Brief Description:

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 Tea Association of Malawi (TAML) is a membership organization of tea companies, producers and processors, and it represents the interests of tea growers and producers in Malawi. TAML members buy from over 13,000 smallholder tea growers in Mulanje and Thyolo districts, and its members employ over 50,000 workers on a permanent and seasonal basis. Most workers pluck tea while others work in the tea factories. The association has created practices and mechanisms for issues relating to hired labor and smallholders, which have significantly improved their conditions.

The Gender Advisor volunteer will contribute to the gender equality and women’s empowerment objectives of the Uniterra program and TAML.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review training materials, tools and resources on gender equality, sexual harassment and discrimination and violence against women and girls;
- Support the development of appropriate and accessible training materials including modules on gender, sexual harassment and discrimination, as well as policy implementation;
- Conduct a mapping exercise of gender laws and services related to violence against women and women’s economic empowerment, including victim support services in Thyolo and Mulanje districts;
- Support the implementation of the Gender Pillar roll out activities within the Malawi Tea 2020 Revitalization Project;
- Document case studies for internal sharing of good practices and lessons learned in gender mainstreaming activities with TAML;
- Work to ensure equal representation and participation of women and youth in all activities of and program benefits;
- Write reports required by TAML and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree and/or formal training in gender, social sciences, international development, or a related field
- Experience with facilitation and training, and the development of gender and culturally sensitive training tools
- Ability to think outside the box and integrate diverse information from varied sources
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability to work in an intercultural environment
- Understanding of Malawi development processes, actors and culture is a strong asset
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English, and Chichewa is an asset

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/951605439D7865EE4225826000535B76?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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