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 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 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 DESCRIPTIONS:

PARTNER 1 (6 months)
The Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) is a membership organization of over 178 farmer organizations (associations and cooperatives) in Malawi. FUM's membership includes small, medium, and large-holder farmers involved in growing, processing, and retailing various agricultural commodities. FUM's mission is to promote and coordinate work towards the advancement of farmers in Malawi by protecting their interests, lobbying for favorable policies, facilitating dissemination of market information, providing technical skills for improved production and quality produce, and creating linkages and networking. Specifically, FUM's strategic objective aims at improving the agricultural policy and regulatory environment, developing the capacity of FUM members and farmer organizations, provision of its member services, empowerment of women farmers, development and implementation of climate change mitigation programs, and organizational development.

PARTNER 2 (6 months)
The Malawi Microfinance Network (MAMN) is a legally constituted grouping of microfinance institutions and institutions that are providing microfinance related services in Malawi. The objectives of the MAMN include development, promotion and regulation of microfinance activities so as to ensure good governance as a way of ensuring their sustainability and enhancement of their capacities to stimulate and enhance private sector development and be key players in rural and urban economic and social transformation in Malawi. MAMN also facilitates the exchange of experiences, ideas, innovations, information and technologies in order to strengthen microfinance operations among member institutions, and build capacity within the sector as a whole.

The Information Management Specialist will build the capacity of FUM and MAMN teams and partners in implementing systems to effectively document, store and monitor technical related information.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assess electronic management systems of both FUM and MAMN;
- Design electronic management systems for partners to effectively document, store and monitor technical-related information;
- Support partner to effectively implement and manage electronic management systems to effectively document, store and monitor technical-related information;
- Review and provide recommendation to partners on how they can improve their institutions websites;
- Ensure the participation of women and youth, as well as their representation, in all activities of and all program benefits; and
- Write reports required by FUM, MAMN and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in information technology, computer science, communications technology or computer networking
- Experience in the design and development of ICT systems for business and / or development
- Expertise with MySQL
- Understanding of the design and use of database systems to capture and analyze agriculture data;
- Familiarity with electronic document management systems strongly preferred;
- Able to communicate effectively and manage relations with stakeholders;
- Ability to work in an intercultural environment; and
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

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/WUSProje.nsf/va_WPO/E91479A69D9E5265852580E200560603?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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