Posting Number: CY-INTL-001
Partner Organizations: YMCA Ukraine and YMCA Calgary
Expected orientation dates: May 6 - 17, 2013
Expected overseas dates (to be confirmed): May 20, 2013 - November 15, 2013
Expected debriefing/reintegration dates: November 16-30, 2013

YMCA Calgary International Department:

YMCA Calgary is a dynamic charity that impacts more than 90,000 children, youth, and adults each year as we strive to build healthy communities.  This mission also extends beyond our borders. Through our International initiatives, we join a global community of YMCAs in more than 120 countries working to provide global, environmental and cross-cultural education in an effort to encourage peace, social justice and global citizenship. 

YMCA Ukraine:

YMCAs in Ukraine address social issues in their community with a focus on values-based youth programming.  YMCA Ukraine has undertaken a Healthy Lifestyle strategy to address rising problems of HIV/AIDS, alcohol, and drug abuse; through peer-to-peer instruction, public events (rallies, parades, etc.) and artistic performances, they provides prevention education. Ongoing YMCA programs such as leadership, sports, camping, music, dance, theatre, and international cooperation provide positive values-based opportunities for youth in Ukraine. With limited resources and dedicated volunteers, YMCA Ukraine impacts more than 25,000 children and youth each year.

Nature and Scope:

YMCA Calgary is seeking a Youth Community Outreach Coordinator to be a part of a 7-month internship program (one month at YMCA Calgary and 5-6 months overseas with a YMCA in Kiev Ukraine).

Upon completion of preparation and training in Calgary, the intern will assist in implementing a community youth leadership program with a YMCA in Kiev Ukraine.  The program will be roughly based on YMCA Calgary's Kids In Motion (KIM), a work-for-leisure program for children and youth that emphasizes giving back and community involvement while having fun.  Through this program, youth build self-esteem, communication, decision-making skills, leadership and teamwork skills, and are exposed to positive role modeling.

This position requires both independence and teamwork. The intern will need to be proactive in recruitment, project set-up, and organization in a cross-cultural environment. The position also encompasses the supervision & safety of children. Yet all tasks will be completed in constant consultation and cooperation with other YMCA leaders; therefore, strong collaboration and communication abilities are needed.

The primary objective of the program is to strengthen the capacity of local YMCA's in Ukraine to impact youth in their community including disadvantaged or marginalized youth. A secondary objective is to strengthen the capacity of local YMCA's in Ukraine by helping local YMCA's develop and foster ongoing relationships and partnerships with government and non governmental agencies committed to community development work.

This internship project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and will adhere to the qualifications outlined through their International Youth Internship Program. For more information, visit www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/iyip

Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, and implement a new program for youth through a YMCA in Kiev Ukraine.
• Organize and implement community service projects and recreational activities for youth.
• Help train youth in leadership skills, effective teamwork and personal development, possibly including workshops on HIV/AIDS, gender equality, and civic engagement.
• Supervise children and youth during activities.
• Help create a capable team of volunteer leaders to continue the project after the internship ends.
• Assist with training, fundraising, or any other activities required by the local YMCA.
• Participate actively in team meetings
• Prepare progress and final reports on project goals and results
• Create an action plan for YMCA Ukraine for continuation of the project after completion of the internship
• Maintain regular communication with YMCA Calgary during the entire project.

• Be a YMCA Ambassador and enhance the YMCA Calgary-YMCA Ukraine partnership before, during, and after the project.

Competencies:

Commitment to Vision and Values: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision and values of YMCA Calgary.

Service Attitude/Customer Focus: Identifies needs and wants of members/participants as priority and responds in an effective and timely manner to enhance every person's YMCA experience.

Leadership: Ability to develop and direct performance of others to achieve desired results.

Communication: Ability to speak, write, listen, and secure information in a variety of settings.

Self Management: Ability to direct personal performance to achieve desired results.

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with others to achieve optimal collective results.

Flexibility/Managing Change: Ability to know your environment, initiate and respond effectively to changing conditions.

Values Diversity: Appreciates that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring a richness to the challenge or situation at hand.

Commitment to Health and Safety: Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction.

Information Technology: Appreciates the learning opportunity in sharing information and effectively utilizes available information technology.

Qualifications:

To be eligible for the International Youth Internship Program, an intern must be:

• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• A post-secondary graduate, out of school (by the time the contract is signed)
• Between the ages of 19 and 30
• Unemployed or underemployed (not working full-time in area of qualification)
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Further qualifications for this specific internship include...

• Ability to communicate in Ukrainian and/or Russian
• Standard First Aid and CPR (must be completed before overseas portion of internship begins)
• Certificate or Degree in International or Community Development, Education, Recreation & Leisure, or a related field
• Experience in supervising groups of children
• Strong organizational and communication skills; demonstrated ability to take initiative
• Open-minded and community-minded
• Ability to work in intercultural contexts (however, priority may be given to individuals who have not previously had an opportunity to work abroad in an area related to their field of study)
• YMCA experience is an asset
• A clear police information check with vulnerable sector search (to be initiated and paid for by YMCA Calgary for the successful applicant)

What's Provided:

• Pre-departure training and re-orientation upon return
• A living allowance to cover accommodation, food and local transport for the entire 7 months
• Medical insurance and vaccination stipend
• Visa related costs
• Professional development and support
• Return airfare to Ukraine

Note: travel between Calgary and other Canadian cities is the responsibility of the intern.

Please send a resume with cover letter quoting posting number CY-INTL-001 by Wednesday, January 31, 2013, to:

YMCA Calgary Association Services
101 3 St. S.W.
Calgary, AB  T2P 4G6
Fax: (403) 269-4661
Email: hradmin@ymcacalgary.org
Website: www.ymcacalgary.org > International

YMCA Calgary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.