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 Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) Authority is a regulatory body established in 1999 to work toward developing a competitive workforce for export-led socio-economic growth in Malawi. TEVETA promotes and regulates the provision of technical, entrepreneurial and vocational education and training. They aim to increase access and equity, improve quality and relevance, and promote environmental issues through expertise and services in compliance, planning and implementation, labour market information and advisory services.

ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND:
TEVETA has a number of programs with support from local and international development partners which include UNESCO. With funding from the European Union, UNESCO is implementing the Skills and Technical Education Programme (STEP), which aims to support the expansion and improvement of equitable and gender-balanced TVET in Malawi. In particular, the project is working to improve access to TVET, review the qualification system, update curricula, review the governance and management of the TVET system, and better train teachers and trainers. The four-year project (April 2016 – March 2020) focuses on the construction sector, the inclusion of disadvantaged groups, and introducing new technology programs that will be assessed, certified and endorsed by the Malawi government. These include renewable energy, instrumentation and computer numeric control. Equipment for the new programs is being installed and facilities are being upgraded. To learn more visit www.stepmw.com

The Renewable Energy Technology Advisor volunteer will contribute to Uniterra program objectives and TEVETA by supporting their capacity to offer quality, demand-driven and relevant skills training opportunities for youth by building the capacity of instructors and TVET institutions to implement new programs.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review and assess the status of new facilities, resources and training staff for the new technology program;
- Conduct a training needs assessment of instructors and plan a technical upskilling program;
- Design and deliver the technical upskilling program to relevant instructors;
- Review program competency standards, curriculum and learning materials, and plan schemes of work with assigned instructors;
- Assist instructors in preparing workshops based on the curriculum, assessment guidelines and equipment manuals;
- Build the capacity of instructors in model class presentations and workshop demonstrations;
- Mentor assigned instructors during lesson plan preparation, delivery and workshop, ensuring that considerations for age- and gender-related factors are integrated;
- Provide quality assurance in program delivery, in consultation with Department Head, and the Ministry’s TVET department;
- Establish a monitoring and evaluation system for the program, in consultation with the institution’s management, including development of tracer study instruments and meaningful indicators for youth and gender inclusiveness;
- Ensure the participation and representation of women and youth in all program benefits and activities; and
- Produce reports required by the Uniterra program and TEVETA.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree and/or formal education in environmental engineering or renewable energy, or related field
- Minimum 3 years of experience in the renewable energy and/or technical education sector
- Training experience in renewable energy technologies
- Experience with facilitation and strong coaching skills
- Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills, including integrity and honesty
- Intercultural communications skills, diplomacy
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and work well in a team
- Gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are required, including a commitment to gender equality and youth inclusion
- Experience living and/or working internationally 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/E0B30F148DECD100852582B7004A819F?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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