Assignment Type: National Volunteer
Eligibility Requirements: Open to citizens of the assignment country only
Assignment ID: VA-107202
Assignment Title: Environmental Sustainability Assistant
Partner: WUSC Kenya (ACT)
Country: Kenya
Duration: 8 months
Time Commitment: Full time
Assignment Context
Are you passionate about environmental sustainability? Do you have climate change education skills to share? As the Environmental Sustainability Advisor based at the WUSC Kenya office in Nairobi, Kenya, you will support the integration of environmental sustainability and climate change awareness into the early childhood development (ECD) component of the Action for Paid Childcare Sector Transformation (ACT) Project. The volunteer will contribute to a gender-transformative systems approach by embedding eco-friendly practices and climate resilience into childcare centers, promoting sustainable care environments, and supporting the broader objective of transforming paid childcare into a valued and dignified profession for women in Kenya and Malawi. Apply today to have an impact on green paid childcare practices in Kenya!
Roles and Responsibilities
- Support the systems-based integration of environmental sustainability and climate change education into early childhood development programs
- Collaborate with ecosystem actors, including childcare providers, local governments, and training institutions, to mainstream environmentally responsible practices within the childcare sector
- Organize and lead community events and dialogues focused on environmental stewardship, child well-being, and the intersection between climate change and care work
- Support with monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of environmental activities into the childcare system
- Facilitate the implementation of low-cost, sustainable initiatives in childcare centers, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and green spaces
- Participate in pre-assignment training
- Participate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives with Canadian audiences before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, funds, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers will also have to report on each of their public engagement activities through our Volunteer Information Portal. Virtual chats and individual check-ins can be booked with the Senior Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignment and up to 2 years after to seek guidance and support with their public engagement activities
- Submit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.
Experience and Qualifications
- A degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Climate Change Studies, Sustainability, or a related field
- Demonstrated understanding of or experience in climate change adaptation, environmental education, or sustainable development
- Basic understanding of systems approaches, collective action, and stakeholder engagement preferred
- Knowledge of local languages spoken in Kenya (Swahili) is preferred
- Minimum two (2) years relevant professional experience in your field of expertise
- A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering
- Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
- Experience with group facilitation and trainings, including content development considered an asset
- Written and oral fluency in English.
Project Description
The Action for Paid Childcare Sector Transformation project (ACT) is a 4-year project that uses an innovative systems approach to drive gender transformative, locally-owned, collaborative action to transform paid childcare from a job of last resort to a vocation of choice, and for the paid childcare sector to become one of economic prosperity for women in Kenya and in Malawi. ACT responds to recognition within the global policy agenda of a care crisis in which women are overrepresented within the largely informal paid care economy, where they face low pay, poor working conditions, limited social protection, and rights abuses – key barriers to their empowerment.
Partner Description
WUSC is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. We bring together a diverse network of students, volunteers, schools, governments, and businesses who share this vision. Together, we foster youth-centered solutions for improved education, economic, and empowerment opportunities to overcome inequality and exclusion in over 15 countries around the world.
Support Package
- Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to assignment and from WUSC Country Team while on assignment
- Pre-assignment training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteers
- WUSC country orientation
- Modest monthly living allowance
- Pre-assignment medical exam
- Health insurance
- Criminal record verification
- Vacation leave entitlement
- Debriefing after completion of assignment
- An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!
WUSC’s Safeguarding Policy
WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion and sexual exploitation and abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to sign off on the WUSC Code of Conduct and the Self-Disclosure Form. International and national volunteers will also be required to submit a criminal record verification.
WUSC is a signatory to the Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct. The pledge represents the shared commitment as Canada’s global development and humanitarian leaders to ensure the full implementation of practices and policies that will protect and respond to our own staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces and programs that promote gender equality and are free from gender-based violence, including by addressing and responding to all abuse of power, holding people to account, and protecting the vulnerable. Read the full pledge.
How to apply
Please submit your application here. Kindly note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates who qualify for the next recruitment stage will be contacted.
