Organizational Development Advisor

Cuso International; Hamilton; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An international development organization is seeking volunteers for a placement focusing on gender equality in the Caribbean. Volunteers will support training and organizational assessments while working with local conservation funds. Candidates must have a relevant university degree and experience in promoting gender equality. This position offers a modest living allowance, accommodation, and other benefits during the placement.

Benefits

Modest monthly living allowance

Accommodation during placement

Medical health insurance

Round-trip airfare

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience related to gender equality.
• Experience working with government agencies.
• Experience in training and facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Support development of strategic directions through research.
• Complete organizational assessments.
• Establish work plans for strategic planning.

Skills

Demonstrated experience in gender equality

Research and consultation skills

Training and facilitation

Education

University degree in relevant field

Job description

Overview

This Volunteer Placement is located in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname. Start Date: December 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.

Project Purpose

The overall purpose of the placement is to strengthen the capacity of National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) across the region to mainstream gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into 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 NCTFs in eight countries 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 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.

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) or luxury items such as imported items or international 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

Accommodations

You will receive suitable housing arrangements coordinated by the local program office of Cuso International for the duration of your placement. The accommodation will be fully furnished with essential items and will include amenities like running water and electricity. You will be responsible for the security deposit payment, typically equivalent to one month’s rent. Cuso International will cover the monthly rental cost of your accommodation. You will be responsible for utilities such as internet, water and electricity, etc., using your monthly allowance.

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 required placement language
• Obtain a satisfactory Police Check
• Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated following WHO-approved vaccines

Pre-placement Training

Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID) training and related pre-placement activities will help you prepare. You will have a Volunteering Mobilization Advisor (VMA) to support you, access to self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal to maximize understanding and safety during placement.

Protection and Equality

Cuso International upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct and prohibits harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse. Volunteers must agree to uphold policies and codes of conduct related to Child Protection, Prevention of Workplace Violence, Prevention of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

Residency and Citizenship

During application and pre-placement phases, most applicants are based in Canada, but we also receive applications from outside Canada. Applicants must be prepared for travel and communicate promptly. Leaving residence can impact citizenship status; Canadian Permanent Residents should consult immigration authorities before traveling to avoid residency risks.

By applying, you accept responsibility for citizenship, residency, or immigration implications.