ASSIGNMENT DURATION: 12 months

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: January 31, 2016

EXPECTED DEPARTURE DATE: March 17, 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 volunteer will be supporting Mongol Textile Factory which is one of the first weaving factories in Mongolia.  The company has been vertically integrated with the capacity to process raw cashmere, yak and camel hair through to final product (starting with sorting, grading and washing of fiber all the way through the completion of knit and woven consumer products). This includes designing, engineering, spinning, dyeing, weaving, knitting and the finishing process. The final products are sold locally with limited exports to international markets such as Germany, Japan, South Korea, China and Russia.

In addition to a Design and Product Management Advisor, a Marketing Advisor is needed to help the company to increase the sales of the final products and improve the company marketing strategies with a focus on export of the fibre products.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct market research for potential export linkages of wool and cashmere, yak wool products of company;

• Develop guidelines for marketing and branding, in cooperation with specialists of the partner organization;

• Identify product(s) for marketing and branding for export;

• Assist the partner organization to prepare and participate in an international exhibition and fair;

• Analyse brand components as brand essence, brand collateral, visual appearance (including packaging), the verbal style, and the tone and manner of the brand, in cooperation with specialist from partner organization;

• Assist the partner organization in communication activities;

• Identify a suitable market strategy for the Mongol Textile Company;

• Support the Research and Analysis Team in developing guidelines to capture solid information, data, stories, market analysis, strengths, opportunities and weaknesses in comprehensive reports and case studies;

• Develop product stories, and identify market access opportunities and challenges, and to better understand the economic positioning of women and youth;

• Ensure the participation and representation of women and men in all activities;

• Prepare and draft reports required by the host organization and the Uniterra program

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree (at least) in relevant major such as marketing, international business,  or economics.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in international brand and marketing in private sector.

• Experience in developing brand(s) and promoting export/target markets is highly preferred.

• Experience in branding livestock-based wool and cashmere products is preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge market-based approaches, value chain analysis (preferably in Cashmere and wool or comparable product);

• Understanding of the fibre sector (Cashmere and wool) along the entire value chain would be an asset

• Ability to analyze through a gender lens;

• Experience organizing and facilitating workshops/training with participatory approaches;

• Responsible, great capacity of adaptation, and good sense of humour;

• Prior international work experience is essential

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS AND SUPPORT:

• Support and guidance from the Uniterra team prior to departure and while on assignment in country.

• Participation in a pre-departure training course where you will have the opportunity to learn about Uniterra’s work, 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.

• Comprehensive health insurance.

• Modest monthly living allowance while overseas.

• Accommodation while overseas.

• Vacation leave entitlement.

• Support for accompanying partners and up to two dependants on placements of greater than 12 months.

• 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.

• With the support of Uniterra, all volunteers shall undertake to make a minimum financial contribution for participating in the Uniterra program:  $2,000 for assignments of 4 months or less; $1,500 for over 4 months.

• Departure date is contingent upon the timely completion of all administrative requirements (e.g. visa processes, medical clearance, police checks, travel documentation).