This Volunteer Placement is available in the following countries: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname

Start Date: June 2024

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

The Volunteer's Role

An exciting volunteer opportunity awaits you! Use your Organizational Development and Strategic Planning skills to boost the potential of the National Conversation Trust Funds across the Caribbean region.

A major emphasis will be dedicated to fortifying their transition planning, empowering them to effectively maneuver and oversee changes in organization, leadership, and funding priorities. By investing in the capacity-building of the partner, you can inspire them to cultivate sustainability and resilience, enabling them to flourish even in the ever-evolving landscape of conservation and environmental governance.

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.

Apply today and join us in making a profound difference!

As a volunteer, you will:

Support the development of strategic directions and priorities through researching and consulting with staff and members to develop a 5 Year Strategic Plan by:

• Conducting an organizational assessment
• Identifying key stakeholders for consultation on the Strategic Plan
• Establishing a work plan for the strategic planning process

Essential Requirements:

University degree in organizational development, strategic planning, international development, human rights, gender studies, social work, law, public policy, or a related field

Essential Background:

Minimum of 3 years of experience in organizational change, change management or strategic planning - it would be advantageous if you have previous experience in a role connected to promoting gender equality, diversity and/or advancing women's development. Experience in providing training and facilitating sessions. Experience with government agencies and working with senior management is favoured

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 and the Caribbean, and Canada.

Project - Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment (CORE)

The Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment (CORE) project is designed to be a game changer in both ensuring on-the-ground activities to ensure positive impacts in tackling biodiversity loss and climate change effects while also mainstreaming inclusive gender-responsive approaches in the Caribbean.

Partner - National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica

The goal of the National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica is to advance the conservation, protection, management, and expansion of Jamaica's National Protected Areas System, encompassing both environmental conservation and the preservation of Jamaica's cultural assets and heritage.

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International's terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement. 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
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication, and health insurance
• Pre-departure training, in-country orientation and reintegration debriefing
• On-the-ground support through our Cuso International's Country Program Office
• Access to Employee Assistance Program 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

Other Requirements:

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:

• Provide two Professional References and one Personal Reference
• Complete an oral assessment during your preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a Police Check at our request
• Complete a full 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

We seek individuals who share our values and are dedicated to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities.

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-departure 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 an advisor to support you through the process and will receive essential 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.

In-Country Training and Learning

You will receive an In-Country Orientation (ICO) that builds upon the pre-departure training. This will be conducted by either the country program office or the supporting partner organization. This normally lasts for 2-10 days (depending on language learning requirements and other factors). In some countries, volunteers will be able to access ongoing language training opportunities. In-Country Orientation equips you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and country-specific information to be successful in your placement. Furthermore, our Country Program Office or local partner will provide you with continuous in-country support throughout 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

Residency

The majority of Cuso International volunteer applicants are residing in Canada at the time of application and during the pre-departure process. Occasionally we received applications from volunteer applicants who are residing outside of Canada at the time of application. In both instances, between your application date and placement start date, we must be able to contact you and you must be able to contact us easily and promptly throughout the process.

We may require your passport and would need to be aware of your current place of residence and any travel plans you may have during this time. You will also require unrestricted access to Canada during this time for training, as applicable.

Citizenship

Leaving your country of residence can have significant effects on your citizenship status in that country. It is your responsibility to research the consequences of travelling to Canada during the pre-departure process if you are living outside of Canada and leaving your country of residence for a placement with the immigration authority where you live.