Brief Description:

DURATION: 11 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 Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) is a national body created to coordinate and oversee technical and vocational education and training in Ghana. COTVET formulates policies for skills developments across the spectrum of pre-tertiary and tertiary education, formal, informal and non-formal sectors. It is also establishing Ghana's Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the skilled workforce and raise the income generating capacities of people, especially women and low income groups, through the provision of quality, demand-driven and competency-based training programs and complementary services.

The TVET sector, which previously was managed by different ministries and governmental agencies, is currently undergoing reform and realignment. The Youth Engagement Advisor volunteer will support COTVET in reviewing and evaluating strategies to ensure interest and retention of youth participation in TVET programing, and will evaluate its provision and capacity for guiding training providers in achieving program quality.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review COTVET’s strategic plan and regulations for accreditation to promote youth inclusion;
- Review and evaluate the strategy to monitor youth inclusion (i.e internal and external quality assurance);
- Conduct a pilot assessment of youth inclusive strategies in COTVET supervised schools and colleges;
- Work with staff to formulate a plan for the improvement of guidance provided to registered training providers on youth mentorship and support services;
- Conduct an assessment of selected schools on preparedness and support for youth counselling and mentorship support;
- Work closely with the Gender Advisor volunteer to ensure gender equality is a mainstreamed in TVET planning and programming;
- Produce reports required by COTVET and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree and/or formal training in skill development, education or a related discipline
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in youth engagement, training and inclusion programming
- Experience in technical education in a developing country is a strong asset
- Experience monitoring and evaluating youth education/training/engagement programs
- Excellent assessment, planning, and management skills
- Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and problem solving skills
- Fluency in written and oral English

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/2B7C5ED150D208BF85258240000D5789?OpenDocument&lg=enok

Read More