Policy Paper Research and Development: Social Entrepreneurship in Africa
About Us: PATHFINDER consults with Business, Academia and Policy for innovative solutions in Sustainable Development. We create solutions to enable the world’s most vulnerable through our unique three-pronged approach: by simultaneously influencing social entrepreneurship, academics, and policy.Project Details: We are looking to work with students or individuals to further develop a policy paper targeted at multi-national organizations, national governments and policymakers, and regional social entrepreneurs. The context of the policy paper is to present the rise and importance of social entrepreneurship in the African region and the subsequent gaps in funding and training for social entrepreneurs across Africa. In particular, a lack of a holistic approach from a regional/continental perspective.Deliverables:- Further development of key points of the paper- Research and identify any other gaps the paper should address- Develop identifiable gaps- Edit and proofread paper (including bibliography)- Create a slide deck/presentation of key pointsRequirements:- Excellent research skills- Excellent writing skills (English)- Ability to work effectively and autonomously- Good communication skills (i.e, clear and concise emails, efficient response time, etc)- Good visual presentation skills (i.e, Microsoft PowerPoint)- Good attention to detail
Internship opportunity - research and development of a policy paper
About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us).Project Details: We have two internship positions available to meet deliverables related to the research, writing, and editing of a policy paper with a refugee focus. The selected candidates will be part of a larger working group which will guide them on specific deliverables and action items for the paper. The scope of work is not limited by the paper. It may also include project support, business development, and communications.This is a virtual, unpaid position.Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER - jessica@pathfindersocent.com
Development of a White Paper - Refugee and Social Policy
We require research support for our white paper. Specifically with a focus on research management and organization. This paper will be widely published therefore the selected individual must have a high level of rigor, research and writing skills. This is a great opportunity for a student(s) with a political science, writing, business management, international relations and/or law background to be a part of a meaningful and impactful piece of work.
Research and development of a policy paper - Fintech Africa
About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us).Project Details: In partnership with the Global Policy House, we are looking for an intern to help produce a paper that maps out the Fintech ecosystem at high level and on state of play of central bank digital currency (CBDC) in Africa but cantering this around payments innovation and financial inclusion in Africa. In this report we will also be showcasing some of the sustainable solutions and technology offerings that central banks in Africa maybe able to explore.This is a virtual position.Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER - jessica@pathfindersocent.com
Internship opportunity - research and development of a policy paper
About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us).Project Details: We have two internship positions available to meet deliverables related to the research, writing, and editing of a policy paper with a refugee focus. The selected candidates will be part of a larger working group which will guide them on specific deliverables and action items for the paper. The scope of work is not limited by the paper. It may also include project support, business development, and communications.This is a virtual position.Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER - jessica@pathfindersocent.com
White Paper - Social Entrepreneurship for International Development
We would like help from a student(s) to review our white paper. Specifically with a focus on fact checking and referencing. This paper will be co-published with a high profile entrepreneur and we would like another set of eyes on it before it is published. Any additional comments and suggestions will also be welcomed. This is a great opportunity for a student with a political science, business, management, international relations and/or law background to be a part of a meaningful and impactful piece of work.
Internship opportunity - research and development of a policy paper
About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us).Project Details: We have two internship positions available to meet deliverables related to the research, writing, and editing of a policy paper with a refugee focus. The selected candidates will be part of a larger working group which will guide them on specific deliverables and action items for the paper. The scope of work is not limited by the paper. It may also include project support, business development, and communications.This is a virtual position.Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER - jessica@pathfindersocent.com
Crowdfunding Campaign Development and Management
We are looking for a team of students (or an individual) to develop and manage a crowdfunding campaign for one of our partner projects. The objective is for the group/team (or individual) to research the best platform, develop the campaign, make it public, disseminate and share the campaign where possible (within our and appropriate networks) and finally to manage it once it is active. We will provide the necessary background information, however we require the students/individual to be engaged, creative and involved once the campaign is public. The organization of focus is CIYOTA: COBURWAS International Youth Organization to Transform Africa’s (CIYOTA) mission is to improve the lives of young people through functional education, socially responsible leadership and social entrepreneurship activities. CIYOTA has established various programs within Kyangwali refugee settlement camp in Uganda, to address critical challenges faced by the refugee community, such as poverty, violence, disease, and insufficient access to quality and functional education.They focus on three main activities: delivering primary and secondary education to youth, university guidance, and women’s empowerment, community work and involvement.CIYOTA have recently expanded operations in DRC, with a focus on education, community building and entrepreneurship.For more on what they do see here. Further information will be provided. Deliverable(s)The final project deliverable is a completed and published crowdfunding campaign and an analysis and results of the campaign once completed (or once the school term ends).
