Brief Description:

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:
The West Africa Governance & Economic Sustainability in Extractive Areas (WAGES) is jointly implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and the Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale (CECI) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Guinea. Working in partnership with communities, local government, mining companies, and other stakeholders, the project will enable communities, particularly women and youth, to maximize the socio-economic benefits from extractive resource investment in West Africa. The project’s principal areas of focus include local governance, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and regional knowledge-sharing on development best practices in mining areas. The expected results of the project include: increasing employment opportunities for community members, especially youth and women; ii) strengthening capacity of sub-national governments and local institutions to leverage opportunities arising from natural resource development, especially the extractives sector; and iii) increasing informed dialogue on local economic growth and governance strategies in regions with natural resource development activities, within the three target countries and across West Africa.

Under the direction of the WAGES Project Coordinator and in close collaboration with Local Governance Specialist and the WAGES team, the Strategic Planning Advisor will support local government staff, the WAGES team, and partners to develop and integrate strategic thinking in training, planning and execution of projects, and to promote the active participation of youth and women in governance processes.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the Local Governance Specialist (LGS) in the development of project strategic framework and work plans for project implementation to ensure the achievement of the project goals
- Provide technical assistance and advice to the WAGES team on capacity development for local government staff, civil society organizations and stakeholders, with a focus on gender and youth

STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE FACILITATION:
- Conduct a situational analysis and baseline assessment, and develop an implementation strategy for the planned activities
- Support the development of a capacity building and training plan for identified stakeholders under a conducted gap analysis
- Develop a communication plan for planned local governance activities and programs
- Assist and advise in the dissemination of the Strategic Plan at the local level, and train relevant staff in linking annual work plans and priorities with the Strategic Plan of their reporting Ministry
- Assist in improving the capacity of the various councils, committees, sub-committees and boards under the decentralized structures in the development of new programs and projects that are consistent with the vision, mission, and priorities of the district development goals, whilst ensuring alignment with the approved policies and processes.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING:
- Participate actively in local governance networks
- Document implementation successes, challenges, and lessons learned and share them with stakeholders
- Document good practices and share these with the WAGES team and other platforms
- Draft reports as required by the partner organization and the WAGES Project
- Share findings, research, tools, lessons learned and recommendations with district assemblies, national ministries and at the regional level.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy or a relevant field;
- Expertise in strategic planning, public service, good governance and/or accountability and oversight
- Experience with civil society and government capacity building, and/or governance accountability;
- Strong experience with coalition building and multi–stakeholder collaboration, including civil society and government;
- Demonstrated leadership, management, strategic thinking, training, and human resources experience;
- Able to work effectively and professionally with government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), project staff, and other stakeholders;
- Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated capacity to work effectively in a team;
- Experience with providing technical assistance, including organizing and conducting workshops and trainings
- Experience working in a multicultural environment

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.

TO APPLY VISIT:
http://agora.ceci.ca/SGC/WUSProje.nsf/va_WPO/DD04E0C6FA4C68D7852581CC00652906?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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