Brief Description:

Title: HerStart Volunteer Engagement Fellow
Placement Duration: March – September 2022
Time Commitment: Full time
Location: Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda (applicants can specify their preferred location)
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 6, 11:59pm EST

About Youth Challenge International (YCI)
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is a leading global youth development organization that promotes youth innovation to drive positive change. Together with our partners, we create market-ready solutions that catapult youth around the world to succeed and prosper; we are driven by youth and their potential to affect positive change in the world. Our solutions are focused – always keeping the young people we are designing for and with at the centre of the conversation. Our approach is rooted in creativity and constantly evolving to respond to changing needs and market realities. YCI is an organization where diversity and talent come together to shape a better future for youth around the world.

Position Summary 
Join the YCI team to further elevate the volunteer experience within the HerStart Innovate the Future program. In close collaboration with staff, partners and other fellows, flex your leadership, coordination and community-building skills to enhance the inclusivity and impact of the fellowship program. This is an opportunity to strengthen your CV with practical community engagement, mentorship and project management experience. In the process, advance your knowledge on women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship – pivotal frameworks that are shaping the future of work and community impact globally.

Key Roles and Responsibilities
– Actively engage in learning opportunities on thematic topics including social entrepreneurship, climate action and gender equality
– Support the design and implementation of volunteer recruitment, outreach, management strategies and deliverable plans
– In collaboration with key stakeholders, enhance the experience of volunteers through onboarding, in-country orientation, deliverable planning and ongoing support towards a meaningful placement
– Provide coaching and support to help ensure volunteers succeed in their roles
– Support program administration and logistics for volunteer recruitment, onboarding, travel, placements and reintegration
– Support organizational learning of partners and staff on effective and inclusive volunteer engagement frameworks, programs and policies
– Conduct research and data collection on volunteer engagement issues, best practices, and policies in the local, Canadian and international contexts to inform program activities
– Organize community-building events and learning opportunities within and across program countries to foster a peer support network for volunteers
– Further build out the HerStart Toolkit and fellowship databases

Desired Qualifications  
– Previous knowledge and experience in volunteer or youth engagement
– Experience in mentorship, outreach and community building
– Passion for learning, facilitation and supporting the knowledge and skill development of others
– Strong communications, analysis and research skills
– Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Canva, Slack, Airtable and Mighty Networks)
– Strong organization, teamwork and time management skills
– Ability to be proactive, flexible and take initiative
– Previous experience in the program country or region is preferred
– Committed to working with others in an equitable and ethical manner
– Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes openness to differing opinions and views

Eligibility Requirements
– Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
– Must have fluent or professional level English skills (written and verbal)
– Demonstrate interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
– Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience)
– Ability to commit to full length of placement, including pre and post training
– Access to a personal computer for duration of placement
– Note: Individuals from all age, gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply

Benefits of an International Fellowship
– Gain professional global experience: Engage in a high-quality international volunteer program with YCI – an organization with over 30 years of experience. The Fellowship program includes comprehensive pre-departure training before you go, as well as ongoing health and safety and reintegration support.
– Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and global partners, meaningfully contributing your time to help grow the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.
– Amplify your personal growth: Participate in unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as effective cross-cultural communication, project management, research and more.
– Access high quality training and resources: Receive specialized training and resources from our global partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social enterprise and climate action.
– Be part of an international network: Connect with like-minded, passionate Canadians, partner organizations and youth around the globe. Joining this network will include first access to future YCI opportunities, domestically and internationally.

For more information about the Fellowship benefits and support package, including the expenses covered by YCI, please review the fellowship FAQ page: yci.org/herstart/faq

YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future and International Fellowship programs are funded through Global Affairs Canada’s Volunteer Cooperation Program, providing skilled Canadians opportunities to volunteer abroad with global partners and advance Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

For more information on the program and all available positions please visit: yci.org/herstart/fellowships

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