Title: Research & Insights E-Fellow
Placement Duration: Jan 25 – May 28 
Time Commitment: 21 hours/week
Location: Remote 

Summary  

Join a dynamic research team supporting the design phases of the new HerStart Innovate the Future program, which provides social entrepreneurship training and resources for young women in Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana. Apply your data collection, analysis and reporting skills to the critical topics of women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship. This is an opportunity to strengthen your CV with practical design thinking and user research experience. In the process, learn about the pivotal frameworks and movements that are shaping the future of work and social impact globally. The research and insights team is led by SoJo, one of HerStart’s innovative design and delivery partners.

Key Roles and Responsibilities  

• Actively engage in training modules in diverse topics including design thinking, social entrepreneurship, climate action, gender equality and cross-cultural collaboration
• Conduct literature reviews and primary and secondary research to map out and understand the entrepreneurship ecosystems in Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana
• Collaborate with National Fellows in completing interviews with a variety of stakeholders
• Produce analyses of research data, including forming recommendations and actionable insights to inform the program design
• Contribute to the drafting and editing of accessible, practitioner-friendly (non-academic) research reports, presentations, fact sheets and infographics
• Build libraries of existing, high-quality resources and opportunities within the fields of gender equality, climate action and social entrepreneurship
• Collaborate virtually with staff, partners and fellows in each country to coordinate research logistics and engage in the HerStart Community of Practice

Desired Qualifications  

• Demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills with high attention to detail
• Minimum of entry level technical research skills i.e. has conducted research and written reports and presentations in the past
• Previous experience with design thinking and data visualization is considered an asset
• Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Slack, AirTable and Mighty Networks)
• Strong organization and time management skills in virtual settings
• Strong teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills; comfortable taking initiative in group work
• Adaptable and flexible mindset; ability to be comfortable with ambiguity
• 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 

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Have fluent or professional level English (written and verbal) skills
• Ability to commit to full term of engagement at 21 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. Joining this network will include first access to future YCI opportunities, both domestically and internationally.

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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.