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:
ComArt Tukuypaj Artisans Association is a non-profit organization of artisans who produce alpaca fibre knitted fabrics. The organization is an advocate of sustainable development and fair trade, as well as the values of autonomy and independence for its members. ComArt Tukuypaj is composed of 37 member groups of artisans who democratically participate in the organization’s activities.For more information, please visit: http://www.comart-tukuypaj.com.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support artisans and cutting-edge producers associations in the development of attractive websites to showcase artisans products on a national and international scale.
- The website must reflect the different garment designs for men, women and children and provide accurate information on prices and sizes.
- Support artisans and cutting-edge producers associations in the development of e-commerce mechanisms enabling online orders and sales processing.
- Support artisans and cutting-edge producers associations in creating and managing Facebook and Twitter accounts focusing on the promotion of products and orders, according to key mechanisms for the promotion and facilitation of virtual electronic commerce.
- Facilitate training processes for producers associations in the development of electronic tools to promote online commerce (selection of web contents, creating Facebook and Twitter accounts and other channels conducive to the development of the sector).
- Analyse the validity of the experiences offered by advance training institutes for women and youth.
- Be a training resource for the producers associations.
- Support training in terms of creation of logos, branding, development of marketing tools, development of websites and social network management for artisans groups and producers associations.
- Participate in the development of promotional tools to promote artisans textile creations.
- Support efforts in terms of packaging, colours and texts.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- University degree in systems engineering with specialization in virtual commerce or any other relevant field
- Experience working with producers and e-commerce
- Experience in market development, marketing strategies for artisanal textile products
- Experience in group facilitation with a participatory approach
- Ability to work independently and as a team
- Leadership Capacity
- Ability to work in an intercultural environment
- Availability to travel frequently
- Have a good level of Spanish (ESSENTIAL)
- Basic knowledge of Bolivia's textile and garment industry 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.
- 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/A0AF326DE96B25FE8525816900736F97?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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