first project was the Olive Grove, an unofficial camp adjacent to Moria camp that supported the needs of thousands of people passing through Lesvos. During its first six months of operation, Better Days and its partners provided aid (medical, food, shelter, and non-food items) to approximately 70,000 people. Since Olive Grove, Better Days has implemented more than ten projects providing legal aid, recreational activities, non-formal education, counselling support, and other essential services to people on the move.
Today we focus on providing an integrated approach to education through educational and counselling services for displaced young people to enhance their opportunities for personal development, academic growth, and independence. Our educational flagship, Gekko, was selected by the 2021 5th Global Entreps Awards Committee from among 5000 candidates in 126 territories as one of the 100 Best Practices in the world for the implementation of the UN Sustainability Goals. Global jurors highlighted Gekko’s mission to improve conditions for displaced and disadvantaged children and asylum seeking people in Lesvos, combined with quality education, as unique in the world. Our new Gekko educational centre in the heart of Athens offers displaced young adults (15-24 years old) access to quality personalised education and counselling in a safe, trauma-informed, and dignified learning space.
About Gekko
Gekko was conceived by Better Days on Lesvos in May 2017 to challenge existing models of education in emergencies by integrating high-quality education with mental health and psychosocial support services in a dignified, trauma-aware environment. Gekko operations in Lesvos reached optimal capacity in 2019-20 with 915 registered students and 452 psychosocial support sessions. Due to interconnected factors including Covid-19, the fire that destroyed Moria camp, and the implementation of closed, securitised camps on the islands, we expanded our projects to mainland Greece.
Displaced young people in Athens are in need of services that lie at the heart of Gekko: trauma-aware psychosocial support integrated with high-quality, individualised education. Thus, Gekko in Athens was born. Our summer pilot program (50 students) launched in July 2023 and the full-scale project (120 students) in fall 2023. Gekko offers a safe learning environment for 15-24 year-olds who are experiencing displacement, and serves as a space where they can offload their troubles and fight for their dreams. We aim to reduce the barriers students face and pave the path to quality education and accreditation.
Working with Better Days
Better Days is a small and dynamic organisation looking to hire people who are passionate about humanitarian work, understand its risks and complexities, and are interested in investing in their role long-term. We are a quality-driven organisation determined to provide grassroots, holistic and effective solutions to support the integration and de-victimization of displaced communities in Europe, focusing on refugee education and empowerment of youth. Our colleagues come from all over the world, and our official business language is English. The ideal candidate will be inducted for two weeks and trained during the probation period. At the end of a third month’s contract, the candidate is expected to participate in Better Days’ Employee Survey and Self-Assessment, which is part of their employee evaluation.
Role Description
This is a position that requires versatility and excellent organisational and communication skills. The position aims to support Gekko’s operations, based in Athens. Specifically, the role will be contributing in the areas of teaching. This is a field-based position and the right candidate must be experienced and confident in designing and implementing a curriculum for IT classes for students with a range of skill sets and language abilities.This entails covering fundamental IT literacy all the way to accreditation levels. The candidate should proactively seek external opportunities for student development, such as additional courses, seminars, training sessions, and accreditation programs. When needed, the candidate should offer technical assistance, as they will be accountable for executing various tasks to maintain the smooth operation and suitability of IT assets, including equipment or software setup, updates, installations, and related duties.
The IT Instructor will work closely with the Head of Academics and other teaching or Gekko team members, including volunteers.
Main Responsibilities
Preparation and execution of a tailor-made IT curriculum and accompanying documentation, depending on the needs and skills of Gekko’s students. This may include basic IT literacy, G Suite, Web design, ECDL (accreditation) preparation, coding and other.
Identify external opportunities for accredited courses, seminars, skills-specific training and refer students who meet the criteria.
Monitor student attendance and progress. Report any issues to the Head of Academics and the School Counselor if needed.
Support with Gekko facility’s hardware and organisational software. When necessary, communicate with external providers to resolve issues and plan maintenance (ie telecommunication company).
Requirements
Candidates who do not meet the below criteria will not be considered.
- Eligibility to work in Greece.
- Excellent level of English.
- A degree in higher/advanced education. Qualifications in Teaching, Computer Science, Programming, Business information technology, preferred.
- Excellent knowledge of Google workspace and Microsoft 365 ecosystems.
- 2+ yrs professional experience in a relevant field.
Priority will be given to candidates with:
- Fluency in Greek, Arabic, Farsi, and French.
- Previous volunteer / humanitarian experience is preferable.
- Experienced teaching displaced people or marginalised groups and people with exceptionalities is considered an advantage
- Key characteristics: team-player, versatile, resourceful, a problem solver and a can do attitude
How to Apply
To apply, send your CV and a Cover Letter in English to [email protected], with the subject “IT Instructor application”. Candidates who attach their CVs in any language other than English will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application closing date: until the position is filled.
