ICS is a development programme that brings together young people from the UK and developing countries to volunteer in some of the poorest communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It is led by VSO and funded by the UK Government. ICS is delivered by respected development organisations, of which Challenges Worldwide is one.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain international business experience and enhance their employability.
Because this is a UK Government funded placement, you must be aged 18-25 to be able to apply.
Challenges Worldwide is a pioneering social enterprise placing (International Citizen Service) ICS volunteers to work as Business Support Associate for a 12-week placement.
The Challenges Worldwide ICS Programme offers young people the opportunity to play a key role in delivering sustainable development projects. Our volunteers deliver support to growing enterprises in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia through the delivery of the Challenges Worldwide Enterprise Support Framework (ESF).
Our volunteers do not need previous business experience to deliver the Enterprise Support Framework as during the programme we deliver weekly face to face training in Professional Consulting.
Training is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and after the programme, volunteers will be invited to complete an assessment and gain their Level 5 qualification in Professional Consulting at an exclusive rate for volunteers.
As a Challenges Worldwide ICS volunteer, you will work together with a local volunteer to have a direct positive impact on small to medium sized enterprises as they seek to access trade and finance deals. These experiences will develop your professional skills, enhance your employability and help you recognise the vital role of economic development in reducing poverty worldwide.
Funding
The programme is fully funded by the UK government so you don’t need cash or qualifications to take part – just the courage to try and the resilience to see it through. However to show commitment volunteers are required to fundraise to secure their placement – the proceeds of the fundraising are used to ensure the sustainability of the ICS programme.
Eligibility
- The ICS programme is open to 18-25-year-olds from the UK.
- You must have lived in the UK for 12 months and be an EU citizen to apply to the UK Government funded programme.
Placement Start Dates:
- February 2017
- June 2017
- September 2017
- January 21018
Challenges Worldwide ICS operates in:
- Ghana
- Uganda
- Zambia
Past volunteers have worked in a variety of sectors from businesses producing banana wine, coffee liquor, healthy fast food, nutritious cereals, biomass for clean energy, natural pineapple juice, tech startups and much more.
Challenges Worldwide provide all volunteers with:
- Training in business basics
- Learning resources to guide you on placement
- In-country and remote personal and professional support Access to a Vocational Qualification in Management Consulting
Job Type: Volunteer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
