Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor | Ghana | Volunteer Internationally

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

Assignment Type: Canadian International Volunteer

Assignment ID: VA-107416

Assignment Title: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor

Partner: WUSC Ghana

Country: Ghana

Duration: 6 – 12 months (flexible)

Time Commitment: Full time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about gender equality and social inclusion? Do you have experience working with marginalized groups?

As the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor, you will support WUSC and their partners to increase the understanding of gender-specific and intersectional barriers faced by young women and improve the ability of organizations to respond to their unique needs, and improve their programs to meet the needs of women.

Apply today to have an impact in improving gender equality and women's economic empowerment in Accra, Ghana!

Roles and Responsibilities

-Co-design and deliver capacity-strengthening training sessions on gender equality and social inclusion on , women’s economic empowerment, Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), engaging men and boys, care economy, gender-based violence and feminist approaches to development to WUSC staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and partner organizations

-Work with project team to ensure the integration of the EMPLOY’s GESI strategy in the implementation and monitoring of project activities

-Share relevant resources and participate in online exchanges with other GESI advisors, staff, and partners in other countries and regions to promote knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer coaching, and mentoring

-Collaborate with local partners to develop strategies and tools to increase the participation of young women and promote their increased and equitable access to and control over resources

-Collect and draft Stories of Change from project participants, partners, and stakeholders for internal and external sharing platforms

-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 formal/ professional training in gender/women’s studies, social sciences, or a related field
• A minimum of 5 years demonstrated experience working in gender equality, social inclusion and women economic empowerment programming
• Experience working with youth, women, and minority groups; and promoting gender mainstreaming at the organizational and programming level
• Knowledge and experience in monitoring and evaluation considered an asset
• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Project Description

Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), the Enhancing Market Participation and Learning Opportunities for Young Women (EMPLOY) project is a five-year initiative that aims to reduce poverty in Ghana by creating sustainable pathways for young women to access decent, dignified, and well-paying jobs in sectors where they can grow, lead, and succeed. EMPLOY builds on and expands the impact of the recently concluded GAC-funded Innovation in Non-traditional Vocational Education and Skills Training (INVEST) project. It continues operations in Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Western regions, and is expanding into four additional regions: Ahafo, Bono, Central and Eastern. The project’s ultimate goal is to strengthen the economic empowerment and well-being of young women, while contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Ghana.

Partner Description

World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a Canadian non-profit organization with a mission to enhance education, economic opportunities, and empowerment for youth. WUSC works with a diverse network of volunteers, students, institutions, governments, and businesses. Together, WUSC and its networks foster youth-centered solutions to overcome inequality and exclusion, with a vision of a better world for all young people. Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the IGNI+E project (Innovative Global Networks for Inclusion + Equality, pronounced ‘ignite’) will be implemented in at least 8 countries between 2020-27. By strengthening the performance of key stakeholders in the employment/self-employment ecosystem including service delivery organizations, employers, government bodies, civil society organizations, training institutions and women’s organizations, the IGNI+E project will improve the socio-economic well-being of poor and marginalized youth, particularly young women. In some countries, the project will also target youth and young women with compounding vulnerabilities, such as forcibly displaced youth, marginalized women and youth impacted by climate change. To support partners to generate inclusive and sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, 1 million Canadians will be engaged along a continuum of awareness to action on key global issues, with 50,000 Canadians undertaking an action to sustain IGNI+E’s development impact.

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from the 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!