Brief Description:

Title: HerStart Finance & Entrepreneurship Fellow
Placement Duration: March – September 2022
Time Commitment: Full time
Location: Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda (applicants can specify their preferred location)
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 6, 11:59pm EST

About Youth Challenge International (YCI)
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is a leading global youth development organization that promotes youth innovation to drive positive change. Together with our partners, we create market-ready solutions that catapult youth around the world to succeed and prosper; we are driven by youth and their potential to affect positive change in the world. Our solutions are focused – always keeping the young people we are designing for and with at the centre of the conversation. Our approach is rooted in creativity and constantly evolving to respond to changing needs and market realities. YCI is an organization where diversity and talent come together to shape a better future for youth around the world.

Position Summary
Join the YCI team to support the development and implementation of the new HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides financial grant opportunities for women-led social enterprises. Collaborate with participants, partners and staff to ensure the highest level of transparency, accountability and impact within fund distribution. Utilize your business development, financial management and organizational skills to support fund applicants and recipients throughout their entrepreneurship journey. This is an opportunity to apply your business, finance or accounting knowledge in a new and innovative way, while strengthening your CV with hands-on research, training and project management experience. In the process, advance your knowledge on pivotal frameworks that are shaping the future of work and community impact globally.

Key Roles and Responsibilities
– Actively engage in learning opportunities on thematic topics including social entrepreneurship, climate action and gender equality
– Assist partners and staff with the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the HerStart Catalyst Fund
– Support entrepreneurs through the fund application process, including the refinement of their business model canvas and financial plans
– Provide support to entrepreneurs, including the identification and allocation of mentors and relevant support services
– Work with grant recipients to ensure financial reporting and compliance is understood and completed successfully
– Collaborate with partners and staff to develop strategies, trainings and tools to meet the financing needs of social entrepreneurs, particularly young women
– Support organizational learning of staff and partners on topics such as gender-sensitive fund management, budgeting and impact measurement
– Further build out the HerStart Toolkit and fellowship databases

Desired Qualifications
– Prior knowledge and experience in business, finance, accounting or entrepreneurship
– Experience or strong interest in learning the business model canvas, lean canvas or similar business planning tools
– Passion for learning and supporting the knowledge and skill development of others
– Strong research, communications and fund management skills
– Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Excel, Slack, Airtable, and Mighty Networks)
– Strong organization, teamwork and time management skills
– Ability to be proactive, flexible and take initiative
– Committed to working with others in an equitable and ethical manner
– Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes openness to differing opinions and views

Eligibility Requirements
– Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
– Must have fluent or professional level English skills (written and verbal)
– Demonstrate interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
– Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience)
– Ability to commit to full length of placement, including pre and post training
– Access to a personal computer for duration of placement
– Note: Individuals from all age, gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply

Benefits of an International Fellowship
– Gain professional global experience: Engage in a high-quality international volunteer program with YCI – an organization with over 30 years of experience. The Fellowship program includes comprehensive pre-departure training before you go, as well as ongoing health and safety and reintegration support.
– Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and global partners, meaningfully contributing your time to help grow the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.
– Amplify your personal growth: Participate in unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as effective cross-cultural communication, project management, research and more.
– Access high quality training and resources: Receive specialized training and resources from our global partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social enterprise and climate action.
– Be part of an international network: Connect with like-minded, passionate Canadians, partner organizations and youth around the globe. Joining this network will include first access to future YCI opportunities, domestically and internationally.

For more information about the Fellowship benefits and support package, including the expenses covered by YCI, please review the fellowship FAQ page: yci.org/herstart/faq

YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future and International Fellowship programs are funded through Global Affairs Canada’s Volunteer Cooperation Program, providing skilled Canadians opportunities to volunteer abroad with global partners and advance Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

For more information on the program and all available positions please visit: yci.org/herstart/fellowships

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