Organizational Development - Volunteer in Caribbean

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Georgetown, Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana

Start Date: January / February 2025

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: English Level 4-Advanced

Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, and residents of the Caribbean region.

The overall purpose of the placement is to strengthen the capacity of National Conversation Trust Funds (NCTF) across the region to mainstream gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into its policies, programs and services. As a volunteer, you will support the capacity strengthening of staff through training on gender equality concepts and mainstreaming GESI into programming.

The Caribbean Organizations for Resilient Environments (CORE) project serves to build the capacity of National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) operating in eight countries (Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname) to implement local, nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation with a gender-responsive lens.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Support the development of strategic directions and priorities through a process of research and consultation with staff, members in developing a 5 Year Strategic Plan
• Complete organizational assessment
• Establish work plan for strategic planning process

Essential Requirements:

• University degree in social/political sciences, international development, human rights, gender studies, social work, law, public policy, or related field.

Essential Background:

• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in a position (s) related to the promotion of gender equality, diversity and/or women’s development issues

• Experience working with government agencies
• Experience working with senior management
• Experience in training and facilitation

What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!

About Us, the Project and the Partner

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 - BluePrints for Gender Equality

Cuso will be implementing the four-year BLUEPRINTS project funded by the Government of Canada Global Affairs Canada (GAC); the main focus of the project is to strengthen the capacity of local governments in Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to integrate gender into policies, programs, and services to better reflect the needs, perspectives and interests of the Caribbean’s most vulnerable women and girls.

Partner - National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF)

The NCTFJ was established as a not-for-profit NGO to source and provide sustainable funding for Protected Areas in Jamaica. It is designed to be the primary source of financial support for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System, in collaboration with government and non-government partners.

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