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:
Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC) is an association of community colleges in Vietnam, a social-vocational organization representing the common voice of universities, colleges and other training institutes following community college model in Vietnam. The Association runs for the mutual interest and power of the whole association and of each member, accelerating the development of life-learning model, positively contributing to the socio-economic development of Vietnam and for the sake of individuals in the community.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Work closely with Sector Program Offficers of Uniterra and WUSC to provide:
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
- Organize in-country orientations for volunteers and provide settling in support, utilities, insurance procedures, monthly allowances, etc. Interpret policies relating to complex volunteer matters, making judgments on how they apply to individuals;
- Introduce volunteers to their local partner organizations and workplace;
- Support volunteers in identifying and negotiating their accommodations;
- Identify language training support for volunteers where required;
- Provide support and guidance to volunteers in managing health and security issues they may encounter while overseas (e.g. cultural integration, developing personal and professional support networks);
- Ensure that financial and administrative procedures and guidelines are applied in accordance with the standards and policies manual (e.g. visas, housing rental rules, and provide guidance and direction);
- Support the country team in ensuring that emergency and security procedures and information is updated on a regular basis and communicated with volunteers;
- Ensure privacy and confidentiality procedures are followed during any situation, especially where personal or medical information is involved;
- Proactively manage issues or conflicts that may arise during the duration of the volunteers’ assignment;
- Regularly monitor of the volunteers’ place of work and progress throughout their assignments;
- Undertake exit interviews for departing volunteers to debrief their experience and ensure all reporting requirements are fulfilled;
- Provide information and guidance on country-specific issues relating to placement quality and volunteer experience to ensure continuous learning and improvement;
- Ensure all volunteer information is updated in management information systems (e.g. emergency contact details, holiday travel, departure dates).

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
- Work in collaboration with Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC) staff and faculty to improve soft skill programs;
- Work with local partners to identify volunteer management training and support needs and provide on-going support through mentoring and training.
- Provide guidance and support partners and the Sectoral Program Officers in the selection, recruitment and mobilization of local country and Global South volunteers.
- Promote the implementation and monitoring of the Uniterra Strategy for Equality between women and men and youth inclusion.
- Facilitating workshops and/or trainings outlining the stages of gender balance.
- Collaborating with other Uniterra volunteers to share best practices of gender balance in ICT industry and show how to apply them in the Vietnam context.
- Preparing and drafting reports required by the host organization and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- University or College degree in human resources or volunteer management or equivalent or relevant work experience
- Experience in Human Resources or Volunteer Management, preferably in an international development context
- Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills;
- Intercultural communications skills, diplomacy
- Good listening and coaching skills
- Team working skills
- Experience in training
- Ability to work independently, take initiative
- 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/2036E89FA61927F5852582BF0043BC9C?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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