Communications Advisor

Cuso International; Calgary; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An international development organization is seeking a volunteer to support the development and implementation of a communications strategy. This role involves gathering information, drafting content, and producing high-quality materials. Candidates should possess a degree in communications or a related field and have 4-5 years of professional experience in relevant communications roles. Proficiency in design software is an asset.

Benefits

Modest monthly living allowance

Accommodation during placement

Return airfare and visa costs

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in developing print and digital communications materials.
• Ability to conduct training sessions on effective communications.

Responsibilities

• Support the expansion of publications by gathering information and drafting content.
• Develop graphic designs, photographs, videos, and interviews.
• Provide training for staff and volunteers in communication.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Editing skills

Communications skills

Proficient in design programs

Education

Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or similar

Tools

Photoshop

InDesign

Illustrator

Job description

Location : Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Start Date : December 2025

Placement Length : 6 Months

Language Requirements : Spanish Level 3-Intermediate

Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

The Volunteer’s Role

Cuso International aims to grow its constituency base and engage diverse audiences in Canada as well as Latin America and the Caribbean, where our work has become progressively more focused and effective. Through the use of appropriate channels, context and content, we aim to educate about our areas of concern and key development challenges, share learning, successes and best practices, elevate the voices of the communities we serve, as well as invite audiences to act or give. Cuso International also aims to effectively capture and demonstrate the impact and value of both international volunteering and working in inclusive partnerships to eradicate poverty.

As such, the overall purpose of this placement is to support the development and implementation of a short and medium-term country-specific communications strategy for Cuso International’s Country Program Office (CPO) in Honduras, as well as the development of high-quality, enticing and powerful communications materials ( specific print and digital communications materials). We are trying to match the perfect volunteer to the perfect experience so our start dates can be flexible. It would just depend on the partner organization’s needs.

The volunteer will work closely with the CPO team and other volunteers, under the overall guidance of the Communications, Information and Resource Development Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean.

As a volunteer, you will :

• Support the expansion of two publications about Cuso International’s work in Latin America and the Caribbean by gathering information / photographs and drafting content. The latter will include case studies, program insights and lessons learned, and recommendations for future policy and practice.
• Support the development of graphic designs, photographs, videos, and interviews for Cuso International and its local partners; Generate content for Cuso Latin America's social media including coverage of Cuso International's participation in events and reporting of volunteers' work
• Support Cuso International with training for staff, volunteers and local partners in communication and management of technical teams.
• Support Cuso International in drawing lessons learned from its communications initiatives, capitalizing on experiences and sharing conclusions.
• Contribute to any other related tasks that might be necessary for the completion of the volunteer’s mandate, as required by the Communications, Information and Resource Development Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Requirements

Essential Requirements :

• Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a similar discipline

Essential Background :

• 4-5 years of relevant professional experience with strong writing, editing, and communications skills; experience in developing print and digital communications materials
• Ability to conduct training sessions on effective communications
• Asset : Proficient in design programs such as Photoshop and InDesign, Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator

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

About Us and the 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 and the Caribbean, and Canada.

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, with a view to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing 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 terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (ex. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending on country)
• Accommodation while in placement
• Return airfare and visa / work permit costs
• Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication, and health insurance
• Pre-departure training, in-country orientation, and reintegration debriefing, including travel and accommodation (more details below)
• On the ground support through our Cuso International country program office
• Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return

Other Requirements :

• Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to :
• Provide two Professional References and one Personal Reference
• Complete an oral assessment during your preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a Police Check at our request
• Complete a full medical exam and be medically cleared by the Cuso International Medical Advisor prior to your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated in accordance with the World Health Organization-approved vaccines
• We seek individuals who share our values and are dedicated to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities

Pre-departure Training and Briefing

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have an advisor to support you through the process and will receive essential training as part of your preparation. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your own learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.

In-Country Training and Learning

You will receive an In-Country Orientation (ICO) that builds upon the pre-departure training. This will be conducted by either the country program office or the supporting partner organization. This normally lasts for 2-10 days (depending on language learning requirements and other factors). In some countries, volunteers will be able to access ongoing language training opportunities. In-Country Orientation equips you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and country-specific information to be successful in your placement. Furthermore, our Country Program Office or local partner will provide you with continuous in-country support throughout the duration of 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 with 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

Residency

The majority of Cuso International volunteer applicants are residing in Canada at the time of application and during the pre-departure process. Occasionally we received applications from volunteer applicants who are residing outside of Canada at the time of application. In both instances, between your application date and placement start date, we must be able to contact you and you must be able to contact us easily and promptly throughout the process.

We may require your passport and would need to be aware of your current place of residence and any travel plans you may have during this time. You will also require unrestricted access to Canada during this time for training, as applicable.

Citizenship

Leaving your country of residence can have significant effects on your citizenship status in that country. It is your responsibility to research the consequences of traveling to Canada during the pre-departure process if you are living outside of Canada and of leaving your country of residence for a placement with the immigration authority where you live.

By applying to this placement, you accept full responsibility for any consequences related to your citizenship, residency, and immigration status or penalties as a result of travel to pre-departure training, international placement, or other Cuso International related travel.

You must check the implications that apply to you, but examples include :

• Canadian permanent residents may need to make arrangements with immigration authorities before traveling. These arrangements allow them to travel without risk to their status in Canada. Without them, residency status may be withdrawn.
• Citizens of other countries, including those visiting Canada on a visa, may have travel restrictions.

Additional Information

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we support. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and others from equity-deserving groups or underrepresented groups.

Applicants who require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process or volunteer placement are encouraged to contact us to discuss how we can best support their accessibility needs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided wherever possible to ensure that all individuals can participate fully and equitably.