Crowdfunding Campaign Development and Management
We are looking for a team of students (or an individual) to develop and manage a crowdfunding campaign for one of our partner projects. The objective is for the group/team (or individual) to research the best platform, develop the campaign, make it public, disseminate and share the campaign where possible (within our and appropriate networks) and finally to manage it once it is active. We will provide the necessary background information, however we require the students/individual to be engaged, creative and involved once the campaign is public. The organization of focus is CIYOTA: COBURWAS International Youth Organization to Transform Africa’s (CIYOTA) mission is to improve the lives of young people through functional education, socially responsible leadership and social entrepreneurship activities. CIYOTA has established various programs within Kyangwali refugee settlement camp in Uganda, to address critical challenges faced by the refugee community, such as poverty, violence, disease, and insufficient access to quality and functional education.They focus on three main activities: delivering primary and secondary education to youth, university guidance, and women’s empowerment, community work and involvement.CIYOTA have recently expanded operations in DRC, with a focus on education, community building and entrepreneurship.For more on what they do see here. Further information will be provided. Deliverable(s)The final project deliverable is a completed and published crowdfunding campaign and an analysis and results of the campaign once completed (or once the school term ends).
Marketing and Social Media Implementation and Management
We have a fantastic social media and marketing strategy but no time to implement it!We require a group of motivated and experienced students to deliver on our strategy with clear results (i.e, client/follower engagement).
Social Entrepreneurship University Strategy - Elite Interviews
Project Summary and DetailsWe seek to understand universities’ strategies for including/scaling or mainstreaming social entrepreneurship in their programmes. This could be through courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, executive education and online training and through ad hoc engagements. We seek to understand what the strategies (if any) are, what the market/student needs are and how universities plan on implementing the strategy (i.e., through internal/external services, are they already in place/just scaling up? etc.)Students will be expected to:· Initially research publicly available information (programmes, courses, trainings offered);· Identify the most appropriate people/peoples concerned to interview (ie. Dean/Director of the Business School, Professors with expertise in social entrepreneurship, etc)· Draft interview questions (with the support of PATHFINDER)· Contact said individuals for interviews;· Conduct Interviews (in groups or individually: students will interview the selected individuals for approximately 30 minutes);· Analyze results; and· Report/present results to PATHFINDERKey Learning Outcomes· Improved research skills· A better understanding of the social enterprise industry· Improved understanding of the social entrepreneurship objectives of academia· Improved interview skills· Improved data analysis and reporting skillsKey ObjectivesImprove the understanding of university strategy for social entrepreneurshipIdentify opportunities for PATHFINDER to work with universities in a consulting for social entrepreneurship capacity (development of course content, social entrepreneurship advocacy, training, speaking engagements, workshops and ad hoc events).
Grant Proposal Writing - Social Innovation Policy
We are currently looking for a student(s) to support us in writing various grant applications. This can be done in a team or individually depending on the requirements of the application. We have identified a targeted list of applications relevant to social innovation, international development and social entrepreneurship. Although we have already identified these opportunities, students are welcome to research potential grant opportunities, targeting the most viable with the aim of securing funding for us as well as accessing events and speaking engagements.
Social Media Strategy for our Social Enterprise
Our previous social media strategy was fairly generic. We've followed key players in our industry, which is in the Global Development/Sustainable Development sector. We posted our updates, shared opinions on relevant current events, and used the appropriate hashtags. However, now that we are growing, we require a more sophisticated strategy for social media based outreach. This is particularly important because our customers find us via a. network, and b. social media. It's therefore imperative we access the right groups of people. There are clients, financiers, and media/publishers looking for us. We need a strategy that will allow these specific people to find PATHFINDER, and showcase the company to relevant audiences.This project may include, but is not limited to:Industry research. For instance, all key players are aligned with one or more of the UN SDGs.Compiling relevant market information with regards to effective social media strategies.Identifying new potential accounts that align with our organization, and some we can begin connecting with as well.Identifying potential clients who are looking for us in particular, i.e. sustainable development or international development consultants. Identifying impact investors and media/publishers who are looking for us in particular.Building a strategy and a corresponding plan.Deliverable(s)The final project deliverable is a report including research, analysis, and recommendations. It should successfully instruct an actionable social media strategy for PATHFINDER.
Strategic Prospecting Plan: Help Us Find Clients Who Are Looking For Us!
So far, our sales process has been entirely dependant on (and derived from) networking. We've gotten assignments by meeting clients through our growing network. While this has worked very well at the start, in order to become grow our business and reach the right clients, we need assistance developing an outreach process. We would like to be equipped with a plan that guides us in researching new prospects, identifying key contacts, and reaching out with compelling messages. We would like you to create a simple step-by-step strategy for prospecting in our target market. This project may include, but is not limited to:Industry researchCompiling relevant market information. Identifying new potential accounts that align with our organizationIdentifying potential clients who are looking for us in particular, i.e. sustainable development or international development consultantsBuilding a customizable outreach script.The final project deliverable is a report including research, analysis, and recommendations. It should assist us successfully prospecting within our target market with actionable recommendations that will increase sales conversions.
