Location Palo, Philippines
Start Date Feb - Apr 2019 (flexible)
Length of Placement 11 Months
Language Requirements English
Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only
The Volunteer’s Role
Through this placement, you will support International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR)in the delivery and implementation of its peatland forest conservation project entitled, “Leyte Sab-a Peatland Forest Restoration Initiative.” The project aims to protect, restore and manage the more than 1,200 hectares of peatland and sustain its ecosystem functions.
Specifically, you will assist in identifying livelihoods and social enterprises with the communities in and around the peatlands and wetlands; undertaking feasibility studies for these livelihoods and enterprises including possible ecotourism development; and coordinating with and engaging the relevant stakeholders.
You are part of the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction Project team in Palo, Leyte and will be stationed in IIRR office. Regular travel to the project areas covering three towns in Leyte province will be required. You will report to the Project Coordinator and will work closely with other members of the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction project team.
As a volunteer, you will:
-Meetings with IIRR team, partners and stakeholders and field visits to familiarize self on the project, activities and stakeholders
-Undertake participatory appraisal of the communities; identify livelihoods and enterprises; and conduct feasibility studies
-Assist the project team and communities in developing business plans for priority livelihoods and enterprises
-Support the project team and communities with training on the basics of livelihood and enterprise development
Essential Academic Qualifications:
University Degree in enterprise development, community development or natural resources/environment management, or equivalent professional or volunteer experience
Essential Professional Background:
-Minimum3 years of experience in enterprise development, ideally with skills in ecotourism development and business planning
- Excellent people skills
- Ability to adapt and apply enterprise development and business knowledge and techniques in the context of rural grassroots communities
Support Package
- Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending country)
- Accommodation while in placement
- Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
- Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and health insurance
- Pre-departure training and in-country orientation
- Travel and accommodation for reintegration debriefing weekend
- Modest support for accompanying partners and dependents going on placement with you for 12 months or longer (Return flight, emergency medical insurance, vaccinations)
- Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return
- Cuso International assessment day (Candidates must cover the first $200 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and all accommodation costs).
- Travel and accommodation for the five-day pre-departure training course and for in-country orientation
- Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months
