Research & Learning Fellow
Summary
Join the YCI team to support ongoing research, learning and reporting on the design and impact of HerStart. Apply your qualitative and/or quantitative research, analysis and reporting skills to the critical topics of women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship, further building a culture of organizational learning amongst staff, partners and participants. This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge and passion for research and learning in a new and innovative way, while also strengthening your CV with international hands-on and purpose-driven experience. In the process, advance your knowledge on pivotal frameworks that are shaping the future of work and community impact globally.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Supporting the design and implementation of learning strategies and plans with HerStart staff and partners
- Identifying, designing and delivering needs-based workshops, reports and resources for partners, staff and other fellows
- Assisting the implementation of learning and evaluation tools such as surveys, interviews and focus groups
- Identifying new learning opportunities, conducting research and producing analysis for HerStart stakeholders, including forming recommendations and actionable insights for program design and organizational growth
- Leading the development of accessible research reports, summaries and presentations on thematic areas relevant to the program
- Supporting entrepreneurs to create and use measurement tools that capture the social and/or environmental impact of their social enterprises
- Conducting literature reviews, primary and secondary research on key topics to support program activities on thematic areas such as gender equality, climate action, human rights and social innovation
- Collecting quotes and stories from entrepreneurs, fellows and partners for project reporting
- 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 with qualitative and/or quantitative research, data analysis, data visualization and report writing
- Effective knowledge translation skills, tailoring insights and findings for diverse audiences
- Strong data management and communications skills, with high attention to detail
- Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Excel, Slack, Airtable, Power BI and Mighty Networks)
- Experience with computer programming languages used for data analysis (such as SPSS, R or Python) is considered an asset
- Passion for learning and supporting the knowledge and skill development of others
- 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.