Organizational Development Specialist

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 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 Organisations for Resilient Environments (CORE) project builds the capacity of National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) operating in eight countries to implement local, nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation with a gender-responsive lens.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of strategic directions and priorities through research and consultation with staff and members to develop a 5 Year Strategic Plan.
• Complete organizational assessment.
• Establish a work plan for the 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 roles 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 is an international cooperation and development organization focused on creating economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups, advancing gender equality and social inclusion, improving economic resilience, and delivering progress on climate action. 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 LGBTQIA+ communities.

Project – BLUEPRINTS for Gender Equality

Cuso will implement a four-year BLUEPRINTS project funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC); the main focus 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 of the Caribbean’s most vulnerable women and girls.

Partner – National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF)

The NCTF Jamaica was established as a not-for-profit NGO to source and provide sustainable funding for protected areas in Jamaica, in collaboration with government and non-government partners.

Benefits & Terms

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International’s terms allow you to lead a modest lifestyle aligned with local living standards. The support package covers basic living expenses for one volunteer and does not cover home-based expenses or luxury items.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance
• Accommodation during placement
• Medical health insurance (including vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Pre-placement training, in-country orientation (ICO), and reintegration debriefing
• Support from Cuso International's Country Program Office and local partners
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) during and after placement
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months for extending for another 6 months

Accommodations

Accommodation will be coordinated by the local program office. It will be fully furnished with essentials and will be similar to staying in an Airbnb. You will be responsible for a security deposit (typically one month’s rent). An advance may be provided and deducted from your stipend over 3–4 months. Cuso International covers monthly rental costs; you are responsible for utilities (internet, water, electricity) from your monthly allowance.

Selection Requirements

If shortlisted, you will be required to:

• Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel
• Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference
• Complete a language assessment during the preliminary interview in the placement language
• Obtain a satisfactory Police Check
• Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before departure
• Be double vaccinated following WHO-approved vaccines due to COVID-19

Pre-placement Training and Briefing – Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID)

We provide a Volunteering Mobilization Advisor (VMA) to support you, along with self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal to maximize your preparation and safety.

Protection

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Cuso International upholds high ethical and professional standards to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and girls. All volunteers must agree to adhere to 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 & Citizenship

Most applicants are based in Canada during the application and pre-placement phases. We may request your passport and current residence details. Leaving your country of residence may affect your citizenship status; applicants are responsible for investigating implications with local authorities. Canadian Permanent Residents should coordinate with immigration authorities before travel to maintain residency status.

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