Local Ecosystem Advisor
About the Employer
Job Description
- Position Title: Local Ecosystem Advisor
- Position Location: Sri Lanka
- Reports to: Project Director, GRIT
- Contract Term: Up to 35 days between July and 30 Sept 2024 (with potential to extend)
1. INTRODUCTION
World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a leading Canadian international development organization whose mission is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training. WUSC works with and through its southern partners - government, civil society and the private sector - to strengthen education systems, expand employment opportunities, and foster an environment in which the aspirations and full participation of young people can be realized. WUSC is governed by a Board of Directors that is elected annually at our Annual Assembly from amongst our youth and institutional membership. WUSC adheres to the highest ethics and standards in international development: WUSC's compliance with the Canadian Council for International Cooperation Code of Ethics and Operational Standards is regularly reviewed by its Board of Directors and a group of peers. These terms of reference set out the duties and responsibilities of the Local Ecosystem Advisor.
2. BACKGROUND
Growth, Resilience, Investment and Training (GRIT) - Building a Gender-Responsive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Sri Lanka's North is a 6-year (2022-2028), Government of Canada-funded, collaborative initiative that will build sustainable pathways to enhanced economic empowerment, well-being and inclusive growth in Sri Lanka (SL), especially for young women in the North of the country. This project will test innovative, sustainable models to improve the enabling environment and reduce gender-specific barriers to increase equitable and sustainable growth of start-up, early-stage, and growth-stage enterprises, especially those owned by, operated by, or serving women in the North of Sri Lanka.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
Reporting to the GRIT Project Director, and working under the day to-day-direction of the GRIT Project Coordinator, the GRIT Local Ecosystem Advisor ('Contractor') will provide consulting services to support the GRIT team to have an in-depth understanding of the Sri Lanka entrepreneurial ecosystem, the existing gendered social norms in Sri Lanka and the challenges and needs of women entrepreneurs. The Contractor will work closely with the GRIT team and project partners to carry out this work. Specific responsibilities are detailed below.
4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
- Lead the participatory gender-responsive research on perceptions, attitudes, and cultural norms regarding entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on women in the North. Research will build on WUSC's awareness of the strong socio-cultural norms that undervalue entrepreneurship as a viable career path, particularly for aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs who have very few visible role models in entrepreneurship.
- Contribute to the design of a gender-responsive social marketing campaign.
- Carry out assessment on the specific needs of women entrepreneurs.
- Contribute to ecosystem mapping.
Interested candidates should apply by July 10th, 2024. Candidates should send a CV and a one-page cover letter, in which the consultant's daily rate is included. Applications should be sent via google form: Application Form
