Inclusive business management advisor with vulnerable populations (Volunteer)

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

Job summary

A leading international volunteer organization is seeking a volunteer for a placement in Lima, Peru. The role involves providing technical assistance to young entrepreneurs with disabilities and leading workshops to improve their business management skills. Candidates must have a degree in a relevant field and be proficient in Spanish. This opportunity offers a valuable experience in international development and social inclusion.

Benefits

Modest monthly living allowance

Accommodation during placement

Medical Health Insurance

Round-trip airfare

Pre-placement training

Bonus for extended service

Qualifications

• Must have experience with improvement plans for businesses.
• Needs knowledge in marketing strategies for growth.
• Should have a good understanding of social inclusion models.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to optimize business plans.
• Conduct diagnostics to analyze business operations.
• Lead workshops to improve management and soft skills.

Skills

Business plan knowledge

Marketing strategies

Disability inclusion

Intermediate Spanish

Management tools

Education

Degree in Economics, Business Administration or similar

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

This Volunteer Placement is located in Lima, Peru.

Start Date: December 2025

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4-Advanced

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

Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest.

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

Responsibilities

• Technical assistance to optimize the business plan for young entrepreneurs with disabilities from the CJEI who have completed the business entrepreneurship course.
• Conduct diagnostics as an analysis tool to learn about the dimensions of the business in progress, and to determine the points to improve and strengthen business management.
• Lead workshops to strengthen business management to improve marketing, sales, product or service improvement, financial and accounting strategies, and profitability and sustainability.
• Lead workshops to strengthen soft skills for entrepreneurship to improve the competitiveness and productivity of entrepreneurs incubated at the CJEI.
• Provide personalized advice, accompaniment and follow-up for the implementation of your improvement plan (diagnosis) of ongoing businesses.
• Register in the CJEI's database of incubated entrepreneurs, manage improvement plans, advisory services and follow-up to micro or small businesses that improve their management (profitable and sustainable).
• Participate in the management meetings of the Lima Region Kallpa Association to inform the CJEI strategy.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Economics, Business Administration and Management or similar.
• Knowledge in business plans, improvement plans, and other marketing strategies to enhance the growth of small businesses, micro or small business management.
• Knowledge in disability, social and economic inclusion model, gender approach, EncA supported entrepreneurship methodology. Office tools management (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Intermediate / advanced level of Spanish (written and oral).

Essential Background

• Design and advise on strategies that generate improvements and optimization of the management of micro or small businesses run by people with disabilities.

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.

Partner - Asociación Kallpa

Kallpa is an organization committed to human development that aims at improving the quality of life of boys, girls and adolescents of marginal sectors, strengthening their integral health and social skills.

Kallpa works in different regions of Peru: coast, highlands and jungle, under the principles of democracy, solidarity, trust, respect, enthusiasm, responsibility and honesty.

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 (e.g., 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 and Conduct

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. 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 applications from outside Canada are considered. 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 citizenship status. If you're leaving your residence for a placement, you are responsible for researching implications with local immigration authorities. Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid any risks to residency status.