Join the YCI team to propel entrepreneur success by supporting the implementation of the HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides financial grants and coaching for women-led social enterprises. Collaborate with entrepreneurs, partners and staff to suppport accountability and impact within fund distribution and business growth. This is an opportunity to strengthen your CV with social business development, coaching, ecosystem strengthening and resource mobilization skill sets. In the process, advance your knowledge on women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship – pivotal key framewor
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Supporting young women social entrepreneurs to increase their profitability and impact through coaching, resource development and workshops
- Identifying gaps in the entrepreneurship support ecosystem, and fostering new relationships that bridge these gaps (e.g. identifying mentors, additional funding, learning opportunities, etc.)
- Enhancing the long-term sustainability of social enterprises by designing and developing needs-based strategies, workshops and tools
- Assisting with the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the HerStart Catalyst Fund
- Designing and delivering needs-based trainings, reports and resources related to social entrepreneurship to advance organizational learning for partners, staff and other fellows
- Leading participatory research to identify local market trends, challenges and opportunities for innovation within women’s business activities
- Actively engaging in holistic fellowship orientation and training opportunities
- Supporting HerStart’s key themes of gender equality, climate action, innovation and human rights
*Note: Responsibilities for this role will vary for each fellow and country. The above list demonstrates the types of activities this role may be engaged in, depending on the skills of the applicant and the immediate needs of the HerStart team.
Check out our Stories to learn about the experiences of different HerStart International Fellows!
Desired Qualifications for this Position
- Prior knowledge and experience in business start-ups, finance, entrepreneurship and/or resource mobilization
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to coach and support others in business development topics
- Experience with the business model canvas, lean canvas or similar business planning tools is preferred
- Strong research facilitation and project coordination skills, with high attention to detail
- Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Excel, Slack, Airtable and Mighty Networks)
- Passion for learning and supporting the knowledge and skill development of others
- Excellent organization and time management skills, including the ability to work independently
- Ability to be proactive, flexible and take initiative
- Committed to working with others in an equitable and inclusive manner
- Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes openness to differing opinions and views
Eligibility Requirements
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- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Fluent or professional level English skills (written and verbal)
- Demonstrated interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
- Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience)
- Ability to commit to the full length of placement with full-time hours, including a week of pre-departure training online
- Contribute to the HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides grants to women-led social enterprises, by reaching the fundraising goal of $2,500 CAD with support from the YCI team
- Access to a personal computer for duration of placement
