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:
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:
Mannar Chamber of Commerce is the Apex Center of Excellence and attraction in the Region by providing value-added service to the business community, youth and the general public. It provides advice, guidance and training to the business community and the general public in strengthening their business and social activities and create an atmosphere for peaceful co-existence linked with sustainable growth through implementation of value-added service.

Mannar Island, is part of Mannar District, Sri Lanka. It is linked to the main island of Sri Lanka by a causeway. It has an area of about fifty square kilometres, mainly covered with vegetation and sand. Mannar is famous for island hopping, beautiful lagoons and potential areas for whale watching, dolphin watching and kite surfing.

The Sri Lanka Tourism and Hospitality is growing and new tourist destinations are been discovered and as a result small hotels, restaurants and guest houses are being built. These Entities have formed Associations but they lack in quality standards. The members need to upgrade their skills and knowledge in order to enhance quality standards.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop a website and other online and offline marketing platforms and find gaps;
- Recommend strategies to upgrade the current online and offline marketing platforms;
- Support development of new communications strategies and tactics;
- Provide input to plans for new off-line communications and promotions materials (tourism highlights map of the Mannar District);
- Provide support to developing communication & promotion materials ( eg. Menu card, tour guide leaflets , package tours,etc);
- Work alongside member organisations to strengthen their capacity;
- Produce reports and recommendations at the end of the mandate;
- Develop a marketing campaign to increase association membership;
- Provide support to the Association committee members to implement the "Membership Drive";
- Assess the needs of the Association members;
- Support members in using digital marketing tools;
- Support Uniterra office to source volunteers to address the needs of the membership;
- Coordinate with the members and the volunteers to utilize volunteers’ skills and knowledge effectively;
- Promote the accessibility and participation of women and men, especially young women and young men, in all program activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in the field of communications, marketing or related field;
- 2 years experience in social media marketing is an asset;
- Knowledge of market expansion through marketing communication strategies/ techniques;
- Excellent writing, communication skills in English;
Good IT skills ( eg. Microsoft package, use of databases and website design);
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team;
- Possess a sense of humour, cultural sensitivity and openness to cross cultural exchange.

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.
- Comprehensive 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.

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/A98576089C305C4F852580680027D2AF?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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