This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Bogota, Colombia
Start Date: January 2025
Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension
Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4-Advanced; English Level 3-Intermediate
Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest
Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only
The Volunteer’s Role
We are in search of a volunteer, such as yourself, who has expertise in gender mainstreaming. This volunteer will assist our partner organization, Fundación ACUA, by helping them develop a well-rounded gender approach in both their own work and that of their partner organizations.
If you are ready to make a long-lasting difference and empower the Afro-Latino communities that Fundación ACUA serves, then apply now.
As a volunteer, you will:
- Provide guidance to Fundación ACUA in the implementation of a gender policy in collaboration with partners.
- Assist and facilitate training programs for women entrepreneurs, specifically in Guapi and Timbiqui, as well as other locations outlined in the work plan with Fundación ACUA. As part of the workshop approach, ensure the promotion of women's leadership and their ability to apply and share their acquired knowledge.
- Support Fundación ACUA partners in integrating a gender perspective into their work, including the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the progress made in incorporating this perspective.
- Monitor new project proposals and assist the team in incorporating gender components such as objectives, indicators, and partner benefits.
- Assist in identifying and creating new proposals and opportunities that contribute to Fundación ACUA and its partners' efforts in advocacy initiatives, women's leadership, and economic empowerment.
Essential Requirements:
- University degree in the area of gender, development, or related areas.
Essential Background:
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in conducting research and analysis, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as in organizational development, planning, and project management, which includes monitoring and evaluation.
- Extensive expertise in gender, development, and social inclusion.
- Proven track record of working effectively with diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated experience in utilizing participatory approaches and creating educational materials.
- Prior experience in analyzing development projects.
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 - Fundación Activos Culturales Afro (ACUA)
The Afro Cultural Assets Foundation –ACUA- is a non-profit entity that was created as an IFAD program in 2007 and later became a foundation in 2010. ACUA promotes the sustainable empowerment of cultural assets of organized Afro-descendant communities. ACUA, in co-ownership with Afro-descendant communities, contributes to the promotion of innovative income-generating initiatives, the recovery of cultural knowledge and practices, and economic and social inclusion. The Foundation manages projects in Latin America for the development of Afro-descendant communities with the main objective of closing the gaps and improving the living conditions of the rural Afro-descendant population.
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 (eg. 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
- Support to meet your fundraising goals
- 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.
Fundraising
We ask each volunteer, regardless of placement length, to raise $2,000. All volunteers receive support from Cuso International to help achieve the goal through fundraising. If the volunteer chooses not to fundraise or is unable to achieve the fundraising goal, he/she can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to support our work.
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 (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. Cuso International 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 we also receive applications from outside Canada. Regardless of your location, it's crucial for us to maintain easy and prompt communication with you between your application and start dates. 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 your citizenship status. If you're leaving your residence for a placement, it is your responsibility to research the implications with local immigration authorities. By applying, you accept full responsibility for any consequences regarding citizenship, residency, or immigration status. Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid any risks to their residency status.
