Organizational Development Advisor

Cuso International; New Brunswick; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An international development organization is seeking volunteers for a placement focused on enhancing gender equality in the Caribbean. Candidates should possess a relevant university degree and experience in gender equality promotion. This position offers a modest living allowance, accommodation, and support during the placement. A unique opportunity to contribute to social change while gaining valuable experience.

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

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in promoting gender equality and diversity.
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies.
• Experience in training and facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of strategic directions and priorities.
• Complete organizational assessment.
• Establish a work plan for the strategic planning process.

Skills

Understanding of gender equality concepts

Training and facilitation skills

Education

University degree in social/political sciences or related 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.

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 its 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 National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) operating in eight countries to implement local, nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation with a gender-responsive lens.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of strategic directions and priorities through a process of research and consultation with staff and members, in developing a 5 Year Strategic Plan.
• Complete organizational assessment.
• Establish a work plan for the 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 positions 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 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 and perspectives 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.

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 or luxury items.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance
• Accommodation while in placement
• Medical Health Insurance (including 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
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) during placement and upon return
• Bonus : Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for extension

Accommodations

You will receive suitable housing arrangements coordinated by the local program office. Accommodation will be fully furnished with essentials. Utilities are the responsibility of the participant and covered by monthly allowance.

Selection Requirements

Please note that if shortlisted, 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 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 with WHO-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 and will participate in pre-placement training as part of your preparation. You will also have access to self-directed briefing documents and online training.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Cuso International upholds high standards of ethical conduct and requires adherence to policies on Child Protection, Prevention of Workplace Violence, Harassment, and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

Residency and Citizenship

Applicants are typically based in Canada during application and pre-placement. If applying from outside Canada, maintain clear communication with the program. Be aware of passport status, travel plans, and immigration implications. Canadian Permanent Residents should coordinate with immigration authorities before traveling.