Research Advisor | Sri Lanka | Volunteer Internationally

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

Assignment Type: Canadian International Volunteer

Assignment ID: VA-107460

Assignment Title: Research Advisor

Partner: WUSC Sri Lanka

Country: Sri Lanka

Duration: 4 to 6 months (flexible)

Time Commitment: Full time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about improving economic opportunities and gender equality for young people? Do you have research skills to share? If so, this might be the assignment for you!

As the Research Advisor with WUSC Sri Lanka in Colombo you will support research on volunteer and partner engagement and impact, as well as explore, identify and assess potential new stakeholders with organisations engaged in youth and women’s economic opportunities such as non-governmental organizations, community based organizations and small and medium enterprises etc, through mapping and research.

Apply today to help improve education and economic opportunities for all young people!

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Volunteer Partner Impact Research (50% level of effort)

• Support WUSC country teams and the WUSC Canada team in the development of research projects
• Implement mixed methods data collection (desktop research, interviews, surveys) in collaboration with program teams in country and in Canada
• Analyze data to contribute to project reports, presentations and project improvement

2. Stakeholder Mapping & Research (50% level of effort)

• With support from the WUSC country team, identify country-Canada relationships and conduct mapping exercise to identify potential stakeholders and key relationships for partners and WUSC to explore/develop
• Support the coordination of knowledge sharing activities to strengthen collaboration between partners and stakeholders (e.g. in-country learning visits, etc)
• 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 Social Sciences, Business Development or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in desktop research, conducting interviews, and profile development
• Demonstrated experience in analysis and report writing
• Experience networking, facilitating and convening stakeholders is an asset.
• , 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

Volunteering for development is one of the important ways in which WUSC pursues its mission. The IGNI+E project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports over 70 partner organizations to advance gender equality and the economic empowerment of 1.2 million youth around the world. IGNI+E harnesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise of skilled Canadians through volunteer assignments and public engagement activities to assist partners in improving their performance, advocating for gender equality, and implementing more sustainable, innovative and inclusive initiatives and services for poor and marginalised youth, particularly young women. Overseas, our volunteers collaborate with a wide variety of partners, including enterprise and social enterprise development incubators, skills training centres, women’s organizations, and youth groups. In Canada, WUSC works with institutions and individuals to identify, prepare, and support volunteers who travel overseas to support our partners. Our network in Canada also works with WUSC to raise awareness among Canadians to inspire greater action on global development issues. Our collective focus is on sustainable and inclusive changes to create a better world for youth.

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).

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!