This Volunteer Placement is Located in : Iringa, Tanzania

Start Date : December 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

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, SHARE project is delivered in 3 strategic regions of Tanzania – Mtwara / Lindi, Iringa / Njombe, and Mwanza / Shinyanga – through the supervision of a field manager and full project team based in Dar es Salaam. SHARE implements its deliverables through the collaboration with 2 NGO organizations, the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), as well as one 1 government body, Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) and one commercial financial consulting company (EMMAC). International volunteers with various skill sets play an essential role in collaborating with the SHARE project team to address the challenges SMEs face.

The aim of the Communications & Marketing Advisor role is to capture the various success stories the SHARE project has fostered. By using your creative writing skills, you will conduct informal interviews with project partners and beneficiaries to draft various written articles, to be shared with potential donors and local media outlets. Moreover, you will be asked to apply your communications skills by developing a marketing strategy to support the sustainability of your inputs. This will entail a scan of local media outlets including radio, newspaper, and social media to communicate SHARE project work to a wider audience. By working with other international and national volunteers, there will also be opportunities to collaborate and contribute to workshop content and various site visits.

You will be well supported by the Iringa project partners, all eager to collaborate with you to improve the local growth of SMEs through your knowledge and input.

Come join a dynamic SHARE team!

As a volunteer, you will :

• Evaluate external communications strategies currently in place.
• Develop a communications & marketing plan based on perceived gaps.
• Conduct informal interviews and / or focus groups with project partners, international and national volunteers, and local SMEs.
• Identify opportunities for local media content – radio, newspaper, advertisements – and draft supporting marketing content.
• Collaborate with international and national volunteers in delivery learning workshops to TCCIA, TWCC, and SIDO.
• Support social media posts by working with T-LED Communications Officer.

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 - Small Industries Development Organisation Mtwara

SIDO was founded in October 1973 as a government-owned organization under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Marketing. It aimed to foster the growth of the small industry sector in Tanzania. SIDO's responsibilities included policy formulation, direct assistance to industries, and establishment of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Notable initiatives included the establishment of Industrial Estates, Technology Development Centers, and direct marketing efforts.

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.