Communications & Marketing Fellow
Summary
Join the YCI team to collect and amplify stories about young women as leaders in social innovation and the impact of HerStart in each country. Inspire and engage stakeholders to act on critical global issues, including women’s empowerment, climate change and social entrepreneurship, by developing strategies and creative content for a variety of communication channels such as social media, web, events and videos. Advance women entrepreneurs' business growth through coaching and workshops on effective marketing strategies and tools. This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge and passion for communications in a new and innovative way, while also strengthening your CV with hands-on, purpose-driven international experience.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Designing and implementing country and partner communications strategies and plans
- Researching, developing and creating communications content, including social media, newsletters, success stories, brochures, reports, photos and videos
- Contributing to the design and implementation of outreach and marketing strategies to recruit young women entrepreneurs into the program
- Designing and delivering needs-based workshops, reports and resources related to communications, marketing and digital media topics to enhance organizational learning for staff and partners
- Identifying and developing opportunities to enhance brand awareness for YCI and HerStart
- Supporting entrepreneur’s marketing strategies through individualized coaching and group training on effective marketing and communications tools
- Contributing to the ongoing development of a high quality HerStart photo library
- Actively engaging in holistic fellowship orientation and training opportunities
- Supporting HerStart’s key themes of gender equality, climate action, innovation and human rights
*Note: Responsibilities for this role will vary for each fellow and country. The above list demonstrates the types of activities this role may be engaged in, depending on the skills of the applicant and the immediate needs of the HerStart team.
Check out our Stories to learn about the experiences of different HerStart International Fellows!
Desired Qualifications for this Position
- Experience in designing communications and marketing materials aligned to program strategies
- Strong digital communications skills, including social media content creation, visual design, photography and videography
- Skilled at storytelling, including writing success stories and blogs for external audiences
- Strong communication skills with ability to coach and support others
- Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Canva, Slack, Airtable and Mighty Networks)
- Excellent organization and time management skills, including the ability to work independently
- Ability to be proactive, flexible and take initiative
- Committed to working with others in an equitable and inclusive manner
- Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes openness to differing opinions and views
Eligibility Requirements
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Fluent or professional-level English skills (written and verbal)
- Demonstrated interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
- Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience)
- Ability to commit to the full length of placement with full-time hours, including a week of pre-departure training online
- Contribute to the HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides grants to women-led social enterprises, by reaching the fundraising goal of $2,500 CAD with support from the YCI team
- Access to a personal computer for duration of placement
*Note: Individuals from all age, gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Benefits
- Gain professional global experience: Engage in a high-quality international volunteer program with YCI – an organization with over 30 years of experience. The Fellowship program includes comprehensive pre-departure training before you go, as well as ongoing health and safety and reintegration support.
- Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and global partners, meaningfully contributing your time to help grow the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.
- Amplify your personal growth: Participate in unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as effective cross-cultural communication, project management, research and more.
- Access high quality training and resources: Receive specialized training and resources from our global partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social enterprise and climate action.
- Be part of an international network: Connect with like-minded, passionate Canadians, partner organizations and youth around the globe. Joining this network will include first access to future YCI opportunities, domestically and internationally.
For more information about the HerStart International Fellowship benefits and support package, including the expenses covered by YCI, please review the fellowship FAQ page here!
Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
YCI recognizes the unequal power dynamics inherent in international development work and our responsibility to protect the human rights of the communities we serve and provide an environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse. Youth Challenge International (YCI) commits to a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and has a policy in place to ensure all staff, fellows and partners are aware of these commitments.