Coady Youth In Partnership Internships

The Coady Youth In Partnership Program is designed to give recent Canadian university graduates experience working with development organizations in their area of expertise. It helps them increase their understanding of development issues, and their roles as global citizens while strengthening the Coady Institute’s overseas partnerships.  The program also provides experience that will improve participants’ employment opportunities when they return to Canada.  This year, 20 associates will work in Botswana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Peru, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

The Youth In Partnership program has three parts:

• a three week orientation in Canada
• a six-month work placement in-country
• a two week re-entry and debrief program in Canada

To prepare for their work placements, Youth In Partnership associates participate in a three week orientation program at the Coady International Institute where they acquire the knowledge and skills for a successful internship.  Sessions on gender, HIV/AIDS, communications and media training, and safety and security will be provided among others.  Youth In Partnership associates also have the unique opportunity to engage with the Coady Diploma in Development Leadership participants - experienced community development professionals form around the world studying at the Coady Institute - providing associates access to a wealth of knowledge and experience.  Following orientation, associates depart for their work placement overseas, working with Coady Institute Partners.  Qualified candidates may also be placed with Xtending Hope partners.

The Xtending Hope Partnership is a coalition of inspired members of the St. Francis Xavier University community who are responding directly to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Rwanda and Botswana.  With the dual aim of capacity strengthening and public engagement, Xtending Hope works in partnership with organizations dedicated to the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention, impact mitigation, and treatment and care.

Upon completion of their six-month placements, associates return to the Canada for a two-week re-entry and debrief program in which they reflect upon their experiences, prepare for entering the job market, and share their experiences with the public. 

Public Engagement
During orientation, work placement, and re-entry/debrief, Youth In Partnership associates are required to share their experiences with the general public. This public engagement can include, but is not limited to, media releases, articles, and public presentations.

Costs
All costs related to orientation, work placements, and re-entry are covered by the Coady International Institute, as funded through CIDA’s International Youth Internship Program. The cost of vaccinations, visas, international travel, and monthly stipends are also covered. Associates are responsible for their transportation to and from the Coady Institute at the beginning of orientation and after re-entry, as well as the cost of obtaining a passport.

The Application Process

Who should apply?

Eligibility Criteria – Youth In Partnership applicants are:

• university/college graduates by the time the program begins in August 2010
• currently unemployed or under-employed
• between 19 and 30 years of age
• Canadian citizens or permanent residents eligible to work in Canada
• first time participants in the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES)

The Youth in Partnership program is intended for young Canadians who have recently graduated from university/college, are seeking international work experience, and are interested in gaining a greater understanding about development, in order to enhance their employability opportunities in Canada or in international development.  

Candidates from all disciplines are welcome to apply. There is no recommended degree or program of study. Applications from individuals residing in all provinces and territories of Canada are welcome, as are applications from Canadians currently living abroad. The Coady International Institute is an equal opportunity employer.  

At a minimum, applicants will have strong volunteer and extracurricular records, with a demonstrated commitment to local and global issues. Proficiency in French or Spanish and experience in a cross-cultural setting, either in Canada or abroad may be beneficial but is not required.

Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive. Your application will be assessed by the selection committee on your work and volunteer experience, the clarity and thoughtfulness of your statement of interest, and how well your experience and skills match the requirements of our partner organizations.

Interview and Reference Check
After the selection committee has reviewed all applications, a short-list of candidates will be invited for an interview, either in person or by phone. Interviews are to be held 19-23 April 2010. Only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.  The selection committee will contact your references post interview.

Acceptance
Once the interviews and reference checks are complete, the selection committee will make a conditional offer of acceptance to successful applicants the week of 26-30 April 2010.  Offers of acceptance into the Youth In Partnership program are conditional upon the selected candidate’s clearance by the Canadian International Development Agency that he/she has not previously participated in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES).  

Preparation
Orientation will take place from 9- 27 August 2010.  The Youth Programs Coordinator will send the participant an information kit detailing the necessary preparations. A valid Canadian passport must be obtained before orientation begins.  We recommend that you ensure your passport is updated at the time of application and is valid until 2011.  In addition, each participant is expected to research and complete the vaccinations and obtain the visa required for his/her placement country.