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 Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) is a policy advocacy organization incorporated in 2005 and working on agriculture and food security policy issues affecting the livelihoods of the poor, especially smallholder farmers. Within policy advocacy, CISANET works on livestock and dairy development, marketing and international trade, climate smart agriculture, budget accountability, and nutrition and social protection. Through a networking objective, CISANET also works with its members at national and district level to share information on food security and undertake policy advocacy initiatives that affect the poor.

The Policy and Advocacy Advisor volunteer will contribute to the achievement of Uniterra objectives by building the capacity of staff and partners, and developing a policy and advocacy strategy for CISANET to actively engage in policy analysis, research and advocacy in programming with the Malawi government.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build the capacity of CISANET staff and partners in policy analysis and advocacy;
- Support CISANET and its members to develop and implement its policy and advocacy strategy;
- Ensure alignment and cohesion with organizational youth advocacy priorities and strategic initiatives;
- Identify gaps in the policy and work with CISANET staff to initiate advocacy efforts to address them;
- Build the capacity of CISANET and partners in developing new relationships and networks with decision and policy-makers to advance key advocacy messages;
- Ensure the participation and representation of women and youth in activities and program benefits;
- Write reports required by CISANET and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- University degree in public policy, international relations, political science, economics or a related field
- Experience and confidence speaking at high level events
- Proven ability to translate complex material and data into coherent narratives and draft clear and effective policy reports, briefing papers and media articles
- Excellent verbal and written English
- Highly motivated self-starter comfortable with working independently in a matrixed environment

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/B24BC034251487DE4225818D00322B53?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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