Organizational Development Specialist

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

Job summary

A prominent international development organization is seeking a volunteer for a placement in the Caribbean to support gender equality initiatives. Responsibilities include developing strategic plans and conducting assessments. Candidates should have relevant university degrees and experience in promoting gender equality. A living allowance and accommodation will be provided, along with medical support and training.

Benefits

Modest monthly living allowance

Health insurance

Round-trip airfare expenses

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in promoting gender equality.
• Experience working with government agencies is necessary.
• Experience with senior management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support development of strategic direction and priorities.
• Complete organizational assessments.
• Establish work plan for strategic planning process.

Skills

Training and facilitation

Research and consultation

Promotion of gender equality

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 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 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. The accommodation will be fully furnished and include essentials. The program office offers an advance option deducted from your stipend over three to four months. Cuso International will cover the monthly rental cost; 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 placement language
• 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 WHO-approved vaccines

Pre-placement Training

Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID) and related preparation resources will help you prepare for your placement. A Volunteering Mobilization Advisor will support you throughout the process, and you will have access to self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal.

Protection

Cuso International upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct. We are committed to preventing harassment, exploitation and abuse and require volunteers to agree to our policies and code of conduct.

Residency and Citizenship

Most applicants are based in Canada during the application and pre-placement phases, but we also accept applications from outside Canada. If you leave your country of residence for a placement, research implications with local immigration authorities. Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid risks to residency status.