Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

Volunteer Regions: Africa, Latin America or the Caribbean

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: English, French or Spanish fluency (depending on the country)

Calling all Gender Advisors! Are you ready to make an impact in the lives of women and their communities?

Tell us about your qualifications and experience creating and implementing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion programs.
We will contact you if something suitable comes up in the future. We're looking for skilled professionals to work with our partners around the world.

About the Volunteer Role

Cuso International is looking for a volunteer like you who will work alongside local staff to plan, design and implement campaigns focused on gender equality, social inclusion, and the empowerment of women and girls. Your expertise will help local staff expand their knowledge in the area through training and knowledge-sharing techniques. Your work will contribute to creating positive lasting change and will help women and girls lead better lives.

Volunteer with us and help empower women and girls around the world!

Please be advised, that duties, education and essential requirements may vary by partner and project.

As a volunteer, you may be asked to:

• Evaluate current approaches used to advocate for gender equality and social inclusion
• Work alongside local colleagues to design, strategize and implement a gender equality and social inclusion strategy that aligns well with the strategic plan of the partner organization
• Conduct a gender analysis and support gender mainstreaming within the partner organization
• Support and facilitate knowledge-sharing training for staff on topics including gender-based sexual violence, gender mainstreaming, gender analysis, gender programming, etc
• Support local staff in developing best practices and reviewing documents toward gender equality and social inclusion
• Monitor and evaluate results of various equality and inclusion initiatives and provide recommendations on lessons learned
• Support in the establishment of alliances with public and private organizations

Essential Academic Qualifications:

• University degree in gender studies, social sciences, humanities, political sciences, international development or related fields.

Essential Professional Background:

• Minimum 2 years experience in areas related to gender equality and social inclusion
• Experience in the implementation of training for diverse audiences

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to be able to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations

Language requirements based on where we work

• English Fluency
• Africa: Ethiopia, Tanzania
• Caribbean: Jamaica, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Belize, Guyana, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• French Fluency
• Africa: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin
• Spanish Fluency
• Latin America: Peru, Colombia, Honduras

About Us and Our Major Project

Cuso International

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.

We seek individuals who share our values and are committed to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities.

Project - Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)

Cuso International will deliver the Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE) project, with a contribution from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) over seven years (2020-2027). SHARE aims to improve the economic and/or social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in developing countries, to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing the engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues, this project will aim to increase the performance of country partners to deliver more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality, in support of the action areas of Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Benefits

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International's terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle similar to local living standards. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (eg. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance
• Accommodation while in placement
• Medical Health Insurance (including the cost of required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Pre-placement training, In-Country Orientation (ICO) and Reintegration Debriefing
• Support while in placement through Cuso International's Country Program Office (CPO) and local partners throughout your placement
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while in placement and upon return
• Support to meet your fundraising goals
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Selection Requirements:

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:

• Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel purposes
• Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference
• Complete a language assessment during the preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a satisfactory Police Check
• Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated following the World Health Organization-approved vaccines.

Fundraising

We ask each volunteer, regardless of placement length, to raise $2,000. All volunteers receive support from Cuso International to help achieve the goal through fundraising. If the volunteer chooses not to fundraise or is unable to achieve the fundraising goal, he/she can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to support our work.

Pre-placement Training and Briefing - Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID)

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have a Volunteering Mobilization Advisor (VMA) to support you through the process and will participate in pre-placement training as part of your preparation. You will also have access to self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Cuso International works with poor, vulnerable and marginalized people, mainly women and girls, to eradicate poverty and inequality. We understand the need to uphold and enforce the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

At Cuso International, we believe that all people, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity or disability have the right to live lives free of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Cuso International considers all forms of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse to be incompatible with fundamental belief in the human dignity of all people, international and national agreements and standards, and its core values. Cuso International volunteers must agree to uphold the Child Protection, Prevention of Workplace Violence, Prevention of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policies and Code of Conduct.

Residency and Citizenship

During the application and pre-placement phases, most Cuso International applicants are based in Canada, although we also receive applications from outside Canada. Regardless of your location, it's crucial for us to maintain easy and prompt communication with you between your application and start dates. We may request your passport, need to know your current residence, and be informed of any travel plans.

Leaving your country of residence can impact your citizenship status. If you're leaving your residence for a placement, it is your responsibility to research the implications with local immigration authorities. By applying, you accept full responsibility for any consequences regarding citizenship, residency, or immigration status. Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid any risks to their residency status.