UNV Support - Education, Youth Development and Community Capacity Building

Job Posting Organization:
Goodness and Mercy Missions (GMM) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by Teh Francis Yai, based in the North West Region of Cameroon. The organization is dedicated to strengthening rural communities by providing essential tools, skills, and opportunities to underserved populations, enabling them to build sustainable and resilient lives. GMM's mission focuses on breaking cycles of poverty through education, economic empowerment, and community development, emphasizing long-term, community-driven impact. The organization has been recognized with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2017, which reflects its commitment to international standards in humanitarian and development work. GMM operates primarily in the Boyo Division of the North West Region, with activities extending to other regions in Cameroon, including the West, South West, Littoral, and Centre Regions. GMM's core values include participatory strategy, sustainability, equity and non-discrimination, accountability, partnership cooperation, empowerment, and inclusion. Through partnerships and online volunteer support, GMM aims to leverage global expertise to develop culturally appropriate programs that can be implemented by local staff and community facilitators.

Job Overview:
The position involves supporting GMM's mission to address significant challenges in education and youth development in Cameroon's North West Region, particularly in the context of the ongoing Anglophone crisis. This crisis has severely disrupted schooling for many children, with schools damaged or closed and families displaced. The role requires volunteers to review international research and practices related to barriers to enrollment, attendance, and retention in education, as well as vocational training and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support for affected children and youth. Volunteers will produce written deliverables that assess the implications of their findings for GMM's programming in the Boyo Division, contributing to the organization's efforts to fill the education gap and support community structures that sustain education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Volunteers will be tasked with reviewing international research on various aspects of education and youth development, including barriers to enrollment and attendance, vocational training models, psychosocial support, and community participation in education. Each volunteer will focus on specific areas such as access and retention, youth skills and transition to work, learning support and wellbeing, and community participation. They will produce individual written deliverables of 3,000 to 5,000 words, structured as literature reviews or research papers, with complete academic referencing. Volunteers are expected to maintain regular communication with GMM, adhere to deadlines for submissions, and respond to feedback throughout the assignment period.

Required Qualifications:
Volunteers should possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to review and synthesize academic literature effectively. They should have a good understanding of education and youth development issues, particularly in low-resource and crisis-affected contexts. Familiarity with the challenges faced by rural communities in Cameroon and the ability to communicate findings clearly in written English are essential. Volunteers should also demonstrate a commitment to GMM's mission and values, including a focus on community empowerment and sustainable development.

Educational Background:
A background in education, social sciences, international development, or a related field is preferred. Volunteers should have experience or coursework related to education policy, community development, or youth programming. Advanced degrees or ongoing studies in relevant fields may be advantageous.

Experience:
While specific prior experience may not be required, volunteers should have a demonstrated interest in education and youth development, particularly in contexts similar to those faced by GMM. Experience in research, writing, or working with community organizations will be beneficial. Familiarity with the challenges of education in crisis-affected areas is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all written deliverables must be produced in English. Knowledge of Pidgin English or French may be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, allowing individuals to contribute from anywhere. The assignment duration and specific deadlines will be communicated upon selection. Volunteers are expected to work independently while maintaining regular communication with GMM. The role is part-time and flexible, allowing volunteers to manage their time effectively while meeting the deliverables.