International Seminarist – Researcher

Assignment Type:

Canadian International Volunteer

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only

Assignment ID:

VA-107058

Assignment Title:

International Seminarist – Researcher

Partner:

WUSC Sri Lanka

Country:

Sri Lanka

Duration:

4 weeks

Time Commitment:

Full-time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about improving economic opportunities for young people globally? Do you have research and youth leadership skills to contribute? Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada between the ages of 18 and 30?

WUSC invites you to participate in the 79th International Seminar in Kandy, Sri Lanka from July 3 to August 3, 2025. This unique opportunity will bring together youth from Canada and Sri Lanka to collaborate on innovative research focused on modernizing the craft sector. Through this youth-led seminar, you'll contribute to meaningful change, engage in cross-cultural collaboration, and help shape the future of the global craft industry. As WUSC’s flagship event, the International Seminar empowers young leaders worldwide, creating a platform to learn, share ideas, build lasting relationships, and address important global issues.

Apply today to be part of a transformative journey and have a global impact on youth empowerment!

Roles and Responsibilities

• Take part in conversations, online meetings, pre-assignment training and activities with other International Seminar participants prior to the start of the Seminar (July 3, 2025)
• Actively participate in research, workshops, focus groups, interviews, and peer-led activities during the Seminar 
• Share and exchange with Seminar participants on how youth can contribute to the modernization of the craft sector in Sri Lanka
• In collaboration with the other participants, develop a comprehensive report summarizing research findings and systems thinking insights 
• Share your Seminar experience during outreach activities in Sri Lanka
• Prepare and draft reports as required by the Seminar coordinator and the IGNI+E Volunteer Cooperation Program Team
• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate in public engagement initiatives before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, and support to achieve these goals. The scope and nature of these activities are to be defined in collaboration with the seminar participants
• 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.

Experience and Qualifications

• Youth between the ages of 18-30
• Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
• Commitment to do at least one activity that contributes to meeting a fundraising target of $1,500 by June 1, 2025. Additional efforts to meet the $1,500 target are strongly encouraged, and supported by WUSC with training and practical resources.
• Commitment to the mandatory pre-event training, to the 4-week event (full-time from July 3 – August 3), and to public engagement activities designed to inform the Canadian population, with the scope and nature of these activities to be defined in collaboration with the seminar participants
• Strong problem-solving and research skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as part of a remote working group
• A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Partner Description

WUSC has been working in Sri Lanka for over 30 years in youth education and economic opportunities, as well as in gender equality and social inclusion. WUSC Sri Lanka has engaged Canadian volunteers through the Volunteer Cooperation Program and implemented its program through local partners. The WUSC Sri Lanka Team has built strong relationships with local NGOS, CSOs, communities, government ministries and departments. 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
• 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.