Gender Advisor

This Volunteer Placement is Located in : Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname

Start Date : January / February 2026

Placement Length : 5 months

Language Requirements : English Level 4-Advanced

Eligibility : Open to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, and residents of the Caribbean region.

The Volunteer’s Role

The main goal of this placement is to empower the National Conversation Trust Funds (NCTF) across the region in effectively tracking the performance and impact of their initiatives. This involves designing tools and systems for collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data. As a volunteer, you will play a key role in crafting gender-responsive, results-oriented monitoring and evaluation processes, including the development of impact assessment tools, indicators, and well-structured Monitoring & Evaluation methodologies. Moreover, you will help strengthen staff capabilities by delivering training on the creation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools.

As a volunteer, you will :

• Evaluate the capability of staff to execute gender-focused policies, programs, and services.
• Assist in creating training materials and facilitate training sessions for personnel from NCTF and women’s rights and environmental organizations, focusing on integrating gender equality into their programs through a human rights-based approach.
• Contribute to the formulation of operational and human resources policies.

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.

The Caribbean Organizations for Resilient Environments (CORE)

The CORE project serves to build the capacity of National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) operating in eight countries (Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname) to implement local, nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation with a gender-responsive lens.

Partner - National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF)

The NCTFs work to foster effective management and sustainable use of each country’s Protected Areas and cultural assets by mobilizing financial resources for funding projects, building partnerships and sharing knowledge and information. Working with the NCTFs will further strengthen Cuso International’s aim to strengthen local organizations to manage the island’s natural resources and implement sustainable environmental stewardship.

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

Accommodations

You will receive suitable housing arrangements that will be coordinated by the local program office of Cuso International for the duration of your placement. The accommodation will be fully furnished with essential items such as a stove, refrigerator, bedroom furniture, table, chairs, cutlery, upholstery, and sheets. It will include necessary amenities like running water and electricity. The experience will be similar to that of staying in an Airbnb. You will be responsible for the security deposit payment, typically equivalent to one month's rent. Additionally, the program office offers the option of an advance that will be deducted from your stipend over three to four months.

Cuso International will cover the monthly rental cost of your accommodation. You will be responsible for covering utilities such as internet access, water, electricity, etc., using your monthly allowance.

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.