HerStart International Fellowships

A ‘HerStart Fellowship’ is an opportunity to volunteer with YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future program. Canadians have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute their time and energy to the bold goals of the HerStart program, while also learning more about the critical global topics of women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship. This volunteer opportunity targets young professionals and students (ages 20-35) and has been designed as a ‘Fellowship’ to provide high-quality training, resources, hands-on experience and networking, while also recognizing the knowledge and skills that successful applicants already have.

Requirements and desired qualifications for HerStart Fellowships are listed within each position description on the Opportunities page. However, the key eligibility must-haves for all positions include:  

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
• Professional level English language skills (written and verbal) 
• Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience) 
• Access to a personal laptop to use throughout placement 
• Able and ready to commit to the full term of engagement 
• Able to meet the fundraising goal before the start date 
• Able to meet all travel requirements for international placements  

Please note that individuals from all gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply. The program is primarily designed for those between the ages of 20-35. Although previous international development experience will be considered an asset, it is not required to participate in the HerStart Fellowship program. 

HerStart International Fellowship placements are 3-month, full-time engagements; volunteers collaborate with both YCI staff and partner organizations during regular in-country working hours (Monday-Friday, 35-40 hours per week). All placement hours must be completed in person; remote or online work is not available. Each international fellowship also includes a week of virtual pre-departure training before you go and reintegration support and alumni engagement when you return home.  

HerStart Fellows have the opportunity to access many resources, connections and experiences to advance their personal and professional development. A few examples include high-quality training, ongoing mentorship, and membership to an exclusive international network focused on women’s empowerment, climate action and social enterprise. The majority of travel and living costs are covered through funding from the Goverment of Canada (see below for more details). 

To help make international volunteering more accessible, YCI covers many costs involved in the fellowship experience. Expenses covered include international roundtrip airfare, required travel visas and a monthly allowance to cover basic living costs including accommodation, communications, food and transportation. Please note that the final monthly allowance and any eligible reimbursements submitted are disbursed upon completion of the placement. To support health and wellbeing, fellows receive a stipend towards mandatory vaccines and medications up to $300. Fellows also receive comprehensive emergency medical and evacuation insurance. Some costs that are not covered include vaccination/medication costs that surpass the $300 allocation, luxury services or accommodations, and a criminal record background check (if you do not have a recent one).   

Learning and development is a key component of the fellowship experience. Each fellow participates in a comprehensive training process, which includes pre-departure training, in-country orientation, ongoing training events and activities throughout the placement, as well as reintegration activities upon returning home.

There is a week-long schedule of virtual pre-departure training where fellows will engage in interactive Zoom sessions and online courses designed and facilitated by subject matter experts, including YCI staff, fellows and partners. This training covers a wide array of topics, including an orientation to the HerStart program, health and safety overseas, and the core themes of the program (gender equality, social entrepreneurship, climate action and ethical development). In Tanzania and Uganda language barriers are higher and as a result introductory language lessons are provided by YCI in these locations. Throughout their placement fellows will actively contribute to the peer-to-peer learning process by leading and engaging in training opportunities with other fellows, partner organizations and YCI staff. Fellows will also be guided through a wrap-up process at the end of their placement to debrief the experience and prepare for their next endeavour. 

YCI’s HerStart program currently operates in 3 countries: Ghana (Tamale and Bolgatanga), Tanzania (Unguja, Zanzibar) and Uganda (Mpigi). Each country and city was selected through a comprehensive research and development process conducted with local organizations and subject matter experts. YCI has operated in Ghana and Tanzania for over 20 years, fostering strong networks and experience in both countries. Uganda is the newest focus area within YCI’s operations in East Africa, selected for its strong alignment with the HerStart program and its reputation as one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world! 

A ‘typical’ day and week for each HerStart Fellow will vary greatly depending on both the real-time needs of the program and each fellow’s role, skills and interests. However, fellows can expect that each week will include a varied combination of team meetings, one-on-one meetings with their supervisor(s), independent office work, online learning opportunities, collaborative engagements with entrepreneurs and/or local youth, and visits to partner offices, events and training locations. Common deliverables include workshop facilitation, event management, qualitative and quantitative research, coaching, community outreach, grant writing, social media content development, administrative support, public engagement, and many more.  

An overview of typical roles and responsibilities for each position can be found here. Please note that flexibility and open-mindedness are crucial, as fellows may also be engaged in other immediate needs to support the objectives of YCI’s HerStart program.  

A typical week involves volunteering in person at the YCI or partner offices from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm local time (with occasional evening or weekend hours). Time off will be available on weekends and local national holidays.

Check out our Meet YCI's HerStart International Fellows video series to learn more!

The application form includes the submission of a CV, past writing or creative samples, and answers to a few long answer questions related to the themes and requirements of the program. Applicants can indicate which roles and countries they are most interested in being considered for. A cover letter is not required. Two professional or academic references will be requested in the final stages of recruitment. If you applied to be considered for a previous cohort, you will need to submit a new application to indicate your updated experience, passions and interests.