JOB VACANCIES, CUSO INTERNATIONAL , MON. 6, AUGUST 2012

SMALL BUSINESS ADVISOR, NIGERIA

PARTNER NAME: Mary Slessor Foundation (MSF)
LOCATION: Akpap Okoyong, Odukpani L.G.A., Cross River Stat, Nigeria
LENGTH OF PLACEMENT: 12-24 months

FUNDING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:
Fluency in English - level 4-5
To self-assess your level please click here

ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL
Cuso International is a non-profit development organization that works through volunteers. Each year, we send hundreds of global citizens to work on collaborative development projects in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We are one of North America’s leading international development organizations that works through volunteers.

ABOUT THE PARTNER ORGANIZATION
The Mary Slessor Foundation (MSF) aims to serve the youth, women, and men of approximately 40 communities surrounding the Akpap Odukpani Area of Cross River State. The adopted approach is providing teaching and training at the Vocational Training center to transfer the necessary skills for generating income from the agricultural processing of palm fruit and cassava. The Center also trains students in Fashion & Design, Carpentry, and Mechanical Engineering & Metal Welding. MSF plans to expand into other vocational trades such as Electrical Engineering and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Adopting a holistic approach to the community needs, the Centre also operates a Health Clinic with a doctor, nurse, and pharmacist.

THE VOLUNTEER’S ROLE
Overall placement purpose and specific volunteer placement objectives:

MSF would immensely benefit from the placement of an experienced entrepreneur who also understands Organizational Development, and who is able to support the development and implementation of strategic plans, as well as to implement and train staff on business best practices in both the Agricultural Processing Mill and Vocational Training Center.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
Train local staff (and students) in business and entrepreneurship skills; introduce a range of tools to increase their income and the revenue generated by MSF through contract work
Provide support and training in efficient and effective management operations at the Agricultural Processing Mill. Train and mentor staff in best administrative practices, organizational development and strategic planning (including all stakeholders).
Support the set-up of a resource library related to entrepreneurship, business & communication.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Degree in Business, Economics, Marketing or related field and experience working in an entrepreneurial environment or as owner/manager of a small business
Experience in Organizational Development and in leadership roles
Experience in management, marketing, market research and sales
Resourcefulness, strategic thinking, creative problem solving and basic financial management skills
Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
Experience training, teaching or in mentoring role

DESIRABLE
MBA with focus on developing countries, social entrepreneurship, small business and/or Certificate in Project Management, Leadership, Communication, etc
Experience in innovative product development

Note: In order to meet Nigeria’s work permit restrictions, volunteers must be under 58 years of age.

TRAINING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our training and support package covers the costs of being an overseas volunteer, allowing you to enjoy a modest but healthy lifestyle while you volunteer abroad. This includes:
Attendance at a Cuso International assessment day (candidates must cover the first $150 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and accommodation costs).
Travel and accommodation costs associated with pre-departure training.
Return airfare and visa/permit (this includes a return flight in the case of a family emergency).
Coverage for required vaccinations, medications and comprehensive health insurance.
Accommodation while overseas.
A modest living allowance, which varies depending on the country where you are placed
Quarterly payments to support you in your placement
Modest support for accompanying partners

CLICK LINK TO APPLY
http://www.cusointernational.org/volunteer/apply-online
Please apply online, quoting referral code NG0942/0009/0001and the name of the placement.

DUE DATE: 24 August 2012