Organizational Development Specialist

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

Job summary

A not-for-profit organization is seeking a volunteer to aid in promoting gender equality across multiple Caribbean nations. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in social sciences and have experience in gender equality initiatives and training. This role involves supporting the strategic planning process and conducting organizational assessments. A monthly living allowance and additional support during the placement are provided.

Benefits

Modest monthly living allowance

Accommodation provided

Medical health insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in gender equality and development issues.
• Experience with government agencies and training staff.
• Strong facilitation skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of a 5-Year Strategic Plan.
• Complete an organizational assessment.
• Establish a work plan for strategic planning.

Skills

Gender equality promotion

Diversity issues

Training and facilitation

Research and consultation

Education

University degree in social/political sciences

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 Conversation Trust Funds (NCTF) 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 (Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname) to implement local, nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation with a gender-responsive lens.

Responsibilities

• As a volunteer, you will:
  • 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 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

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 vaccines 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 extending volunteers

Accommodations

You will receive suitable housing arrangements coordinated by the local program office of Cuso International for the duration of your placement. Housing will be fully furnished with essential items, including a stove, refrigerator, bedroom furniture, table, chairs, cutlery, upholstery, sheets, running water and electricity. It will resemble staying in an Airbnb. You will be responsible for the security deposit (typically one month’s rent). An advance may be offered and deducted from your stipend over 3–4 months. Cuso International will cover the monthly rental cost, and you will be responsible for utilities such as internet, water, and electricity from 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 COVID-19, 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 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, sex, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, sexual orientation and gender identity have the right to live 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 applicants are based in Canada, though we also receive applications from outside Canada. Regardless of location, we maintain prompt communication between application and start dates. We may request passport and current residence information, and travel plans. Leaving your country of residence can impact citizenship status. It is your responsibility to research implications with local immigration authorities. Canadian Permanent Residents should coordinate with immigration authorities before traveling to avoid risks to residency status.