Brief Description:

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

PARTNER:
Asociación Amigos del Lago de Atitlán

LOCATION:
GUATEMALA , Solola

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.

The expected start date and duration are flexible and subject to change. The departure date is contingent upon completion of administrative file and approval of visa. Please note that we are currently recruiting for Fall 2018 assignments

OVERVIEW:
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:

Amigos del Lago de Atitlán is a private organization founded in 1990. Its goal is to preserve and protect the region’s natural resources through outreach, education and development projects to benefit the people living near Lake Atitlan and its basin. The organization’s projects fall into three categories: environmental education, scientific research and environmental remediation. It specifically targets the fifteen municipalities surrounding Lake Atitlanand its watersheds.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Research and draft case studies and share on social media;
- Document success stories and partner’s activities and create content for online newsletters in order to strengthen their capacities on communications and innovation;
- Support the creation of content for various social platforms (eg. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, blogs, etc.);
- Ensure the participation of women and youth, as well as their representation, in all activities of and all program benefits;
- Write reports required by partners and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Recent graduate or pursuing degree in communications, journalism, international development or any other relevant field;
- Work, academic, internship or volunteer experience in the area of communication and social media;
- Strong IT skills (e.g. Microsoft package, use of databases, website design, etc.);
- Strong writing and communication skills;
- Analytical and synthesis skills;
- Ability to work in an intercultural environment;
- Ability to work independently and in a team;
- Advanced level of Spanish required, especially written.

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.

Read More