Company: Cuso International

Location: Toronto, ON

Expected salary:

Job date: Fri, 07 Mar 2025 23:38:31 GMT

Job description: This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname.Starting Dates: April, May, June, July, August 2025Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extensionLanguage Requirements: EnglishEligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, and residents of the Caribbean region.Are you passionate about storytelling, digital marketing, and making an impact?Join Cuso International’s Communications, Marketing, Digital Marketing and Social Media placements to support local organizations in strengthening their communications strategies, enhancing public engagement, and increasing visibility for their programs.Your Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communication and marketing strategies
• Create engaging content for social media, websites, and newsletters
• Support branding and public relations efforts
• Conduct media outreach and build partnerships
• Train local staff in marketing best practices

What You Bring:

• Experience in communications, marketing, or public relations
• Strong writing, content creation, and social media skills
• Ability to adapt to different cultural and organizational contexts
• Passion for international development and volunteerism

About Us and the ProjectCuso InternationalCuso 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 EqualityCuso 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.BenefitsTerms and ConditionsCuso 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
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

AccommodationsYou will receive suitable housing arrangements that will be coordinated by the local program office of Cuso International for the duration of your placement. The accommodation will be fully furnished with essential items such as a stove, refrigerator, bedroom furniture, table, chairs, cutlery, upholstery, and sheets. It will include necessary amenities like running water and electricity. The experience will be similar to that of staying in an Airbnb. You will be responsible for the security deposit payment, typically equivalent to one month’s rent. Additionally, the program office offers the option of an advance that will be deducted from your stipend over three to four months.Cuso International will cover the monthly rental cost of your accommodation. You will be responsible for covering utilities such as internet access, water, electricity, etc., using your monthly allowance.Selection RequirementsPlease 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

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 AbuseCuso 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 .Residency and CitizenshipDuring 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.

Cuso International is offering volunteer placements in various countries in the Caribbean for individuals passionate about storytelling, digital marketing, and making an impact. The placements involve developing and implementing communication and marketing strategies, creating engaging content for social media and websites, and training local staff in marketing best practices. These placements are part of the Blueprints for Gender Equality project, focusing on strengthening the capacity of local governments to integrate gender into policies and programs for vulnerable women and girls in the Caribbean. Volunteers receive a support package that covers living expenses, accommodations, health insurance, airfare, and more. Selection requirements include providing references, completing a language assessment, obtaining a police check, and undergoing a medical exam. Volunteers also receive pre-placement training to prepare them for their placement. Cuso International upholds strict policies against harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse. It is essential for applicants to maintain communication with Cuso International throughout the application process and understand the potential impact on citizenship status when leaving their country of residence for a placement.