Gender Support Officer

Cuso International; Moncton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to enhancing gender equality and social inclusion in Ethiopia. As a Gender Support Officer, you will work closely with local education authorities to improve organizational capacity and empower marginalized communities. This volunteer role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable experience in international development. You'll be involved in training, advocacy, and developing tools to promote gender awareness. Embrace this chance to contribute to sustainable development and help shape a more equitable future for women and girls.

Benefits

Modest monthly living allowance

Accommodation during placement

Medical Health Insurance

Round-trip airfare

Pre-placement training

Access to Employee Assistance Program

Bonus for extended service

Qualifications

• 1 year of professional experience in gender equality and social inclusion.
• Skill in organizing gender-related events and knowledge management.

Responsibilities

• Assess and ensure protection of women's rights through capacity building.
• Support partners in developing internal gender mainstreaming tools.

Skills

Communication Skills

Self-awareness

Resilience

Teamwork

Networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences

Degree in Gender Studies

Job description

This Volunteer Placement is Located in : Asosa, Benishangul-Gumuz, Ethiopia

Start Date : June / July 2025

Placement Length : 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements : English Level 5-Fluent

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

The Volunteer’s Role

If you feel passionate about this opportunity and helping others, this is the role for you!

As a Gender Support Officer, you'll be working with Benishangul – Gumuz Regional Education Bureau Plan and Program teams in Assosa Ethiopia. The overall purpose of the volunteer placement is to enhance organizational capacity and improve the education sector through mainstreaming gender by providing technical assistance and training to strengthen the ability of REB staff to plan, implement, and assess program and management performance specifically with regard to gender issues.

Apply today and Let's make a difference together!

As a volunteer, you will :

• Assess and ensure protection of women's rights and universal security through capacity building on topics of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) for the staff of implementing partner and its core partners and stakeholders.
• Support the core partners and stakeholders in the process of developing and implementing an internal gender mainstreaming tools.
• Support the partner organization in organizing events, advocacies and awareness raising events to promote gender equality, social inclusion (GESI) and gender mainstreaming.
• Build capacity of the teachers and administrative staffs in gender and leadership.
• Develop a gender mainstreaming action plan which will include assistance to program staff in gender mainstreaming.
• Provide technical support to the REB management team in Gender issues.
• Develop tools / methodologies to enhance gender awareness-raising, mainstreaming and analysis
• Conduct training needs assessment.

Essential Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Psychology, Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Work, Political Science, or a related field.
• 1 year of professional experience in gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), gender mainstreaming, organizing gender related events and knowledge management.
• Skill in Communication, Self-awareness, Confidence, Resilience, Teamwork Influencing and negotiating and Networking.

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 - 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.

Our mission involves ensuring an effective, high-quality, and equitable education and training system. This is achieved by enhancing the implementation capabilities of the education sector at every level, establishing and regulating efficiency standards, promoting standardized education nationwide, and supplementing education sector development initiatives through strategic communication and public awareness campaigns.

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
• 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.

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.