English Language Trainer

Title: English Language Trainer

Location: Nay Pyi Taw,Myanmar

Partner: Parliament of Myanmar Government

Length of Placement: 6 months

Planned Start Date: September, 2014

Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Our Reference: MYA0003/0001/0001

Language Requirements

English Level 4 (Advanced)

About Cuso International

Cuso International is an international development organization that works to reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts of skilled volunteers. Each year, we place volunteers from North and South America in developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Volunteers collaborate with local partners on health, education, environment, social justice and livelihoods projects, sharing knowledge and experience to create sustainable change.

Volunteer your skills, your voice and your support.

About Parliament of Myanmar Government

The Parliament of Myanmar was created as a result of general elections held in 2010.

However they are still relatively new and poorly trained/informed on the expectations of a democratically elected government and the role and function of parliament in supporting the members of parliament. They are under-resourced and have few opportunities to receive practical training that will improve their capacity

The Volunteer's Role

Overall purpose: To increase the capacity of the staff of both the upper and lower parliament of Myanmar, based in the capital of Nay Pyi Taw, to improve their English; develop research skills and improve their ICT skills for the purpose of strengthening the research and public policy capacity of Parliament . Cuso volunteers will also work closely with a UNDP/Asia Foundation project that serves to strengthen the skills of members of parliament in English language, ICT and research, and to better understand their role and the needs of their constituents. This placement will also culminate in a field exchange trip between Parliament staff from Myanmar and another ASEAN country in February 2015.

Specific volunteer placement objectives:

• Undertake research on issues of relevant to social and economic policy issues in Myanmar, as directed by Parliament

• Inform and educate about experiences from other countries (best practices) in advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s participation in politics

• Develop and offer training on research and ICT skills to members of parliament and staff of parliament

• Network with international partners.

• Help with English language proofreading.

• Teach English as a second language skills on a daily basis to a select group of members of parliament, as well as to members of parliament in the government housing compound

• Daily teaching of English as a second language to Parliament staff

• Teaching ICT skills and research skills based out of the NPT government library

• Assist in training/teaching of ESL and research skillst to members of parliament (note this is an evening activity)

• Administration and coordination of an exchange trip within ASEAN for a select group of staff from Parliament

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in any discpline or demonstrated competence in teaching ESL as noted by completion of an ESL trainers program

• Experience and understanding of the role and function of Parliamentry staff

• Skills in research and IT

• Competency in teaching English as a second language, as demonstrated by a TOEFL certificate or a related combination of certification and experience

Desirable Academic Qualifications:

•Training experience is an asset

•Ability to work in partnership are assets

•Experience working with adult learners

• Experience and understanding of the role and function of Parliamentry staff

Essential Professional Background/Competencies:

• Flexible and team player

• Readiness to accept a modest life-style and sometimes challenging work and life conditions (Burma is an

developing country and thus suffers from occasional electricity black outs, limited Internet access, and bad roads

• Self motivated and able to respond diplomatically to challenging political views and experiences

Desirable Professional Background/Competencies:

•Having knowledge about the current Myanmar political situation and Government

•Overseas experience in a developing context

•Cultural competency and knowledge of the Asian region are assets.

Training and Financial Support

Our training and support package covers the costs of being an overseas volunteer, allowing you to enjoy a modest but healthy lifestyle while you volunteer abroad. This includes:

• Attendance at a Cuso International assessment day (candidates must cover the first $150 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and accommodation costs)

• Travel and accommodation costs associated with pre-departure training

• Return airfare and visa/permit (this includes a return flight in the case of a family emergency)

• Coverage for required vaccinations, medications and comprehensive health insurance

• Accommodation while overseas

• A modest living allowance, which varies depending on the country where you are placed

• Quarterly payments to support you in your placement

• Modest support for accompanying partners

To apply - please visit our website

https://cusoconnect.cusointernational.org/journey/placement/d etail/48144/