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

Reporting to the Uniterra Country Coordinator, the Volunteer Support Advisor volunteer will support the successful implementation of the Uniterra program through delivery of volunteer management activities in accordance with agreed standards of practice, policies and protocols. The volunteer will work in collaboration with other VSAs across the Uniterra program to ensure consistency, responsiveness and continued quality in the support provided to volunteers.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support volunteers to proactively manage issues or challenges that may arise throughout the duration of the assignment and to ensure that adequate personal and professional support is provided.;
- Coordinate and co-facilitate in-country orientation for volunteers;
- Provide support to country team in the selection, recruitment and mobilization of volunteers recruited in-country;
- Facilitate ongoing communications amongst the volunteer community to build strong and collaborative personal and professional support and networks;
- Support the development of systems to ensure that tools and documents developed by volunteers are collected and made available to volunteers and country teams and other Uniterra teams;
- Provide support and guidance to volunteers in managing health and safety issues;
- Support the country team in communicating and implementing emergency and security procedures and protocols;
- In collaboration with Sector Program Officer, ensure that all reporting requirements are submitted within agreed timelines (e.g. work plan, mid- and end-of-term reports);
- Conduct end of assignment meeting with volunteers to finalize all administrative, logistic, and financial details;
- In collaboration with the Sector Program Officer build a strong understanding of the volunteer’s role and the support that will need to be provided by the partner and the Uniterra program;
- In collaboration with Volunteer Mobilisation Team and country team, organize volunteer management training and briefing activities for local partner organizations using Uniterra designed lesson plans and materials;
- Ensure the participation and representation of women and youth in all program benefits and activities;
- Produce reports required by the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in human resources or volunteer management or equivalent or relevant work experience, preferably in an international context
- Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills
- Intercultural communications skills, diplomacy
- Good listening and coaching skills
- Experience with facilitation and training
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and work well in a team
- Experience as an international volunteer is an asset
- A commitment to gender equality and youth inclusion, and volunteering

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/8748A049544615C18525823F0081CDEE?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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