Brief Description:

City Guiuan, Philippines

Start Date Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 (flexible)

Length of Placement 6 Months

Language Requirements English

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

Through this placement, you will support People in Need in the delivery and implementation of its local economic development project entitled, “Enhancing Sustainable Income in the Philippines,” to improve the income and increase resilience of the poor and marginalized people. Specifically, you will support the small-scale enterprises, or agribusiness start-ups, mostly women to build their capacity on different areas of business management. More specifically, you will assist them in developing their business plans (marketing, costing and pricing, production and operations) and improve financial management skills (bookkeeping, preparation of sales and income reports). You will be part of the People in Need Program team in Guiuan, Eastern Samar and will be stationed in Guiuan office. Regular travel to the program areas across Eastern Samar province will be required.

Overall objectives include: Increased business, employment and income opportunities for poor people, including farmers, women and youth, created by the business start-ups and local service providers that are assisted by PIN and its implementing partners. PIN program aims to reach 12,000 beneficiaries, 60% of them are women.

As a volunteer, you will:

-Field visits and meetings with agribusiness start-ups (ASUs) and local business providers to familiarize self on their businesses and activities

-Support Agribusiness start-ups to develop and use the business plan

-Support Agribusiness start-ups build their skills basic financial management in recording, keeping business transactions and financial records

-Coach and mentor relevant staff of Agribusiness start-ups on operational management – putting systems in place

Essential Academic Qualifications:

University Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance or related field

Essential Professional Background:

- Min. 3-5 years of experience in business management

- Strategic planning, financial business planning, development of business management strategies

Support Package

- Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending country)

- Accommodation while in placement

- Return airfare and visa/work permit costs

- Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and health insurance

- Pre-departure training and in-country orientation

- Travel and accommodation for reintegration debriefing weekend

- Modest support for accompanying partners and dependents going on placement with you for 12 months or longer (Return flight, emergency medical insurance, vaccinations)

- Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return

- Cuso International assessment day (Candidates must cover the first $200 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and all accommodation costs).

- Travel and accommodation for the five-day pre-departure training course and for in-country orientation

- Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

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