MEAL Advisor

This Volunteer Placement is Located in : Mekele, Tigray, Ethiopia

Start Date : December 2025

Placement Length : 6 months

Language Requirements : English Level 5-Fluent

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

The Volunteer’s Role

As a volunteer, you will :

• Develop data collection tools and systems.
• Conduct regular data collection and tracking
• Train staff on data collection methods and protocols
• Design and implement baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluations.
• Analyze collected data to assess project outcomes and impact.
• Generate evaluation reports with findings and recommendations.
• Establish mechanisms for beneficiary feedback and Complaints.
• Develop and implement accountability frameworks.
• Regularly report progress and findings to stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned and best practices.
• Organize learning sessions and workshops.
• Create knowledge-sharing platforms and materials.

Essential Requirements :

Essential Background :

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 - Heal Our People

Heal Our People was established in February 2021. It envisions eradicating socio-economic problems in Ethiopia. Its mission is to support vulnerable children, youth, and women through providing access to quality education and training, essential health and nutrition services, and promoting women empowerment and gender equality.

HOP designs and implements evidence-based programs that address the needs of the target communities. It actively involve target communities in identifying their needs and priorities. It has establishes M&E frameworks that include clear indicators, data collection methods, and reporting mechanisms.

It has achieved a lot in the areas of Education, Health and women empowerment as well as in emergency and peace building.

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

Selection Requirements :

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

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.

Additional Information

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we support. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and others from equity-deserving groups or underrepresented groups.

Applicants who require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process or volunteer placement are encouraged to contact us to discuss how we can best support their accessibility needs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided wherever possible to ensure that all individuals can participate fully and equitably.