Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers strongly supported international volunteer placements to recent university graduates, young professionals, and students currently enrolled in Veterinary School or a Graduate program. Applications are now closed for the 2026 ELP Program.

The Emerging Leaders Program offers strongly supported international volunteer placements to recent university graduates, young professionals, and students currently enrolled in Veterinary School or a Graduate program.

These placements are part of the VETS program (Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions) and volunteers contribute to the mission of VWB/VSF by working with and supporting our partner organizations. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers participants additional guidance throughout their assignments — such as ongoing training from experienced veterinarians who act as technical advisors for the vet student placements.

The ELP helps improve food security and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Global South. To achieve this, ELP volunteers contribute to activities that help strengthen the skills, knowledge, and capacity of our partners, and in return, gain opportunities to learn and grow in a cross-cultural setting.

ELP volunteer placements are fully funded, thanks to the generous support of Global Affairs Canada!

See below for program details and the 2026 ELP positions.

Volunteer Support Package:

VWB offers you an incredible experience to take part in an international volunteer placement where you will expand your personal and professional skills while contributing to global development. VWB commits to supporting you throughout your volunteer journey and will cover the majority of the costs involved in being an overseas volunteer, including:

• Return airfare to placement country
• Pre-departure training
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of placement
• Return airfare to placement country
• Visa/permit costs
• The cost of required vaccinations and anti-malarial medication
• Overseas emergency travel health insurance
• A monthly living allowance (MLA) that will be paid into the volunteer’s bank account in Canada. The MLA is designed to be sufficient to cover simple housing, basic food requirements, and other typical monthly living expenses.
• Debrief after the placement

What makes an effective volunteer?

Beyond the technical skills necessary for volunteer placements, we seek individuals who embody a growth mindset and bring a genuine passion for contributing to meaningful change.

Effective volunteers possess a positive attitude and the ability to demonstrate the following key competencies:

• Self-awareness and self-confidence: Volunteers should have a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for growth, allowing them to navigate challenges with confidence and humility.
• Communication and collaboration: The ability to engage with diverse teams, listen actively, and share knowledge effectively is crucial for building strong relationships and achieving common goals.
• Independence and a proactive approach: Volunteers are expected to take initiative and work autonomously while also recognizing when to ask for support or guidance.
• Adaptability, resilience, and comfort with uncertainty: International placements often present unpredictable situations, and successful volunteers embrace these challenges with flexibility and a problem-solving mindset.
• Intercultural and gender sensitivity: Volunteers must be able to engage respectfully with different cultures and communities, promoting inclusion and understanding across gender lines to ensure equitable participation in projects.

These competencies enable volunteers to thrive in dynamic, cross-cultural environments and make a lasting impact.

Get in touch and find out if the ELP is the right next step for you...

In previous years, participants in this program have worked with partners on a variety of capacity-building activities, including:

• Providing trainings on gender equality
  
• Participating in vaccination campaigns
• Conducting research and data collection
• Training small-holder farmers on biosecurity
  
• and much more.

Our ELPs contribute to healthier communities around the globe!

Questions? Email us at volunteer@vwb.org and we'll be happy to help!