Brief Description:

DURATION: 6.00 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 World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI).

Uniterra contributes to improving the socio-economic conditions of poor and marginalized communities in 14.00 countries and with over 200.00 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:
Farm Radio Trust (FRT) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that fosters rural and agricultural development in Malawi through radio and other information and communications technologies (ICTs.) FRT has a strategic partnership with Farm Radio International (FRI) in Canada, and supports broadcasters to develop radio programming that shares knowledge and strengthens the voices of small-scale farmers, their families and communities. The organisation has been using radio to help small-scale farmers for three decades through broadcasters support in the planning and delivery of radio campaigns, training and mentorship, installation and use of ICTs, and online training for better interaction with small-scale farmers. To learn move visit farmradiomw.org/

FRT, in collaboration with FRI, works with the Uniterra program to broaden the reach and impact of program activities, efforts and lessons learned through the Communication for Scale Program. The goal includes scaling the uptake of successful business models and changing social perceptions through capacity building via volunteer assignments in media, technology and program support. The approach involves working with local partner radio stations and media outlets to improve their ability to develop and broadcast interactive radio programming that is relevant and informative to youth and women within the designated economic sub-sectors. In Malawi, the focus is the social and economic empowerment of youth and women engaged in groundnut production.

In collaboration with the Uniterra Program team in Malawi and FRT, the Broadcast Journalism Advisor volunteer will guide the development and implementation of a Communication for Scale strategy with local partner radio stations and Uniterra program partners.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Advise on communication tools and platforms to be used in the Communication for Scale Program, ensuring that gender and age-related barriers are taken into account;
- Support FRT staff and partner radio stations in interactive and inclusive radio program design, delivery and monitoring;
- Support the development of tools and methods for analyzing, monitoring and evaluating Communication For Scale efforts;
- Work with FRT to source and identify stories for small scale farmers related to Uniterra program sub-sectors and contribute to their adaptation for on-air use;
- Work with FRT staff in documenting and disseminating successes and challenges of radio programs focused on collective marketing in agribusiness and aflatoxin management of groundnuts in Malawi;
- Work to ensure the appropriate representation and participation of women and youth in activities and materials produced, with consideration for barriers to information and service access;
- Produce reports required by FRT and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree and/or formal training in journalism, communications or a related field
- Minimum 2.00 years experience working in a broadcasting (radio, TV, other)
- Experience with coaching and training, with a focus on radio craft development, knowledge management or related activities being a strong asset
- Proven interpersonal and partnership management skills
- Excellent writing and editing skills in English
- Resourcefulness, innovation and adaptability
- Knowledge of rural development challenges in Africa, particularly those related to agriculture, women and youth are strong assets

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/AB79470397ADF6EB85258084004AE5B0?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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