Job Title: Women’s Income Generating Group (WIGG) Coordinator (Many Volunteer Internships)
Shanti Uganda is a grassroots organization committed to sustainable community based development, mother-centered care and the yogic principles of self-less service. The Shanti Uganda Society improves infant and maternal health, provides safe women-centered care and supports the well-being of birthing mothers and women living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. We imagine a world where birthing mothers and women living with HIV/AIDS are supported, empowered and able to develop to their full potential.
Job Summary: The Interns are desired for the upcoming Volunteer Internship Positions in Uganda.
Summer Internship Dates – May 1 – Aug 31 2014
Fall Internship Dates – Sept 1 – Dec 31 2014
Winter Internship Dates – Jan 1 – April 30 2015
NB: Please note, there is some flexibility in exact dates. Let us know if you would like to adjust the placement dates, or length of time. Applicants wishing to stay longer than 4 months are encouraged.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Professional Development:
- Provide training and workshops on entrepreneurship, business management, savings, health and literacy & numeracy skills
- Plan, schedule, attend and facilitate weekly WIGG meetings
- Coordinate monthly buying days and shipment of WIGG products to our Vancouver office
- Set goals with the women and assist the women in meeting their goals and managing their savings plans
- Meet regularly with group leaders to monitor progress and problem solve
- Monitor and evaluate the progress of each woman and ensure she is on track to becoming self-sufficient.
- Follow up with absences and individual issues as necessary
2. Quality Control:
- Develop, implement and monitor plans to continue the improvement of production, efficiency and quality control
- Develop seasonal product lines in cooperation with Shanti Uganda’s designer
- Ensure quality of all products and maintain WIGG manual and quality control guidelines
3. Program Development:
- Follow up with pending Fair Trade Certification
- Identify relevant conferences and events and facilitate the women’s participation at these events
- Work collaboratively with the Vancouver office to increase sales and develop communications
- Monitor and evaluate the progress of the WIGG as a whole and make improvements
- Maintain wholesale and sales revenue in Uganda and create new wholesale partnerships
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The candidate should preferably hold a bachelor’s degree in International Development, marketing or demonstrated interest and related experience
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of basic garment construction, basic sewing skills and sewing machine experience and be able to understand basic patterns and implement instructions.
- Possess a basic understanding of beaded jewellery construction
- Past experience in community development and income generating projects
- Prior experience working with HIV positive women an asset
- Detailed knowledge and experience in social enterprise will be and added advantage
Internship Benefits:
- Make a sustainable, inspired, empowered contribution to the health and well-being of Ugandan women and their communities. Witness the deep impact of your involvement on an ongoing basis
- Gain valuable experience in not-for-profit management for those just starting off in their career
- Join other dynamic individuals committed to global change and experience the power of deep, sustainable, conscious activism
- Gain experience the beauty of Uganda, travel the region with other interns and participate in local celebrations and traditions with Shanti Uganda’s staff
How to Apply for the job:
The successful applicants will be responsible for contributing a $450/month placement fee, which will provide them with shared accommodation in Shanti Uganda’s Volunteer House, airport pickup, a volunteer manual and ongoing support and evaluation from our Canadian Project Coordinator in Uganda. All interns will contribute a 30hr workweek and are encouraged to travel on weekends.
All internships will remain open until filled. Successful applicants will be required to submit an application form, liability & media release and reference letters.
Please apply be sending a cover letter and resume to Project Coordinator, Isabel Bacalao, coordinator@shantiuganda.org or Executive Director, Sadie St. Denis , Sadie@shantiuganda.org
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