BACKGROUND
Crossroads International is an international development organization that is working towards reducing poverty and increasing women’s rights around the world. Working with local partners in 28 projects, in eight countries and supported by hundreds of volunteers each year, Crossroads leverages expertise and resources, North and South, required to help people overcome poverty and assert their human rights.
Project description and context:
Youth unemployment is at critical levels in Eswatini and SWIFT is focusing on this issue through entrepreneurial development and market access. SWIFT has successfully completed our first youth development project with 100 young adults. Apart from the excellent M&E indicators, the growth was evident especially inclusiveness, as 22 of the 100 youth partners live with a disability.
The design of the programme is geared towards both personal and entrepreneurial development, networking and market access. Careful M&E surveys and baselines indicate a need for a resource development partner for the youth as most youth trainings are interventions with no long term mentoring and coaching support.
Mandate historical context:
Eswatini is rich in culture and natural beauty, with a gentle climate, good infrastructure and a skilled labour force yet the economic growth is one of the lowest in Africa. Sub Saharan African countries are growing by an average of 5.8% per year yet our country is lagging behind with an average of only 2.3%. Although classified as a middle income country, 30 % of the population is unemployed and 63% of the population live in poverty. (2011 Human Development Report (UNDP, 2011). 57.12% of the population of Swaziland is under the age of 24 (https://www.indexmundi.com/swaziland/demographics_profile.html) and youth unemployment is at critical levels with over 70% of the age group 15-35 unemployed, with 70% of youth based in rural areas.
SWIFT has 85 members employing over 3000 people within the handmade sector, our M&E shows an increase of 795 new sustainable dignity jobs, an average sales increase of 49% and increase in wages of 47% within our membership. We have trained 144 Peer Educators who train on HIV awareness, GBV and grief counselling. Our mandate is training, trade, advocacy and wellness for our members and youth as well as the promotion and advocacy of Fair Trade principles.
POSITION DETAILS:
- Meet with Key Stakeholders to introduce and plan project activities
- Baseline survey on youth socio-economic status & entrepreneurship knowledge
- Finalization of project plan and activities
- Identification of vulnerable youths with SWAGAA, Kwahka Indvodza & Youth Council
- Development of recruitment tool/guideline for youth entrepreneurs
- Selection of 100 candidates to enroll in the program
- Orientation of candidates on project and ultimate outcome
Qualification criteria for selection include:
- Bachelors in Business Administration, Development Studies or Social Sciences
- Experience working with youth and youth programming projects
- Experience designing and conducting baseline assessment
- Experience with entrepreneurship, business development
- Read and commit to the CCIC Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct
Language : English
Other skill set/knowledge:
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Readiness to deal with change
- Ability and willingness to work in rural areas and willingness to work in a non-Canadian socio-cultural and professional settings.
- Gender programming
Language : English
Other skill set/knowledge:
- Previous experience in the craft industry and working with artisan groups is an added advantage
- Passion for women’s empowerment is essential
- Adaptability and flexibility, including the ability to work with and relate to various demographics
- Previous experience working with rural populations
Eligibility criteria:
- Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
- Must be 19 years and older
- Share the commitment of preventing and addressing sexual misconduct
- Willing to conduct fundraising and public engagement activities before, during and after the placement
- In good physical and mental health (medical examination required)
- The volunteer needs to bring their own computer
Personalized support before, during and after the mandate provided by an experienced and welcoming team. The Crossroads’ experience includes the following:
- Daily living allowance (amount varies depending on the country of assignment)
- Plane ticket and local transport
- Medical insurance and vaccinations
- Pre-departure training and re-orientation upon return
Crossroads International is committed to addressing gender-based violence by supporting the innovative work our partner organizations in ending violence against women and girls. JOIN THE MOVEMENT!
APPLICATION
To apply for this position, we kindly ask that you fill out Crossroads’ online application form.
PLEASE NOTE: We are experiencing some technical issues with the on-line submission, which our IT department is working to resolve, however if you receive an error message when you submit your application , please send your CV and cover letter to volunteer@cintl.org . We apologize for any inconvenience.
Please contact our Program officer – Volunteering if you have any question: volunteer@cintl.org
We thank all applicants but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
