Communications Advisor

Assignment Type:

Canadian International Volunteer

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only

Assignment ID:

VA-106875

Assignment Title:

Communications Advisor

Partner:

WUSC Sri Lanka

Country:

Sri Lanka

Duration:

6 months

Time Commitment:

Full time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about PR and creating communication assets towards social marketing campaigns that address gendered and social barriers for women entrepreneurs? Do you have a passion and skills to develop a robust communications and outreach strategy? 

As the Communications Advisor with the Growth, Resilience, Investment & Training (GRIT) Project in Sri Lanka, you will be part of the program team to implementing the communications strategy and co-crating the project communications work plan of the project together with the program team and the HQ Communications team.  You will also be supporting the learning agenda for ecosystem stakeholders and contribute to the various knowledge products developed by the project. 

GRIT is a GAC funded projected working to improve the enabling environment and reduce gender-specific barriers to increase equitable and sustainable growth of women owned and women led enterprises including incubation, start-up, early-stage, and growth-stage enterprises, in the North of Sri Lanka.

Apply today to have an impact in the growth of women entrepreneurs 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 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 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).

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.