Trade & Investment Officer

Assignment Type:

Canadian International Volunteer

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only

Assignment ID:

VA-106860

Assignment Title:

Trade & Investment Officer

Partner:

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Country:

Guyana

Duration:

6 to 12 months (flexible)

Time Commitment:

Full time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about Trade and Investment, Agriculture and the Green Economy? Do you have Trade and Investment skills to share? 

As the Trade & Investment Officer with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Guyana, you will play a vital role in driving economic growth, enhancing global competitiveness, and fostering sustainable development.

Apply today to have an impact in the Trade & Investment department in Georgetown, Guyana!

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leads/contributes to the organization of trade promotion and networking events, as well as preparation for trade missions to foreign countries.
• Collects information and writes reports  including sectoral reports and preparation of policy briefs, data sheets and other briefings for regional trade meetings.
• Advises companies and organizations on opportunities for business development in the economic sectors locally and internationally.
• Collaborate with short-term consultants in undertaking research and other analyses as needed
• Analyze trade flows and barriers within CARICOM in order to present ways of improving trade
• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate 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 assignment.
• Set 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 goal.
• Submit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree and/or training in a related field
• Minimum two (2) years relevant professional experience in your field of expertise.
• Experience working with private sector actors in a developing economy context
• Strong understanding and passion for trade and investment, agriculture and green economy initiatives
• Knowledgeable in and ability to advise on trade laws, commercial laws, investment laws, and environmental laws among others which are critical to economic growth and business development considered an asset
• One to three years of work experience preferably in a government agency, business association, or another similar agency 
• A demonstrated passion for economic development and related issues through involvement in student groups, civil groups, or NGOs
• A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering.
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Experience living and working internationally considered an asset.
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Project Description

WUSC Caribbean is implementing a five-year project – the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) project, which will promote climate resilient agriculture for equitable economic growth to increase the economic prosperity of women and youth (female and male) in more sustainable agricultural markets in the Caribbean. The project builds on learning from the Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) project and is a multi-country economic growth project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) being implemented in Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Suriname.

Partner Description

As a key player in promoting and facilitating economic development in Guyana, the GCCI continuously seeks to strengthen its capacity to deliver on its mandates. Our committees are instrumental in driving initiatives that foster trade and investment, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable practices within the private sector.

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
• COVID-19 PCR testing
• 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!

WUSC’s Safeguarding Policy

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion and sexual exploitation and abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to sign off on the WUSC Code of Conduct and the Self-Disclosure Form. International and national volunteers will also be required to submit a criminal record verification.

WUSC is a signatory to the Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct. The pledge represents the shared commitment as Canada’s global development and humanitarian leaders to ensure the full implementation of practices and policies that will protect and respond to our own staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces and programs that promote gender equality and are free from gender-based violence, including by addressing and responding to all abuse of power, holding people to account, and protecting the vulnerable. Read the full pledge.