Brief Description:

TYPE OF ASSIGNMENT:
Volunteer Cooperant (VC/OS)
Unaccompanied assignment - This assignment does not include support for accompanying partners or dependants

PARTNER:
Alianza Cacao Perú

LOCATION:
PERU , Tingo María and Tocache

DURATION:
12 months

EXPECTED DEPARTURE DATE:
Departure date is contingent upon completion of administrative file and approval of visa. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and position will remain open until filled.

OVERVIEW:

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:

Alianza Cacao Perú (ACP) is a cooperative that brings together public and private investment partners with the objective of having Peru recognized as a world leader in fine cocoa production. They also work to improve producers’ living conditions through a sustainable and alternative dominant business model. The Alliance operates in the regions of San Martín, Huánuco and Ucayali. Its program consists of two phases: establishing a profitable, inclusive and sustainable production model for fine aroma cocoa; and coaching cooperatives and associations of regular and fine aroma cocoa producers on how to gain international recognition through a stronger international marketing strategy and by promoting openness and good governance within their cooperatives.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Become familiar with the work done during the two years of collaboration between Uniterra and Alianza Cacao Perú (ACP) and learn about both the work done at the regional offices as well as the field work level;
- Identify what tools, instruments and/or workshops are necessary to continue the good work done until now with cocoa producers and technological agents that are leaders in their community and thereby increase the participation of women, young or adult, in the cocoa value chain;
- Ensure the integration of the gender approach in all activities of the strengthening plan for the assigned cooperatives;
- Encourage coordination of work with different organizations currently working on the concept of gender equality with rural women, with the aim of seeking synergies;
- Conceive tools and develop case studies on best practices in the integration of gender equality issues in cooperatives of the San Martin Perú region;
- Encourage active coordination with the other gender advisors who are working with Alianza Cacao Peru (ACP) in other regions, to ensure the work favors the same vision and the approach is coordinated;
- Contribute and develop innovative ideas with the Uniterra Peru team to carry out intervention strategies;
- Actively participate in networks on issues related to gender equality;
- Document good practices and tools on the integration of gender issues and share this information with other volunteers through information exchange platforms (Facebook and virtual library);
- Produce the reports required by the partner and the Uniterra program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Studies in International Development, Feminist Studies, Social Sciences or any other relevant field;
- Work, academic or practical experience on research and compilation of data and information;
- Put forward the importance of equality between women and men;
- Knowledge of the implementation of the gender approach in development projects;
- Experience in participatory training methodologies for adults;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish;
- Strong writing and communication skills;
- Capabilities of analysis and synthesis;
- Ability to work in an intercultural environment;
- Ability to work independently and in a team;
- Experience in international development an asset.
- Previous experience in international development an asset;
- Trips will be made to Tocache (South of San Martín) for the development of workshops and eventually to Pucallpa or Aguaytía for coordination;

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.

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