Communications Advisor | Sri Lanka | Volunteer Internationally

***Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only***

Assignment Type: Canadian E-volunteer

Assignment ID: VA-107287

Assignment Title: Communications Advisor

Partner: WUSC Sri Lanka

Country: Sri Lanka

Duration: 2 to 5 months (flexible)

Time Commitment: 5 to 35 hours per week (flexible)

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about creating social change and supporting marginalized communities globally? Do you have communication skills to help amplify their voices for social change?

As the Communications Advisor at WUSC Sri Lanka in Colombo, you will support the WUSC Sri Lanka team and their partners remotely in enhancing the visibility and impact of the WUSC Volunteer Cooperation Program. You will develop communication strategies that highlight the challenges faced by marginalized groups, particularly young women, and promote initiatives that foster gender equality and social inclusion.

Join us today to make a meaningful impact in advancing gender equality and social justice in Sri Lanka!

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support in finalizing the Project Communications Strategy and Work Plan
• Contribute strategies and content towards the social marketing campaign designed by the GESI Team
• Create a repository of communication templates to be used throughout the project
• Support in developing WUSC’s presence on social media platforms in line with systems thinking strategies and with the development of digital content promoting women’s economic growth and resilience
• Conduct storytelling workshops for partner staff members
• Contribute towards knowledge products and ecosystem learning events done by the project
• Develop a database of case studies, photographs and change stories for the project
• Develop and issue press releases as required
• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives with Canadian audiences before, during, or within 6 months after the end of the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, funds, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers must also report on each of their public engagement activities through our Volunteer Information Portal. Virtual chats and individual check-ins can be booked with the Senior Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignment and during the 6 months following its completion to seek guidance and support with their public engagement activities.
• Canadian volunteers are required to do at least one activity that contributes to meeting a fundraising target of $1,500. The minimum requirement is met by each volunteer using our Volunteer Information Portal to report having sent one message to their network about their volunteer assignment that includes the link to the WUSC Shared Impact Fund webpage. This message also counts as one of their three required public engagement activities. Volunteers will be supported with the tools, training, and resources to achieve the fundraising goal.
• Submit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree and/or training in Communications, Digital Marketing or a related field
• Experience in Communications, Digital Marketing or related experience
• Minimum two (2) years relevant professional experience in your field of expertise.
• A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering.
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Experience with group facilitation and trainings, including content development considered an asset
• Experience living and working internationally considered an asset.
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Project Description

The GRIT project is a 7-year collaborative initiative (2022-2029) that will build sustainable pathways to enhanced economic empowerment, well-being and inclusive growth in Sri Lanka (SL), especially for young women in the North of the country. This proposed project will test innovative, sustainable models to improve the enabling environment and reduce gender-specific barriers to increase equitable and sustainable growth of start-up, early-stage, and growth-stage enterprises, especially those owned by, operated by, or serving women in the North of SL.

Partner Description

WUSC Sri Lanka is a NGO that has been working in Sri Lanka over the last three decades engaged in youth education and economic opportunities as well as women development. WUSC Sri Lanka has engaged Canadian volunteers through the Volunteer Cooperation Program throughout this period and implemented its program through local partners. The WUSC Sri Lanka Team has built strong relationships with local NGOS, CSOs, communities, ministries and government departments over time. In addition to the Volunteer Cooperation Program (2020-2028), WUSC Sri Lanka is also implementing the Growth, Resilience, Investment and Training project GRIT project (2022-2029) and the Strengthening TVET Resilience and Inclusive Vocational Employment (STRIVE) project (2025 – 2030).

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignment
• Pre-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 volunteers
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignment
• Language training in country of assignment, where required
• Modest monthly living and accommodation allowance
• Airfare to and from the assignment country
• Visa/work permit
• Pre-departure medical exam
• Health insurance
• Vaccinations and antimalarial medication
• Criminal record verification
• Vacation leave entitlement
• Debriefing after completion of assignment
• An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!