Diaspora Volunteering Lead Researcher, Nigeria

About the Position:

Partner Name: VSO Nigeria
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Length of Placement: 2 months
Funding eligibility requirements: Must be Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
Language requirements: English Level 5 To self-assess your level please click here

About CUSO International:

Cuso International is 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 Organization:

VSO Nigeria is one of Cuso International’s longest running country programs. VSO Nigeria is committed to strengthening Diaspora volunteering recognizing the unique contribution that diaspora volunteers can bring to Nigeria’s development and VSO’s vision of a world without poverty. Key questions include: how can diaspora volunteers best contribute to Nigeria’s development in the context of VSO Nigeria’s country strategy? How would diaspora volunteering best fit into VSO Nigeria’s existing programs? To address these questions VSO Nigeria will undertake an in-country Feasibility Study, and on the basis of the findings of the Study, a Strategy and Action Plan for Diaspora Volunteering will be developed.

The Volunteers Role:

Overall placement purpose and specific placement objectives:
The overall purpose of this placement is to provide professional and technical expertise on the development of a DV Strategy and Action Plan, to complement the VSO Nigeria Country Strategy.

Specific Objectives:
The Diaspora Volunteering Lead Researcher (DVLR) will lead a two-member Diaspora Volunteering Consultancy Team (CT) which also includes a National Volunteer. The DVLR will be responsible for:

Producing an in-field feasibility study, and following approval of the study,
Developing a Diaspora Volunteer Strategy and Action Plan for VSO Nigeria

Specifically, the DVLR will provide analysis and facilitate the development of the Strategy and Action Plan, as follows:

Feasibility Study: provide an analysis of the context for Diaspora Volunteering in Nigeria. The analysis includes, but is not limited to, the following areas of enquiry:

policy and institutional framework(s) in support of Diaspora and Diaspora Volunteering, i.e., government, corporate sector, civil society organizations
identification of Diaspora-sending agencies operational in Nigeria
Identification of gaps, i.e., professional expertise and skills related to Health, Education and Secure Livelihoods sectors
Identification of barriers and constraints (e.g., legal, financial, organizational, institutional capacity, security) to effective Diaspora Volunteering at national, state (with focus on VSO states), local
government and community levels
Determine the operational requirements (financial, organizational, institutional capacity) within the Nigeria Country Office to enable effective Diaspora Volunteering
suggest alternatives, if relevant, to Diaspora Volunteering in Nigeria
build on lessons learned from Diaspora Volunteering programs in Ethiopia and Guyana
Make recommendations for the Diaspora Volunteering Strategy

Strategy and Action Plan:

Based on the findings of the feasibility study, develop a Strategy and Action Plan document to be implemented by VSO Nigeria as part of their country strategy.

Skills and Qualifications:

Professional skills/competencies:
Essential: Skills in leading research teams, designing research tools, and producing high quality reports
Desirable: the above, in relation to Diaspora Volunteering

Professional qualifications and experience:
Essential: A basic social science degree
Desirable: knowledge of Diaspora issues, especially in Nigeria

Personal Qualities

Good communication and engagement skills; cultural sensitivity when working across different cultural environments
Flexibility, adaptability and patience
Below the retirement age for Nigeria - 60 years.

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 must cover the first $150 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and accommodation costs).
Travel and accommodation costs associated with pre-departure training.
Return airfare and visa/permit (this includes a return flight in the case of a family emergency).
Coverage for required vaccinations, medications and comprehensive 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