Agribusiness & Entrepreneurship Advisor - Uniterra

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 Northern Development Authority (NDA), formerly known as the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), was introduced by the government of Ghana to bridge the visible development gap between northern and southern Ghana, with significantly higher levels of poverty in the north. The goal of NDA is to double per capita incomes of northern Ghanaians and reduce poverty to 20% in 20 years. They have been convening the agricultural sector across regions to provide information and coordinate stakeholder activities, including determining research areas, pricing mechanisms for agricultural products, seed availability and cost.

The Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship Advisor will assist in developing the entrepreneurial skills of local organizations working with women and youth in the interest of generating employment and income opportunities for these groups. The volunteer will also work to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of women and youth by exploring possible business ventures, encouraging women and youth leadership, and developing business and marketing plans.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop strategies to promote agri-businesses, and assist in developing an agribusiness network;
• Support in identifying and implementing new entrepreneurship programs for youth organizations and affiliates;
• Support the development of social skills workshops and trainings for youth;
• Guide and facilitate workshops on youth entrepreneurship and economic development;
• Provide technical assistance and expertise to youth on the implementation of business plans;
• Strengthen the capacity of NDA to research new business opportunities for youth groups, and promote the inclusion of youth and young women in entrepreneurship;

• Ensure the participation of women and youth, as well as their representation, in all activities and all program benefits;
• Consolidate the results, document best practices and participate in the implementation of exit strategies; and
• Write reports required by NDA and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree and/or training in business administration, entrepreneurship, marketing, or a related discipline
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in business and partnership development
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with professional contacts
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in cross-cultural environments
• Excellent leadership, coaching, mentoring, facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to new situations
• Written and oral fluency in 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.