Title: Climate Action E-Fellow
Placement Duration: Jan 25 – May 28 
Time Commitment: 21 or 35 hours/week
Location: Remote 

Summary  

Join the HerStart Innovate the Future program team to further enhance the sustainability of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana. Support YCI and local partners in raising awareness of environmental issues, designing climate-responsive solutions and building a network of green businesses. This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge and passion for environmental sustainability in a new and innovative way, while also strengthening your CV with practical international development research, training and project coordination experience. In the process, learn more about women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship – pivotal frameworks that are shaping the future of work and social impact globally.

Key Roles and Responsibilities  

• Actively engage in training modules on diverse topics including social entrepreneurship, climate action, gender equality, MEL, and cross-cultural collaboration
• Conduct primary and secondary research on climate/environmental sustainability topics to inform program design, planning and reporting
• Support the Partnership Sustainability Planning (PSP) and baseline assessment process for local partners in each country, identifying key strengths and areas for growth within environmental sustainability
• Design and deliver needs-based trainings and resources for partners, staff and fellows
• Support the development of an environmental strategy and action plan for each country, including researching, developing and testing climate-responsive solutions for the project and partners
• Identify viable opportunities in the local green economies for social ventures to pursue; provide coaching and mentorship for entrepreneurs as needed
• Draft and edit reports, resource guides and presentations
• Help build the HerStart Toolkit in each country with high-quality resources and opportunities
• Collaborate virtually with staff, partners and fellows in each country to coordinate program logistics and engage in the HerStart Community of Practice

Desired Qualifications  

• Prior knowledge and experience in climate action or environmental sustainability programming
• Experience in developing trainings, educational resources or online courses
• Passion for learning, facilitation and supporting the knowledge and skill development of others
• Strong writing and project coordination skills with high attention to detail
• Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Slack, AirTable and Mighty Networks)
• Strong organization, research and time management skills in a virtual setting
• Strong teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills
• Ability to be proactive, flexible and take initiative
• Ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes openness to differing opinions and views
• Previous experience in the field of international development is an asset

Eligibility Requirements 

• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Must have fluent or professional level English (written and verbal) skills
• Ability to commit to full term of engagement at either 21 or 35 hours/week
• Currently enrolled in or graduated from a relevant post-secondary degree or diploma, or have the equivalent work experience
• Demonstrate interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
• Access to a computer with standard software applications and stable internet connection
• Flexibility in schedule (able to attend most weekday meetings and trainings coordinated across different time zones)
• Proficiency in standard software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Note: Individuals from all age, gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Benefits of an E-Fellowship 

• Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and global partners to help grow the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.
• Amplify your personal and professional growth: Whether you’re a recent grad, mid-career or experienced professional, you’ll receive unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as cross-cultural communication, project management, research and more.
• Access high-quality training and resources: You’ll receive specialized training and resources from our global partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social enterprise, monitoring and evaluation and climate action.
• Be part of an international network: You’ll connect with like-minded, passionate Canadians, partner organizations and youth around the globe.

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Please note: fellowship participation is completely voluntary and is by no means and shall not be construed as an employment contract. The fellow is not entitled to claim for any wages, indemnity, payment, notice of termination or pay in lieu of notice of termination, or any other benefits and agrees that he or she may not be considered as an employee under employment laws including the Act respecting Labour Standards and the Civil Code of Quebec.

YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future and Fellowship programs are funded through Global Affairs Canada’s Volunteer Cooperation Program, providing skilled Canadians opportunities to volunteer abroad with global partners and advance Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.