Brief Description:

PARTNER:
Asociación Peruana de Productores de Cacao

LOCATION:
PERU , Junin

DURATION:
Flexible duration (3-9 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 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:
- Identify and assess the products and tools developed during past projects on youth participation in cocoa cooperatives
- Support research on the roles youth presently play – and those they could actively play – in the different stages of the cocoa value chain
- Support the development of a youth inclusion strategy to increase youth participation and interest in cooperative related activities
- Support the design and development of training for youth to foster interest in the work their parents do in the cocoa and coffee sectors
- Support the strengthening of social skills and leadership skills
- Prepare workshops for the young children of cocoa producers with a focus on improving their general skills and communications skills
- Collaborate in the strengthening of a platform that is youth organized and led
- Support efforts to identify new avenues for youth entrepreneurship or careers in agriculture
- Develop innovative activities to improve skills and encourage entrepreneurship among youth
- Produce reports, as required by the partner and the Uniterra program
- Support the organization of events planned by the partner or Uniterra
- Consolidate the results, document best practices and participate in the implementation of exit strategies
- Support communications and outreach activities via social media messaging

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in farm business management, agricultural economics and/or a field relevant to this mandate
- Experience in micro-enterprise management and training in rural areas
- Experience in training youth
- Aptitude for innovation, flexibility and tact
- Excellent aptitude for working in intercultural situations, capacity for adaptation
- Excellent teamwork skills
- Good analytical and writing skills
- Demonstrated aptitude for working independently and with initiative
- Excellent command of spoken and written Spanish
- Knowledge of GE issues an asset
- Experience in a developing country an asset

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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