Brief Description:

DURATION:
Flexible duration (3-10 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 Asociación Peruana de Productores de Cacao (APPCacao) is a national association of cocoa farmers which represents more than 15,000 cocoa farmers and 25 partner organizations. The mission of APPCacao is to promote the image, production, productivity and consumption of Peruvian cocoa and its by-products on a national and international level. The work of APPCacao is socially and environmentally responsible and integrates the concepts of equality between women and men. APPCacao seeks to reduce the difference in profit levels amongst producers by providing them with information about production methods, international prices and by helping to set appropriate prices.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct a gender analysis in the designated cooperative and do research on the relevant gender approach standards
- Promote gender equality by organizing awareness-raising workshops for the personnel and members of the designated cooperative
- Support the development of tools for women’s economic empowerment
- Investigate the economic opportunities potentially available to women at the local level
- Develop strategies and activities to enable women cocoa producers to participate more actively in their cooperatives
- Ensure the participation and representation of women and youth in all activities and events
- Produce reports, as required by the partner and the Uniterra program
- Support communications and outreach activities
- Consolidate the results, document best practices and participate in the implementation of exit strategies

QUALIFICATIONS:
- University degree in international development, social sciences, feminist studies or any other relevant degree
- Experience in entrepreneurship training with women and youth and providing technical support for business planning
- Knowledge of gender issues
- Experience in group facilitation with a participatory approach
- Experience in training youth
- Excellent aptitude for working in intercultural situations, capacity for adaptation
- Excellent teamwork skills
- Aptitude for innovation, flexibility and tact
- Good analytical and writing skills
- Demonstrated aptitude for working independently and with initiative
- Excellent command of spoken and written Spanish
- Experience in a developing country an asset
- Good understanding of women’s economic empowerment

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:
You must ensure that you have a SYGESCA session open and that your profile contains a curriculum vitae before applying for the position.

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