Brief Description:

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

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:
The La Paz Municipal Agency for Tourism Development, is the La Paz Municipal Autonomous Government’s body in charge of developing and promoting touristic activities. The Agency seeks to link the tourism sector with the handicrafts sector, to increase the number of tourists visiting La Paz, building on the city’s nomination as one of the world’s seven most beautiful cities.

One of the objectives of the mandate is to develop a program to identify and support the start up innovative initiatives in tourism and handicrafts.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the development and implementation of a training plan on start-ups and the development of project ideas for young artisan entrepreneurs
- Support the launch of a call for proposal for innovative ideas for tourism and handicraft projects (marketing and tourism in general).
- Support the evaluation and selection of ideas with the most potential.
- Encourage the development of content for handicraft and tourism projects and others for a project incubator in accordance with the call for proposals.
- Support the accompaniment for the development of 10 innovative ideas developed by young entrepreneurs and identified as having potential.
- Support the mentoring, accompaniment and monitoring of the 10 groups of youth for the implementation of their business initiatives.
- Support the technical assistance plan for the monitoring of the initiatives from the incubation process onward.
- Encourage the participation and representation of young women and men in all activities
- Draft reports as required by the Uniterra program and the partner organization

QUALIFICATIONS:
- University diploma in Social Sciences, with a specialty in entrepreneurship, Business administration, Business Development, or equivalent experience.
- Experience and knowledge in business creation and development.
- Capacity to work independently and within a team.
- Competencies in intercultural communications.
- Good listening and coaching skills.
- Training experience
- Experience in a developing country and work on development projects is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of the Equality between Women and Men Policy an asset
- Fluency in both spoken and written Spanish is essential.

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/cecproje.nsf/va_WPO/18830F2E0B8044F3852581690072A573?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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