Program Communications Officer

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: October 2024

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

The overall purpose of the placement is to provide technical support to Women’s Resource Outreach Centre by providing project support and communications support to their programs. As a volunteer, you will support monitoring and evaluation of projects and project implementation. Additionally, you will support increasing visibility of their projects with social media posts and newsletter content from the project visits.

WROC maintains a strong community presence and is seen as a real benefit to the communities within which it works, as it provides support in skills training for women and youth alike. Working with WROC will further strengthen Cuso International’s aim to provide greater opportunities for building communities and empowering its people.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Support Project Coordinators with daily project tasks as required to execute program deliverables and targets.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Support WROC in maintaining an active social media presence
• Support the team in developing and posting content on its website and for newsletters.

Essential Requirements:

• University degree in communications, marketing, social/political sciences, international development, human rights, gender studies, social work, or a related field.

Essential Background:

• Experience in working with groups, preferably community based groups
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent oral and writing skills
• Knowledge skill and experience in human rights based methodology and gender sensitivity
• Experience in the classroom
• Experience working with children
• Experience working in organizational development/planning

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.

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

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 - Women's Resource Outreach Centre

The partnership intends to achieve mutual objectives of empowering and improving the livelihoods of poorer communities and individuals. By strengthening the capacity of the organization, and by supporting in developing programs, it is hoped that this will provide greater opportunity to improve the socio-economic opportunities of the targeted groups and communities.

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 (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.

Last updated on Aug 15, 2024