TYPE OF ASSIGNMENT:
Volunteer Cooperant (VC/OS)
Unaccompanied assignment - This assignment does not include support for accompanying partners or dependants
PARTNER:
Federación Comercializadora de Café Especial de Guatemala
LOCATION:
GUATEMALA , Quetzaltenango city
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 170 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. DESCRIPTION OF PARTNER The Federación Comercializadora de Café Especial de Guatemala (FECCEG) is an organization composed of 8 cooperatives and 3 associations of organic coffee, honey and brown sugar producers. It was founded in 2006 to develop alternative markets that would generate added value for members’ high quality and organic production. FECCEG partners with Kishé Foods LLC, a business incorporated in California, which was created with the purpose of developing the coffee value chain by selling roasted coffee as a finished product directly to consumers in the United States, thereby increasing the profits of over 2,100 organic producers in Guatemala, including 550 women. FECCEG aims to market its products in Guatemala, the United States and Canada. In this context, the volunteer will provide advice on improving the production processes of organic coffee, honey and brown sugar in order to comply with the food safety and quality standards required under international regulations, as well as enable FECCEG to obtain international quality standard certifications
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:- Assist in the identification of the quality standards and certifications applicable to the production of organic coffee, honey and brown sugar, in particular those required for exports to the United States and Canada.
- Advise on quality issues assessment and detection, as well as on issues requiring improvement for each production process.
- Collaborate in writing a production processes quality manual for each product.
- Collaborate in designing a quality improvements implementation plan and accompany FECCEG in the process of obtaining the certifications it has chosen to prioritize
- Produce reports required by the partner organization or the Uniterra program
- Ensuring women's participation and representation in all benefits and activities
QUALIFICATIONS:- University degree in industrial engineering, food engineering, agricultural economics, and / or a related field
- Knowledge of one or several control standards of food quality, such as ISO 22000, risk analysis and critical control points (HACCP), Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or Total Quality Management (TQM).
- synthesis and writing Ability to analyze
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Flexibility and ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Availability, openness and resourcefulness.
- Very Fluency in spoken and written Spanish
- Strong English skills
- Knowledge of issues of gender equality policy.
- Experience in a developing country is an asset.
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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