Communications Advisor (Volunteer Opportunity for Canadians)

Assignment Type: Canadian International VolunteerEligibility Requirements: Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada onlyPartner: WUSC GuyanaCountry: GuyanaDuration: 6 monthsTime Commitment: Full TimeAssignment ContextAre you passionate about improving opportunities for young people from indigenous communities? Do you have communication technology skills to share?As the Communications Advisor with WUSC Guyana in Georgetown, Guyana, you will work with a dynamic team to support the ENGAGE Youth project communications initiatives with stakeholders from Guyana’s Hinterland regions.Apply today to have an impact on Indigenous youth, especially young women, from Guyana's Hinterland regions!Roles and ResponsibilitiesWork closely with WUSC and project stakeholders to support implementation of the ENGAGE Youth Communications StrategySupport development of communications tools and resources such as, videos, flyers, brochures, infographics/infomercials, project briefs, community stories, social media posts and lessons learnedSupport compliance of funder requirements as well as WUSC policies and branding guidelines in implementation of ENGAGE Youth Communication StrategyFacilitate integration of the cultural sensitivities of Indigenous people, gender and youth sensitive approaches in the ENGAGE Youth Communications Strategy and relevant communications tools and resourcesCoordinate and support the use of communications tools and resources for various activities and platforms including, awareness sessions, community meetings, print, multimedia, social media and onlineAccompany WUSC team along with key project stakeholders, on field visits and project activities to capture information for communications tools and resourcesProvide guidance on strategic and innovative communications opportunities to increase awareness and visibility of ENGAGE Youth’s work, including at public events and campaigns, and for relevant local and international observancesAs required, support revision and updating of the ENGAGE Youth Communications Strategy, to achieve communications outcomesParticipate in pre-assignment trainingParticipate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers will also have one virtual check-in with the Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignmentSet up a personalized volunteer fundraising page on the WUSC fundraising platform and share it in your networks. Volunteers will be supported with the tools, training and support to achieve the fundraising goalSubmit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.Experience and QualificationsDegree and/or training in Communications or a related field of expertiseMinimum of two years (2) related professional experience in field of expertiseProven skills in photography, videography, graphic design, content development and social media management, are requiredExperience traveling and working with people from different cultural backgrounds are assetsA commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and working in collaboration with Indigenous communitiesFlexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivityStrong written and oral communication skills in English, required.Project DescriptionENGAGE Youth is a 5-year project funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) with the Ultimate Outcome “to enhance the empowerment of Indigenous and rural youth, especially young women, in target regions of Guyana” by facilitating improved and meaningful participation of youth in decision-making at the personal, household and community levels; and strengthening the network of local, regional and national stakeholders to effectively address the social and economic needs and aspirations of Indigenous youth from target regions. The ENGAGE Youth Theory of Change is premised on the assumption that increased engagement of Indigenous youth at the personal, household and community levels, and an improved local, regional and national system of stakeholders, will result in enhanced empowerment of Indigenous youth, especially young women. ENGAGE Youth takes a holistic approach to empowerment, which recognizes the significant needs of the target group and importance of the broad-spectrum of key stakeholders required to achieve the ENGAGE Youth Ultimate Outcome. The project utilizes human-centered design (HCD) approaches that allow for active participation of Indigenous youth in designing and implementing initiatives, and a systems approach that facilitates identification of root problems and focuses on actions that enhance sustainability through working closely with local actors and organizations. ENGAGE Youth supports Indigenous youth from Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 in Guyana. The main project partners include government ministries and agencies; non-governmental organizations; and community, national and regional organizations that work with Indigenous youth.Partner DescriptionWorld University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a Canadian non-profit organization with a mission to enhance education, economic opportunities, and empowerment for youth and women. WUSC works with a diverse network of volunteers, students, institutions, governments, and businesses. WUSC is the implementing agency for the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded five-year project – Empowering the Next Generation: Agency and Gender Equality (ENGAGE Youth) in Guyana. The ultimate goal of ENGAGE Youth is to enhance the empowerment of Indigenous and rural youth, especially young women, in target regions of Guyana. ENGAGE Youth will support the enhanced empowerment of Indigenous youth, especially young women, through awareness raising and public engagements on gender equality; provision of life-skills education; enhanced access and referrals to social services; access to applied training in relevant employability, livelihood, business development and entrepreneurship skills; and delivery of skills training and responsive grants to enable young people to effectively engage in youth-led enterprises and economic initiatives. Through financial and technical support, ENGAGE Youth will strengthen the capacity of local, regional and national stakeholders to effectively develop and implement sustainable, gender-responsive, and youth sensitive initiatives that address the social and economic needs and aspirations of Indigenous youth, especially young women.**Eligibility Requirements for this assignmentCanadian International Volunteer Assignment: Due to funder requirements, Canadian International Volunteers must be either Canadian citizens or permanent residents in order to be eligible to volunteer. Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are residing outside of Canada and/or who do not have a Canadian permanent address are eligible to apply.Support PackageSupport and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignmentPre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteersIn-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignmentLanguage training in country of assignment, where requiredModest monthly living and accommodation allowanceAirfare to and from the assignment countryVisa/work permitPre-departure medical examHealth insuranceVaccinations and antimalarial medicationCriminal record verificationVacation leave entitlementDebriefing after completion of assignmentAn incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!