Sustainable Tourism Development Intern Canadian Urban Institute

The International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program
Internships are funded through the Canadian International Development Agency’s (CIDA). The program provide opportunities for Aboriginal youth to participate in international internships in developing countries. IAYI is designed to improve the skills of aboriginal youth in international development, enhance their awareness and understanding of international development, increase their capacity to promote international development work in Canada, and develop employment skills.

The program provides a stipend to cover travel and living expenses for interns for the two month portion of the internship spent in Canada and the four-month period spent in a developing country. Interns will be placed internationally working in a CUI international project office or within one of our overseas partner organizations as part of a team alongside seasoned international development professionals, on one of CUI’s long-term CIDA-funded projects. During the course of the internship, interns are provided with professional learning experiences with CUI’s international partner organizations (local government authorities or community organizations), allowing them to develop their professional skills and leadership abilities.

Overseas Host Organization
The Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) is a voluntary alliance of the City of Iloilo, the Municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia, Leganes, Sta. Barbara, and the Province of Guimaras. MIGEDC plans, implements, coordinates and monitors programs and services that cross local government boundaries within the metropolitan region. The CUI has been working with MIGEDC since it was formed in 2006, and our partnership with MIGEDC has included empowering local authorities and communities in local decision-making. MIGEDC continues to be CUI’s partner under two projects. The first is aimed at improving environmental management and disaster risk reduction in the Metro Iloilo region. The second program is aimed at supporting MIGEDC to develop and implement local economic development initiatives related to sustainable tourism development.

Project Description
The CUI, in partnership with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), is helping to strengthen the ability of the Philippines’ local government system to transform and grow the economy through the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED). LGSP-LED is an eight-year program that is funded by the Government of Canada through CIDA. The Program supports the Department of Interior and Local Government (www.dilg.gov.ph) to improve prospects for local economic development (LED). The program operates both at the national and local levels, assisting to develop and coordinate policies for local economic development, and piloting local economic development projects in various communities across the country. MIGEDC is one of 9 pilot regions where the Program operates.

Roles and Responsibilities
In Canada
Prior to departure, the intern will spend the Canadian portion of the internship preparing for their overseas assignment. This will involve arranging logistics for the overseas stay; receiving orientation on the country of assignment, the host organization and the project; developing a work plan; conducting background research on good practices, tools and techniques to ensure an effective internship assignment that is relevant to our international partners; and becoming familiar with the cultural and business practices of the host country. Upon return to Canada, the intern will debrief, prepare a final report, write and publish an article, participate in outreach to Aboriginal and other Canadian youth through speaking engagements, be matched with a professional mentor, and begin a job search.

Overseas
This internship will involve working with MIGEDC in Iloilo in the following possible areas:
• Help developing country partners (local governments, businesses and civil society organizations) to further develop tourism-related ideas and initiatives
• Network with developing country partners in support of sustainable tourism initiatives
• Research and share Canadian, Philippine and international examples in sustainable tourism development and community livelihood
• Help organize and deliver project activities such as workshops, forums, events and learning exchanges

Position Qualifications
• Experience in community development, local economic development, tourism activities, and/or working with community groups
• Knowledge and/or skills in facilitation, team building, training and research
• Strong oral and written communication skills, and ability to communicate in different ways to convey your thoughts and ideas
• Strong ability to work both independently and in a team setting
• Analytical, with demonstrated problem solving abilities
• Interest in tourism, economic development, heritage and cultural event planning
• Willingness to learn

Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program, an intern must meet the following criteria:
• Hold a secondary school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). Youth currently enrolled in a college or CÉGEP program are eligible for an internship as long as they will not graduate before the completion of their internship. Youth currently enrolled in university studies and in possession of a university degree or a college diploma are not eligible.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 35 at the time you sign the contract with CUI
• Be a Canadian or permanent resident of Canada
• Be of Aboriginal affiliation and willing to sign a CIDA self-declaration form
• Ready to be in Toronto for training for two weeks in January 2012
• Ready to depart Canada by late January 2012/ early February 2012
The applicant MUST meet all eligibility criteria at the time of signing their contract with CUI.

Duration of Internship
Approximately six (6) months in total, including training and outreach within Canada and four months spent overseas.
Expected in Canada start date: Early January 2012
Expected overseas start date: Late January 2012/ Early February 2012

Contact Information
Canadian Urban Institute
555 Richmond St. W., Suite 402
PO Box 612
Toronto, ON M5V 3B1 Canada
Fax: 416-365-0650
cui@canurb.org
www.canurb.org

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and a detailed resume with contact information to: jobs@canurb.org.

Applicants may apply for more than one position; the position (s) of interest must be specified in the subject line.

Deadline for applications is November 30, 2011. However, selection of interns may take place early based on applications received. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply early.