Brief Description:

DURATION: 3 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 170 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.

SEMINAR DESCRIPTION
The International Seminar has connected youth from different parts of the world for the past seventy years, creating a space for the sharing of both experiences and knowledge. The 2018 International Seminar will focus on women in entrepreneurship and will be an opportunity for young entrepreneurs from Canada and the Global South to come together to share best practices, develop knowledge and skills, and build a network. The group will be comprised of twenty young entrepreneurs, ten from Canada and ten from Ghana, who are in the early stages of building their business venture. The two-week program will provide the young entrepreneurs the opportunity to foster and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills through peer-to-peer mentorship, learning and cross-cultural collaboration. The participants will also take part in guided programming that aims to build general entrepreneurial skills and address issues facing women in entrepreneurship.

Reporting to the Uniterra Ghana Country Coordinator, and alongside the Ghanaian International Seminar Coordinator, as well as various other stakeholders, the International Seminar Coordinator will be responsible for designing, planning, organizing and coordinating the Seminar.

Approximate arrival date of early August 2018

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Play a lead role in the International Seminar planning committee;
- Support the design, planning and implementation of event activities and sessions;
- Support event logistics, ensuring that the highest standards are upheld;
- Maintain frequent communication between Ghana and Canada for decision-making;
- Work within established budgets and provide regular budget updates;
- Consult and work with the Uniterra Gender Advisor volunteer to ensure that gender equality principles are included in all tasks, including the development of gender-inclusive and accessible tools and communications material;
- Liaise with responsible Uniterra program staff and volunteers to ensure communications and outreach in Ghana are complemented by in-Canada communication efforts;
- Collaborate with Uniterra program partners on the creation of a curriculum and resources;
- Coordinate communication between participants via social media leading up to the Seminar;
- Provide participants with relevant information toward managing expectations, building intercultural communication skills, and conflict resolution;
- Co-facilitate pre-Seminar training for Ghanaian participants to better prepare them for the challenges they may encounter during the Seminar;
- Delegate tasks prior to and during the event to ensure a smooth implementation of activities, providing guidance as needed;
- Support volunteers in managing challenges that may arise during the two-week seminar period and ensure that adequate personal and professional support is provided;
- Monitor event activities, provide feedback and draft final report and other key documents as required by the partner organization and the Uniterra program;
- Assist with other tasks requested by the Uniterra Ghana Country Coordinator related to the preparation and implementation of the International Seminar

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree and/or formal training in a relevant discipline or equivalent work experience
- Demonstrated experience in multiple-day event planning and management
- Experience in developing and facilitating trainings tailored to young adults
- Strong attention to detail and time management skills
- Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and problem solving skills
- Demonstrated leadership skills, particularly in working with youth
- Proven capacity to prioritize, work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Experience managing and organizing activities within a budget
- Understanding of and commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment and youth inclusion
- Ability to work autonomously, to be flexible and to adapt easily to and respect different cultures
- Ability to work long hours in the lead up to the event
- Prior international experience is an asset
- Entrepreneurial spirit with experience launching and managing own business is a strong asset
- Proficiency in written and oral English

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:
http://agora.ceci.ca/SGC/WUSProje.nsf/va_WPO/83D71BBBE22505FC8525829800563CD7?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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