Brief Description:

TYPE OF ASSIGNMENT:
Volunteer Cooperant (VC/OS)
Unaccompanied assignment - This assignment does not include support for accompanying partners or dependants

PARTNER:
Alianza Cacao Perú

LOCATION:
PERU , San Martin

DURATION:
12 months

EXPECTED DEPARTURE DATE:
Departure date is contingent upon completion of administrative file and approval of visa. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and position will remain open until filled.

OVERVIEW:

Uniterra is a leading Canadian international volunteer cooperation and development program, jointly implemented by the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) and World University Service of Canada (WUSC).

Uniterra contributes to improving the socio-economic conditions of poor and marginalized communities in 14 countries and with over 200 partners in Africa, Asia and the Americas through the exchange of expertise and knowledge of Canadian and international volunteers. Uniterra believes that economic growth, when inclusive, is the most powerful driver of poverty reduction. The purpose of the Uniterra program is to improve the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations by stimulating growth and facilitating access to the benefits of growing and diversified markets. To make this happen, we are working with our local partners to enhance the income of poor and marginalized women and youth through better access to employment and income generation opportunities. Uniterra country program staff work with our local partners to design Uniterra assignments in the context of the country strategy, supporting the inclusion of women and youth in key economic subsectors.

For more information on the Uniterra program, our approach and countries of focus please visit: Uniterra.ca

PARTNER DESCRIPTION:

Alianza Cacao Perú (ACP) is a cooperative that brings together public and private investment partners with the objective of having Peru recognized as a world leader in fine cocoa production. They also work to improve producers’ living conditions through a sustainable and alternative dominant business model. The Alliance operates in the regions of San Martín, Huánuco and Ucayali. Its program consists of two phases: establishing a profitable, inclusive and sustainable production model for fine aroma cocoa; and coaching cooperatives and associations of regular and fine aroma cocoa producers on how to gain international recognition through a stronger international marketing strategy and by promoting openness and good governance within their cooperatives.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review the assessment made by Alianza Cacao Peru (ACP) jointly with the Promotion Agency of Exports and Tourism of Peru - PROMPERÚ on the emission of CO2 in 10 cocoa producing cooperatives, in the San Martín region;
- In coordination with the PROMPERU team, analyze the recommendations formulated on actions to reduce CO2 emissions;
- Become familiar with the cocoa value chain (harvest and post-harvest) and the operation of the cooperatives analyzed;
- Support cooperatives to implement the recommendations formulated through the strengthening and development of capacities and tools;
- Follow up on how to implement the recommendations made to the 10 cooperatives that participated in the study of CO2;
- Share best practices of environmental management in organizations and companies that work in the cocoa industry;
- Raise awareness and deliver training on how to minimize or eliminate negative impacts of the cocoa industry on the environment;
- Contribute to systematizing the successful experiences of organizations that have had a significant change having applied the proposed solutions and recommendations. Share these experiences;
- Ensure the participation of women and youth, as well as their representation, in all activities of and all program benefits;
- Write reports as required by partners and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Environmental Management Studies or any other relevant field;
- Relevant work experience;
- Interest in working with different groups of young people and adults;
- Ability to communicate effectively, establish and maintain good working relationships with various stakeholders;
- Flexibility according to the place and the work context;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish;
- Experience in management and/or environmental education an asset;
- Experience working with international development projects an asset.

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS AND SUPPORT:
- Support and guidance prior to departure and while on assignment in country.
- Participation in a pre-departure training where you will have the opportunity to learn about the program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and meet other volunteers. Travel, meals and accommodation are covered.
- In-country orientation and briefing upon arrival in-country.
- Language training in-country where required.
- Return flights, visas and work permits.
- Cost of required country specific vaccinations and antimalarials.
- Health insurance.
- Modest monthly living allowance while overseas.
- Accommodation while overseas.
- Vacation leave entitlement.
- Return debriefing in Canada after completion of assignment. Travel, meals and accommodation are covered.
- An incredible opportunity to enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada between the age of 18-70.
- Departure date is contingent upon the timely completion of all administrative requirements (e.g. visa processes, medical clearance, police checks, travel documentation).
- With the support of the program, all volunteers shall undertake to make a minimum financial contribution of $1,500 for participating in the program.

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