Volunteerism and Youth Development Specialist

PARTNER NAME: VSO Guyana / Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport Georgetown
LOCATION: Guyana
LENGTH OF PLACEMENT: 24 months
FUNDING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Must be Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: Fluent English (Level 5)

ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL

Cuso International a non-profit development agency that works through volunteers. Each year, we send hundreds of global citizens to work on collaborative development projects in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We are one of North America’s leading international development organizations that works through volunteers.

ABOUT THE PARTNER

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is the main Government agency responsible for the advancement of the youth development agenda. The Ministry is mandated to ensure that every young person is afforded the opportunity to obtain the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for his/her personal development. It is also required to ensure that every individual, with specific focus on youth, be given access to culture and sporting experiences. The Ministry has of recent started supporting Volunteerism at a National Level in Guyana and links youth development with volunteering.

THE VOLUNTEER’S ROLE

This placement would continue the work started by two previous volunteers in advancing Volunteering and Youth Development in Guyana by supporting the staff of the newly formed Volunteer Support Platform to implement the strategic plan, to engage organizations in the voluntary sector, and to maintain the momentum and sustainability of this project. In addition the volunteer will specifically support the development of a national approach to youth volunteerism and review the strategic direction of the platform as it develops.

Build on and take forward the business/strategic plan and actions within the volunteerism support platform strategy.
Develop a national approach to youth volunteerism which contributes to the development of young people
Developing capacity and capability of staff of the Volunteerism Support Platform
Volunteerism Advocacy and valuing volunteerism

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in social sciences, development studies or related field, or first degree with a relevant combination of professional and academic qualifications
Strong demonstrated experience in developing policies and implementation plans.
Strong project management and strategic planning/implementation experience
Strong analytical and excellent report writing skills (in English)
Experience in working both with civil society and governmental organizations
Experience of being a coach/mentor
Knowledge of Action Centered Learning
Excellent communicator – verbally and in writing.
Experience working with youths/youth policies/youth centres or community groups
Self-started, and ability to work with minimum supervision

TRAINING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Our training and support package covers the costs of being an overseas volunteer, allowing you to enjoy a modest but healthy lifestyle while you volunteer abroad. This includes:

Attendance at a Cuso International assessment day (candidates are expected to cover the first $150 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and accommodation costs).
Travel and accommodation costs associated with five day pre-departure training course held in Ottawa.
Return airfare and visa/permit (this includes a return flight in the case of a family emergency).
Coverage for required vaccinations, medications and health insurance.
Accommodation while overseas.
A modest living allowance, which varies depending on the country where you are placed.
Quarterly payments to support you in your placement