International Program

How to Get Involved — AIC International Agricultural Development Program and Other International Opportunities

AIC's current international agricultural development program includes components of advocacy, public education, technical assistance, training, research, and capacity development for new and emerging professional organizations. The foundation and strength of AIC's international program are the voluntary contributions of expertise, time and commitment of its Members. It is people like you, willing to share with others and to learn from your counterparts in developing countries, who make this program a success. AIC is here to help you get involved.

As an active member of AIC, with experience in international cooperation, an interest to learn more, and the capacity to contribute your time and expertise on a voluntary basis, there are a number of ways for you to become involved in AIC's international development program.

Skills Roster

AIC often collaborates with other agencies in the presentation of workshops, training, and research activities that call for specialized skills and experience. AIC maintains a roster of Members who are interested in being involved in short-term international exchanges for such activities. Members' skills and time are contributed on a voluntary basis, while travel and material costs are covered. Send your résumé and a covering letter outlining your particular interest areas (technical and geographical) to the AIC International Agricultural Development Program Coordinator.

International Advisory and Policy Committees

Many AIC Member Organizations and Associations have committees that provide support to their international activities. Committee members assist in developing project proposals, monitoring results, contributing specialized skills as needed by projects, and by supporting advocacy and public education endeavours. Contact your professional association to confirm if there is an active international committee and the terms of participation.

AIC's International Agricultural Development Program receives considerable support through voluntary working groups. Members of these working groups are selected for the skills, knowledge and experience they bring to the task at hand. Their contributions include planning for international meetings, public events, policy reviews, and proposal preparations. These working groups focus on a specific task or event and disband once their work is complete. Time durations usually range from six to eighteen months. If you are interested in participating on an IADP working group, please contact AIC's International Program Staff.

Special Linkages and Exchanges

From time to time AIC supports Member Organization short-term linkages and exchanges that are not connected to long-term projects but do contribute to the goals of the international program. These endeavours may be "one-off" events or may eventually lead to longer-term partnerships. They are small-budget activities and occur within a specific short-term time period. Special linkages and exchanges are assessed for their ability to contribute to the goals of the international program. Decisions on funding support are made by the IADC. For more information, contact the AIC International Program Staff.

International Twinning Partnership Program

Launched in 1989, AIC's International Twinning Partnership Program (ITPP) is now a cornerstone of the international agricultural development program. The ITPP is funded through the Partnership Branch of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). This program provides opportunities for AIC Members to work cooperatively and share expertise with developing country partner organizations through long-term partnerships. Common to all projects is a strengthening of the capacity of partner organizations so they can better plan, develop and manage sustainable programs that respond to community needs and/or national development priorities. Go to the ITPP page for more information on the current program and projects. Visit the Project Proposals page for information on how to prepare a proposal for the ITPP and to view the selection criteria.

Other International Opportunities

(Note - this list is representational only of the hundreds of organizations, institutions, and business affiliates actively engaged in international development endeavours. A more complete listing of employment and volunteer opportunities in international development can be found on the Canadian International Development Agency website - see Resources-Employment.

Academic

Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC)
www.accc.ca

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
www.aucc.ca
University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development program - details on current projects and application process; consulting opportunities; and research connections.

Canadian Bureau for International Education
www.cbie.ca

Consulting

(Also refer to multilateral agencies.)

Canadian Consulting Agrologists Association
www.ccaa.bz

Agriteam Canada Consulting Ltd.
www.agriteam.ca

Agrodev Canada Inc.
www.agrodev.ca

Research

Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
www.cgiar.org
Contact information for the international research centers, and employment opportunities.

International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
www.idrc.ca
List of research activities, examples of projects, guide for applications, details on focus and exclusions. Also, application information for research and internship awards.

Volunteer

Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC)
www.ccic.ca

Canadian Executive Service Organization
www.ceso-saco.com
Information on how to become a CESO Volunteer Advisor (VAs) and listing of current international assignments.

World University Service of Canada
www.wusc.ca
Information on volunteer positions overseas, working as a consultant on short-term contracts with WUSC, and the UN volunteers program.

CUSO-VSO Canada
www.vsocanada.org
Search the VSO database for current agriculturalist placements. Details on application process.

Multilateral Development Banks

Each site contains information on opportunities in consulting, jobs/careers, and scholarships.

The World Bank Group
www.worldbank.org

African Development Bank
www.afdb.org

Asian Development Bank
www.adb.org

Inter-American Development Bank
www.iadb.org

UN Agencies

Each site provides information on employment opportunities.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
www.fao.org

International Fund for Agriculture Development
www.ifad.org

United Nations Environment Program
www.unep.org

UN Division for the Advancement of Women
www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/
See also UNPAC for UN Partners in Action Committee Manitoba

UNIFEM - the United National Development Fund for Women
www.unifem.org/
See also the Canadian Committee for UNIFEM