Business Development Advisor at Cuso International

Location: Calabar, Cross River
Length of Placement: 6 Months, starting in 2021

About the Project

• Project Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)
• Cuso International will deliver the Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE) project, with a contribution from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) over seven years (2020-2027). SHARE aims to improve the economic and/or social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in developing countries, with a view to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals
• In addition to increasing engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues, this project will aim to increase the performance of country partners to deliver more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality, in support of the action areas of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

The Volunteer's Role

• As the Business Development Advisor you will support the Program team in Agricultural Development planning while working directly with Program Manager to develop and deploy business model/strategy that will increase the marketing of refugee goods, reduce postharvest losses, and strengthen the farming operations of various beneficiaries. 

As a volunteer, you will:

• Design business development intervention/strategies for refugees with small businesses adapting to host countries.
• Share market best practices for small business owners.
• Deliver various learning workshops across various Agribusiness sectors.
• Perform research of applicable value chains and market access.
• Provide support, coaching, and mentoring to smallscale businesses.

Essential Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Business Development, or any other Agriculture and Rural Development related field.

Essential Professional Background:

• 2 - 4 years of experience in Agriculture work and/or smallscale business.
• Managerial skills, particularly in activity management, working with groups and teams of professionals and liaising with government and non-government organizations.
• Strong experience in end-market assessment & analysis

Language Requirement:

• English - Level 4 Advanced.

Terms and Conditions:

• Cuso International terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement
• This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (ex. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package:

• Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending country)
• Accommodation while in placement
• Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and health insurance
• Pre-departure training program and in-country orientation (more details below)
• On the ground support through our Cuso International country program office
• Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return
• Travel and accommodation for the pre-departure training course, in-country orientation, and reintegration debriefing weekend
• Modest support for accompanying partners and dependents going on placement with you for 12 months or longer (Return flight, emergency medical insurance, vaccinations)
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Pre-departure Training and Briefing:

• We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement
• You will have an advisor to support you through the pre-departure process and will receive essential training as part of your preparation
• This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement country and culture, help you identify and plan your own learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.

Overview of Pre-Departure Training:

• Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID) program A 45-hour training program that uses a blended learning approach including 4 days of in-person sessions and online e-modules to be completed before and after the in-person session.
• Self-directed briefing documents, online training and external resources accessed through the volunteer portal
• Online health briefing
• Fundraising 101 Webinar

In-Country Training and Learning:

• You will receive an In-Country Orientation (ICO) that builds upon the pre-departure training. This will be conducted by either the country program office or the supporting partner organization
• This normally lasts for 2-10 days (depending on language learning requirements and other factors). In some countries, volunteers will be able to access ongoing language training opportunities
• In-Country Orientation equips you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and country-specific information to be successful in your placement. Furthermore, our Country Program Office or local partner will provide you with continuous in-country support throughout the duration of your placement.

Fundraising:

• We ask each volunteer, regardless of placement length, to raise $2,000. All volunteers receive support from Cuso International to help achieve the goal through fundraising
• If the volunteer chooses not to fundraise or is unable to achieve the fundraising goal, he/she can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to support our work.

Residency and Citizenship 
Residency:

• The majority of Cuso International volunteer applicants are residing in Canada at the time of application and during the pre-departure process. Occasionally we received applications from volunteer applicants who are residing outside of Canada at the time of application
• In both instances, between your application date and placement start date, we must be able to contact you and you must be able to contact us easily and promptly throughout the process.
• We may require your passport and would need to be aware of your current place of residence and any travel plans you may have during this time. You will also require unrestricted access to Canada during this time for training, as applicable.

Citizenship:

• Leaving your country of residence can have significant effects on your citizenship status in that country.
• It is your responsibility to research the consequences of traveling to Canada during the pre-departure process if you are living outside of Canada and of leaving your country of residence for a placement with the immigration authority where you live.
• By applying to this placement, you accept full responsibility for any consequences related to your citizenship, residency and immigration status or penalties as a result of travel to pre-departure training, international placement or other Cuso International related travel.

You  must  check the implications that apply to you, but examples include:

• Canadian permanent residents may need to make arrangements with immigration authorities before traveling
• These arrangements allow them to travel without risk to their status in Canada. Without them, residency status may be withdrawn.
• Citizens of other countries, including those visiting Canada on a visa, may have travel restrictions.