Brief Description:

DURATION: 9 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 DESCRIPTION:
In Ghana, Uniterra will support the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET), the government body responsible for the design, development, and regulation of TVET Competency-based Training TVET programs in Ghana. The support is provided as part of the Skills Development Fund II (SDF II) of the Danish Support to Private Sector Development, Ghana, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, DANIDA. The SDF II program aims to increase labour productivity, turnover and product quality through demand-driven skills development initiatives and capacity for own training. The SDF II Project supports. COTVET to advance government agency engagement to advance COTVETS mandate for the development and regulation of market-driven and inclusive skill development programs offered in a Competency-Based Training mode.

The Strategic Communication Advisor for Government Agency Engagement will support the development and operation of a Strategic Communication Plan to ensure relevant government agencies are strategically engaged to advance COTVET’s mandate and actively support the ongoing development and operation of competency based training. The Communication Advisor will review current provisions for Government agency engagement and needs for further government agency engagement.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review COTVET’S mandate and strategic plan
- Review the organization’s objectives, motivation and needs for mobilizing government agencies’ active support and engagement
- Review the organization’s capacity for government agency engagement (Human resources, communication planning, financial resources and information technology)
- Map the current status of government agency engagement (name and function of government agencies engaged to date, role of the respective agencies, contribution made by the agencies, contribution required from the agencies, level of active support and engagement from each of the agencies)
- Map the government agencies, not currently engaged, but whose active engagement is required to advance COTVET’s mandate and competency based training development and regulation (name and function of government agencies; role of the respective agencies, contribution required from the agencies, anticipated support or resistance from the agency)
- Research the communication methods used by COTVET to engage government agencies
Research/consult government agencies on their preferred methods for communication and engagement
- Work with COTVET to target and prioritize the agencies for engagement
- Work with COTVET to develop a 3 to 5 Year Strategic Communication Plan for Government agency engagement, and work with COTVET to initiate the operation of the plan
- Promote the equal participation and representation of women and men in all programs
- Write reports required by COTVET and the Uniterra program

QUALIFICATIONS:
- University Degree in Training and Development, Education, Education Management or discipline related to the assignment
- Five years’ experience in Skill Training or Education program monitoring and evaluation
- Two years international experience monitoring and evaluating Skill Training or Education programs
- Well-developed monitoring, evaluation, research, and planning skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills
- Familiarity with the aims and objectives of skill development training

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:
http://agora.ceci.ca/SGC/WUSProje.nsf/va_WPO/029747905AF5BDEA002580A5004D75E1?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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