Grant Proposal Writing - Social Innovation Policy
We are currently looking for a student(s) to support us in writing various grant applications. This can be done in a team or individually depending on the requirements of the application. We have identified a targeted list of applications relevant to social innovation, international development and social entrepreneurship. Although we have already identified these opportunities, students are welcome to research potential grant opportunities, targeting the most viable with the aim of securing funding for us as well as accessing events and speaking engagements.
International Expansion Research - UK
It’s important for us to have a better understanding of how our target audience perceives our brand. We want to develop clarity on our competitive advantages and optimize our marketing strategy. We believe this project will involve:A complete brand and competitor analysis, including identifying our current and future competitors and their market share.A complete analysis of potential clients within academia, policy and/or private sectorWe will give you access to organizational assets to support this project such as personnel, website analytics, sales and brand collateral, and more.We hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of the competitors in our space and how we can differentiate. The final project deliverables include:A 5-page final report detailing our competitors and our competitive advantages with recommendations on how to improve brand awareness.A 5-page report on potential clients within academia, policy and/or private sector and how they would need our services and how we might approach them.A 15-minute presentation on your finding and recommendations.
Help Improve Our Web Presence (via WordPress)
Based on our industry’s standards, we would like to design and build an affordable website that will rank well in search engines and that can scale with our business as we grow. We believe this project could include:Assessing our industry’s landscapes and competitor websites for user and design insights.Compiling a list of our required features and design preferences.Designing multiple wireframes of potential homepage designs for us to assess.Creating a website prototype, based on wireframe feedback.Developing a fully-functioning website on our server.In particular, we'd like to ensure that we:Appear on the first page of Google and other major search enginesMake our purpose and our services clearUpdate the website style (and/or layout) based on industry standardsUpdate the ease of browsingHave SEO optimizationOur written and visual content is available on our website, and we will provide you with domain and hosting credentials on WordPress.We want to have a beautifully-designed, fast, and functional website that stands out from our competitors, is user-friendly, and that can scale with us as we grow.
White Paper Editing - Social Policy
We would like help from a student(s) to review our white paper. Specifically with a focus on fact checking and referencing. This paper will be co-published with a high profile organization and we would like another set of eyes on it before it is published. Any additional comments and suggestions will also be welcomed. This is a great opportunity for a student with a political science, business, management, international relations and/or law background to be a part of a meaningful and impactful piece of work.
Internship opportunity - research and development of a policy paper
About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us).Project Details: We have two internship positions available to meet deliverables related to the research, writing, and editing of a policy paper with a refugee focus. The selected candidates will be part of a larger working group which will guide them on specific deliverables and action items for the paper. The scope of work is not limited by the paper. It may also include project support, business development, and communications.This is a virtual position.Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER - jessica@pathfindersocent.com
Marketing and Social Media Management Intern
We have a fantastic social media and marketing strategy but no time to implement it!We require a group of motivated and experienced students to deliver on our strategy with clear results (i.e, client/follower engagement).
Policy Research Intern
About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us).Project Details: We have two internship positions available to meet deliverables related to the research of a policy paper with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The scope of work is not limited to the paper. It may also include project support, business development, and communications.This is a virtual position.Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER - jessica@pathfindersocent.com
Internship opportunity - research and development of a policy paper
About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us).Project Details: We have two internship positions available to meet deliverables related to the research, writing, and editing of a policy paper with a refugee focus. The selected candidates will be part of a larger working group which will guide them on specific deliverables and action items for the paper. The scope of work is not limited by the paper. It may also include project support, business development, and communications.This is a virtual position.Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER - jessica@pathfindersocent.com
Policy Paper Research and Development
About Us: PATHFINDER consults with Business, Academia and Policy for innovative solutions in Sustainable Development. We create solutions to enable the world’s most vulnerable through our unique three-pronged approach: by simultaneously influencing social entrepreneurship, academics, and policy.Project Details: We are looking to work with students or individuals to further develop a policy paper with a refugee focus targeted at multi-national organizations, national governments and policymakers, and regional social entrepreneurs.
Digital Marketing Intern for Policy Event in Zambia
In partnership with Global Policy House, We will be hosting a large summit at the end of May 2023 (Invest in Africa With Digital Assets and Africa Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) summits and would like some marketing, especially digital marketing students to help with our summit promotion and planning of the summit where we will be bringing the global community to physically meet in Zambia happening mainly as a physical event and some hybrid option throughout the week long event. The students will be responsible for designing a marketing strategy, deploy the strategy and come up with some digital marketing content as well as have responsibility to write the post event report to feed into our wider report we aim to produce in 2023 to be launched at another summit in 2023. We also require a set of students to summarise a report from previous summits that we have held in the form of short insights and recommendations coming from the summits.