Who we are

The National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC) was initiated by a group of NGOs and set-up in 2011 with the role to promote and emphasise the crucial components of effective early childhood intervention. The National Council acts as a forum to discuss, advocate, monitor and review all policies and actions related to children with disabilities.

Besides our main activity which is the biennial national conference, we are constantly engaging in dialogues with groups such as UNICEF, Child Rights Coalition of Malaysia (CRCM), SUHAKAM and government agencies such as PEMANDU, Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Jabatan Kebajikan Kebajikan (JKM).

Our history

In 2003, John Foster, the CEO of Noah’s Ark Victoria Australia (a leading early childhood intervention service provider) visited Malaysia and this led to the development of a staff exchange program between Malaysia and Australia in the field of early childhood intervention.

This exchange involves Australia sending one or two professionals over to conduct training workshops in various locations for a duration of 2-3 weeks. And in 2004, our first 2 candidates from Malaysia (Asia Community Service and Malaysia Care) were hosted by Noah’s Ark for over three weeks in Victoria. They visited 13 centres and attended the 24th OMEP World Organisation for Early Childhood Education) Conference and the 6th Biennial National Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA) Conference.

The idea of gathering interested people together to discuss early childhood intervention issues in Malaysia was then mooted in 2005 by a group of seven NGO service providers in this field. They were Asia Community Service, Bethany Home, JJ Resources, Malaysian Care, New Horizons Society, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Kajang and Wings Melaka, The Early Childhood Intervention Symposium was held at the Grand Bluewave Hotel in Shah Alam from 12th -14th August 2005 and attended by over 100 participants.

This has led to several national conferences being held in Penang (2006), Kota Kinabalu (2008), Melaka (2010) and Sibu(2012).The NECI Conferences seem to have good stream of followers basing on the number of participants. In order to provide direction and consistency for future conferences, it was felt that a national council should seriously be established. The role of the National Council would be to advocate on early childhood intervention matters arising from the conferences and also provide a voice on current issues. A pro tem committee consisting of representatives from various states was set-up to look into the constitutional and the formal registration of this National Council.

Vacancy

PROJECT OFFICER (Early Childhood Intervention)
We are seeking for a dynamic and energetic individual:

* Who enjoys working with persons with special needs and their families
* Who understands the importance of early childhood intervention
* Who believes in advocating for positive changes

JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Project Officer (full time)
Summary of position: This appointment will carry the designation of ‘Project Officer’ who shall report to the Executive Officer / Council Members for all matters.  The main task is to help with the promoting the NECIC and its objectives and to provide co-ordination support to on-going projects.

Tasks, Roles & Responsibilities:

• To act as a liaison officer and represent NECIC at meetings with various stakeholders such as government agencies, NGOs, families etc.
• To liaise with universities and institutions on relevant research projects.
• To create positive awareness and advocate by writing documents and press releases.
• To lead and drive projects where appropriate in terms of planning and implementation.
• To manage project social media sites where relevant.
• To undertake activities and special assignments, support on-going projects, track project milestones and prepare status reports.
• To assist in special projects (including fund raising), ad-hoc functions and other related duties as and when required.
• Involvement in organising workshops and assist in our biennial conference.

Requirements:

• Masters or Bachelor Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Sciences or Mass Communications or related experience
• Good inter-communication skills with people of various backgrounds
• Strong written and spoken English and Bahasa Malaysia
• A team player with positive attitude and a passion for people and culture
• Enjoys field work and willing to work flexi hours and weekends
• Savvy social media and computer skills
• Can be home-based but must be prepared to travel; preferably in Klang Valley

Salary: To commensurate with relevant working experience.  Interested candidates please e-mail cv with expected salary to [email protected].

National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC)