Program assistant Jobs in Thorold, ON

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date: August 2026

Placement Length: 3 months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent, French (Asset)

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

The Volunteer’s Role

Are you passionate about advocacy, communication, networking, and making a meaningful impact? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Join the Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia as an Advocacy and Communications Advisor, collaborating closely with their dynamic team in Addis Ababa. In this exciting volunteer role, you will play a crucial part in bridging the gap between policy advocacy and strategic communication. In 2026, the Canada-Ethiopia relationship is more vibrant than ever, focusing on Canada’s Africa Strategy, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and digital trade advancements.

As the Advocacy and Communications Advisor, you will design and implement a strategic communication framework aimed at boosting bilateral trade, highlighting investment opportunities, and aligning economic policies between Canada and Ethiopia. Your efforts will elevate the Ethiopia-Canada business corridor’s visibility among SMEs, investors, and key policymakers.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of something impactful! Apply today and let’s create positive change together!

As a volunteer, you will:

• Strategic Advocacy & Positioning: Prepare policy briefs and white papers that emphasize the advantages of the Canada-Ethiopia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Keep track of and evaluate changes in trade policies in both countries, such as Ethiopian macroeconomic reforms and Canada’s Africa Strategy 2025/2026. Create "Value Proposition" presentations for Canadian investors interested in Ethiopia’s evolving telecom, energy, and financial sectors.
• Content Creation & Storytelling: Develop high-quality digital content showcasing the success stories of Ethiopian businesses exporting to Canada and vice versa. Manage a monthly newsletter and maintain an active social media presence (LinkedIn/X) centered around trade data, market insights, and forthcoming trade missions. Author op-eds and press releases for business journals in both Ethiopia and Canada.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Organize webinars and virtual B2B networking events connecting the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce with Canadian trade associations. Keep an updated database of key stakeholders, including Global Affairs Canada, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade, and the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business. Monitor the effectiveness and reach of advocacy initiatives through digital analytics.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Communications, Economics, or Public Policy.

Essential Background:

• Demonstrated experience, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years, in corporate communications, advocacy, or international trade, whether in volunteer roles or professional positions.
• Excellent writing and presentation abilities; proficiency in French is considered a valuable advantage.
• Knowledge of content management systems such as WordPress, social media management platforms like Hootsuite or Buffer, digital campaign execution, and basic graphic design skills using tools like Canva or Adobe.
• Understanding of the AfCFTA and Canada's objectives for trade diversification.

What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!

About Us

Cuso International (Cuso) is an international cooperation and development organization based in Canada that works to create social and economic opportunities for equity-deserving groups. Building on over sixty years of impactful work, we address global challenges by tackling the root causes of inequality. Working alongside our partners, we are focused on efforts to improve economic resilience, advance equity and inclusion for all, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Guided by our values of courage, inclusion, sustainability and accountability, Cuso combines innovative strategies and enduring partnerships to create lasting, meaningful change in communities across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
Project: Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)

Partner: Canada Chamber of Commerce Ethiopia

Volunteer Support and Requirements

Support Package

Cuso International provides a comprehensive support package to ensure volunteers maintain a modest and healthy lifestyle aligned with local standards. This includes:

• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation
• Health insurance (including required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Pre-placement, in-country and reintegration training (along with access to self-directed materials and online resources)
• Ongoing local support
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program during and after placement

Selection and Screening

If you are shortlisted, you will need to:

• Confirm passport or permanent resident details for travel
• Provide two professional references and one personal reference
• Complete a language assessment during the initial phone interview
• Pass a police check and medical clearance before departure
• Comply with anti-terrorism checks
• Agree to uphold the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policy and Code of Conduct

Residency and Citizenship: Candidates are responsible for confirming how volunteering internationally may affect their citizenship or residency status. Canadian Permanent Residents should verify requirements with Immigration Canada before travel.

Inclusion and Accessibility: Cuso International welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and equity-deserving groups. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout recruitment and placement. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us for support.

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply to volunteer today!