TYPE OF ASSIGNMENT:
Volunteer Cooperant (VC/OS)
Unaccompanied assignment - This assignment does not include support for accompanying partners or dependants
PARTNER:
Flor de Leche
LOCATION:
BOLIVIA , La Paz (Achocolla)
DURATION:
Flexible duration EXPECTED DEPARTURE DATE:
Departure date is contingent upon completion of administrative file and approval of visa. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and position will remain open until filled.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
December 30, 2016
OVERVIEW:
Uniterra is a leading Canadian international volunteer cooperation and development program, jointly implemented by the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) and World University Service of Canada (WUSC). Uniterra contributes to improving the socio-economic conditions of poor and marginalized communities in 14 countries and with over 200 partners in Africa, Asia and the Americas through the exchange of expertise and knowledge of Canadian and international volunteers. Uniterra believes that economic growth, when inclusive, is the most powerful driver of poverty reduction. The purpose of the Uniterra program is to improve the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations by stimulating growth and facilitating access to the benefits of growing and diversified markets. To make this happen, we are working with our local partners to enhance the income of poor and marginalized women and youth through better access to employment and income generation opportunities. Uniterra country program staff work with our local partners to design Uniterra assignments in the context of the country strategy, supporting the inclusion of women and youth in key economic subsectors. For more information on the Uniterra program, our approach and countries of focus please visit: Uniterra.ca PARTNER DESCRIPTION: The partner organization, Flor de Leche (www.flordeleche.com), is a dairy products business, specializing in cheese and yogurt, that is committed to sustainable development. Located in the municipality of Achocalla, near La Paz, Flor de Leche defines itself as an environmentally responsible organization. As such, it integrates the values of responsibility and social development into its management practices by placing human, economic, environmental and spiritual concerns at the heart of its business decisions. Through education, the organization seeks to improve the living standards of dairy producers, as well as sensitize the general public concerning the dairy industry. The objective of Flor de Leche’s constant quest for excellence is improving the quality of life of citizens. By offering a range of gourmet and healthy food products (cheeses and yogurt), free of chemical additives, Flor de Leche has positioned itself as an environmentally responsible organization. The objective of this mandate is to identify the best ways to make (and use) organic whey to the benefit of dairy producers in the municipality of Achocalla
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:- Identify the best ways to use whey to the benefit of dairy farmers.
- Identify the positive effects of using whey as fertilizer on the different types of soil in the Achocalla region (sandy, rocky, dry, wet, etc.).
- Identify the disadvantages or dangers of using whey in farming and animal husbandry.
- Facilitate the implementation of demonstration plots in the Achocalla region to show farmers whey’s concrete effects on the farmland where it is applied.
- Coordinate this implementation with Flor de Leche and the region’s producers.
- Study and carefully document the benefits of using whey as a fertilizer.
- Implement techniques for applying whey as a fertilizer.
- Facilitate the development of technologies for spraying liquids like whey on farmers’ plots in the Achocalla region.
- Facilitate the development of a plan and template for the “whey as a fertilizer” project.
- Produce a manual on whey application.
- Create a system that includes recommendations and monitoring re whey utilization in agriculture.
- Identify the best ways for Flor de Leche to use whey.
QUALIFICATIONS:- Agronomist specializing in soil fertilization and crop production.
- Affinity for natural and agro-environmental fertilization techniques and methods.
- Affinity for field work and developing experimental demonstration plots.
- Interest in agro-environmental approaches and sustainable and organic agriculture.
- Good command of spoken and written Spanish.
- Knowledge of gender equality issues.
- Experience in a developing country, an asset.
- Experience in group facilitation with a participatory approach.
- Consulting support and training skills.
- Ability to adapt to a work environment with limited resources.
- Analytical, synthesis and writing skills.
- Ability to work in an intercultural environment.
- Capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility, openness to change and resourcefulness.
VOLUNTEER BENEFITS AND SUPPORT: - Support and guidance prior to departure and while on assignment in country.
- Participation in a pre-departure training where you will have the opportunity to learn about the program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and meet other volunteers. Travel, meals and accommodation are covered.
- In-country orientation and briefing upon arrival in-country.
- Language training in-country where required.
- Return flights, visas and work permits.
- Cost of required country specific vaccinations and antimalarials.
- Health insurance.
- Modest monthly living allowance while overseas.
- Accommodation while overseas.
- Vacation leave entitlement.
- Return debriefing in Canada after completion of assignment. Travel, meals and accommodation are covered.
- An incredible opportunity to enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: - Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada between the age of 18-70.
- Departure date is contingent upon the timely completion of all administrative requirements (e.g. visa processes, medical clearance, police checks, travel documentation).
- With the support of the program, all volunteers shall undertake to make a minimum financial contribution of $1,500 for participating in the program.
TO APPLY:
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