Volunteer
Opportunity description
African Entrepreneur
Collective (AEC) is a new, innovative solution to systemic unemployment in
Africa. While African economies are some of the fastest growing in the world,
unemployment is widespread and persistent, causing severe economic, social, and
political ramifications. The root cause is that the supply of jobs is outpaced
by the increasing demands of a growing workforce. AEC focuses on job
creation.
Our plan is simple: equip existing entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed and
empower them to create jobs for others in their communities
African Entrepreneur
Collective’s Global Mentor Program brings experienced professionals from around
the world to guide Rwandan entrepreneurs through the challenges of operating a
business. You’ll work one-on-one with a young innovator for 6-12 weeks,
improving their enterprise, teaching him or her new skills, and, ultimately,
contributing to job creation in Rwanda.
Mentoring with AEC
is not the typical volunteer commitment. You will not dig wells with college
students or build a small school with a high school youth group—we are in the
business of growing businesses.
While we are a
non-profit organization, African Entrepreneur Collective is a far cry from
charity. AEC works with the best and brightest of Rwanda. You’ll spend your
sabbatical or vacation supporting some of the country’s top young innovators
growing their companies.
Impact: We’ll pair you with a
mentee that needs your
specific experience so that time in Rwanda is spent using your expertise to
provide a sustained impact to their business.
Experience: Coaching young
entrepreneurs in a developing country will allow you to test your professional
skills in a new environment and use them to overcome new challenges.
Network: You’ll collaborate with
other mentors (current and past) to make the most of your time with your
entrepreneur, and meet a variety of professionals in the SME community.
The Ideal Global
Mentor
- Graduate
degree in a relevant field or an undergraduate degree with 2-3 years of
experience - Experience
in mentoring, coaching, and/or training others preferred - Interest
in emerging markets and the developing world - Experience
abroad—in developing countries especially—preferred - Independent
working, problem solving, critical thinking, patient optimist - Commitment
to going the extra mile to create lasting impact - Open to
new experiences and understanding of different cultures
AEC will provide you
with free lodging in our spacious, seven-bedroom guesthouse in a safe and well
situated neighborhood. Our in-country staff will assist you in getting situated
in the city and learning new customs.
To learn more about
previous mentors, click the link below:
http://www.africanentrepreneurcollective.org/mentors.html
How
to apply
To apply for AEC’s
Global Mentors Program, please email your resume and a brief letter of interest
to AEC’s Founder and Executive Director, Julienne Oyler, at Julienne@africanentrepreneur.org.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and preference is given to early
applicants.