STEAM Officer

Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj (KVSS)

Job Description: STEAM Officer-Futures Program

“A world where every child is safe, educated, loved”; Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj (KVSS) established in 2007, is a non-governmental, apolitical, and not for profit organization. Our mission is to change the world by empowering Nepal's children. We do this by providing quality education, a safe environment, and through inspiring others while putting the children first, strengthening families and our communities. Most at risk and disadvantaged children are provided with inclusive quality education at Kopila Valley School (KVS), one of the greenest schools in Nepal, made from the earth and nestled on a campus with a commitment to building sustainable programs. Along with lifelong gift education to the disadvantaged children, we support their family members to improve their living standards and make it sustainable through holistic programs ranging from children’s home, health and wellness through women empowerment to career guidance/counseling, and scholarships for further studies. Through community outreach programs like empowerment sessions, community information center and organic farming practices, we are extending our reach. Environmental sustainability is one of the guiding principles and a way of life whatever we do!

Futures program strives to “prepare each child as well as young adults for independence and self-sufficiency through guidance counseling, career education programming, higher education scholarships, as well as life skills workshops and transitional housing for students living at the children’s home”.

We do this with our funding partner BlinkNow Foundation and in close ties with the local government and communities.

Futures program at Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj strives to “prepare each child and young adult for independence and self-sufficiency through guidance counseling, career education programming, higher education scholarships, as well as life skills workshops and transitional housing for students living at the children’s home”. The Futures program has a diverse program which plans, develops, and implements professional and life skill workshops to provide students and alumni with the tools and life skills they need to be physically, emotionally, and financially well-adjusted and well-prepared adults.

In line with the above mentioned goals and activities, Kopila Valley is planning to develop a Makerspace for the students at Kopila Valley School. The Makerspace will be a collaborative workspace within Kopila Valley School with the separate facility for making, learning, exploring, and sharing high, low or no tech tools to strengthen, promote and engage students towards STEAM learning and innovative initiatives.

Position Summary: STEAM Officer-Futures Program

You should have enthusiasm and energy to support ideation, innovate and have a passion about guiding students towards STEAM, through conceptual understanding, and facilitating hands-on learning. You should be empathetic, focused on outcome and able to handle administrative tasks, reporting, documentation as per compliance and inventory  management for makerspace.

With the overall guidance of Program Coordinator and in collaboration with the Enrichment Officer- Futures Program and coordinating with KVS, STEAM Officer will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of day-to-day operations, makerspace projects, inventory management, aligning makerspace with science lab/maths lab of KVS for supporting STEAM enhancing activities at KVS for students and alumni. The STEAM officer will be working closely with the Enrichment officer for planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of makerspace projects at KVS. This role requires strong coordination, negotiation, and critical thinking, problem solving , innovation and creative mindset for fostering an environment for project based learning, and introductory concepts of STEAM  successful completion of makerspace thematic projects at KVS. This position involves a range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the efficient and effective makerspace class running, learning assessment  evaluation, individual mentoring and documentation necessary for the Futures  Program and Kopila Valley School.

Work Location: Birendranagar -4, Surkhet

Reporting to: Program Coordinator, Futures Program

Benefits: Competitive Salary, Festival allowance, SSF, On-site meal during work days.

Application Deadline: We screen applications on rolling basis

Must Haves:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering or Diploma in Engineering

Experience: At least 1+ years of proven and relevant experience for Bachelors, with at least 3 years of prior experience for Diploma, Reporting and Documentation skills

Language: A good communicator, and fluent in English and Nepali would be an added advantage

Skills and Abilities:

Technical Skills Hands-on experience with Arduino, microcontrollers, robotics, and programming, Knowledge of AC/DC circuits and basic electronics education project work, Familiarity with design thinking, ideation, and prototyping, Ability to integrate STEAM education into innovative and progressive project-based learning, Understanding of adaptive learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking methodologies

Administrative Skills: Sound knowledge of administrative tasks, strong sense of accountability and time-management skills and attention to detail and a focus on accuracy. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, report writing, and documentation.

Logistics Expertise: knowledge of purchase request, inventory management, experience in planning and coordinating logistics for running STEAM workshops

Other Skills: Work collaboratively in a team setting with least supervision required, good on using Microsoft Office tools and email, experience with relevant software and tools for makerspace activities is a plus.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Facilitation of STEAM Activities
2. Curriculum Integration and Educational Collaboration
3. Makerspace operations and Resource management

Details Responsibilities

1. Facilitation of STEAM Activities ( 40%)

• Design and Facilitate Engaging Learning Experiences: Develop hands-on projects and interactive sessions in the Makerspace.
• Conduct Workshops: Lead sessions on Arduino, robotics, circuits, and microcontroller programming.
• Encourage Creativity and Innovation: Inspire students to think critically, experiment, and apply design thinking, ideation, and rapid prototyping techniques.

2. Curriculum Integration & Educational Collaboration ( 30%)

• Develop an Inclusive STEAM Approach: Create innovative and inclusive strategies to integrate STEAM education into the curriculum.
• Collaborate with Educators: Work closely with teachers to incorporate creative technology projects that complement classroom learning.
• Support Student Learning: Mentor students in tinkering with ideas and solving problems through technology, fostering a culture of innovation.

3. Makerspace Operations & Resource Management ( 30%)

1. Manage Tools and Equipment: Oversee the upkeep, maintenance, and organization of Makerspace tools, materials, and equipment.
2. Ensure a Safe Learning Environment: Maintain an efficient and well-equipped space that supports all hands-on learning activities.
3. Resource Optimization: Continuously evaluate and update resources to ensure the Makerspace meets evolving educational needs.

Additional Expectations:

• Assist in record-keeping related to admin and logistics, prepare purchase-related documentation and reports
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, prepare and submit periodic reports
• Collaborate with other teams within the organization to support their logistical needs, and provide support during special projects and initiatives as needed.
• Coherence to Mission: A deep commitment to the mission and values of Blink now Foundation and Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj.

The above list of responsibilities is not comprehensive, and the STEAM officer may be required to take on additional responsibilities, as determined by his/her manager, or by the leadership team.

Key Characteristics

• You believe that we can change the world in the blink of an eye.
• You believe in making decisions that put children first.
• you are self-motivated, organized, and approachable.
• You enjoy creating systems, keeping records, and increasing efficiency.
• you have a strong work ethic and a willingness to pick up new skills. You are comfortable multitasking.
• Build positive working relationships and environment in the organization by bringing solutions to the discussion table.
• Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions and execution of duties including ensuring confidentiality as per the organization’s protocols.
• Report to the manager on a weekly basis, and as needed in case of urgent activities.
• Build and maintain a strong relationship with the leadership team of KVSS and Blink Now Foundation to ensure the continued success of our joint projects.
• Focus on building the best environment for the students to get the most supportive environment to get career support measured by the data.

SDG Impact