Development assistant Jobs in Nanaimo, BC

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date: September 2026

Placement Length: 5 months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent,

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

The Volunteer’s Role

If you have a strong passion for vocational and technical education and training programs and enjoy helping others, this position is perfect for you.

As a Curriculum Development Advisor, you will collaborate with the Ministry of Labour and Skills and their team based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In this capacity, you will contribute to the Ministry's initiatives to strengthen the Ethiopian TVET system through a formal knowledge-exchange partnership with Canadian volunteers. The focus will be on institutionalizing Competency-Based Training (CBT), aiming to close the gap between international industry standards and local labour market demands. This partnership involves jointly developing high-quality Occupational Standards, Modular Curricula, and Standardized Assessment Toolkits, while also cultivating a sustainable group of certified local Lead Trainers to guarantee enduring pedagogical autonomy.

Apply today and join us in making a meaningful impact!

As a volunteer, you will:

• Ensure local labour demands are aligned with international standards beyond drafting guidelines.
• Perform industrial gap analyses and organize "DACUM" (Developing A Curriculum) workshops in collaboration with local industry leaders.
• Transition from traditional theoretical instruction to Competency-Based Training (CBT).
• Develop modular curricula that emphasize practical skills, incorporating "Green TVET" principles and components of digital literacy.
• Implement thorough assessments to guarantee that the "Certificate of Competency" (CoC) is valued in the job market.
• Develop extensive assessment banks featuring practical projects, oral examinations, and observation checklists.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or vocational training-related field
• Master of Science (Asset)

Essential Background:

• At least 5 years of work experience in the technical and vocational training system in a leadership role, plus 2 years of industry experience either in leadership or as an expert.
• Knowledge of technical and vocational training for trainers, technology fabrication and transfer, effective ship training practices, and proficiency in using digital technologies.

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: Ministry of Labor and Skills (MOLS)

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!