Development assistant Jobs in Ottawa, ON

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia

Start Date: October 2026

Placement Length: 5 months

Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4-Advanced

Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest

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

The Volunteer’s Role

You will support the identification, structuring, and advancement of strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and ecosystem initiatives that mobilize capital toward social and environmental impact. The overall purpose of this placement is to strengthen Fundacion SVX Colombia business development strategy and institutional positioning within (country)’s impact investing ecosystem.

The volunteer would be based with the strategic partner to develop the capacity to work with underserved groups, so that they can be treated with dignity, reach their potential, and fully participate in society, in coordination with partners who can support overcoming their barriers.

This role will contribute to expanding Fundacion SVX Colombia pipeline of projects, strengthening relationships with investors and institutional partners, and aligning strategic growth opportunities with the organization’s mission and thematic priorities (e.g., climate action, rural development, gender lens investing).

Apply today

As a volunteer, you will:

• Conduct high-level ecosystem analysis to identify strategic gaps, trends, and key segments in Colombia’s impact investing. Map and prioritize potential institutional partners, and identify opportunities for new programs or blended finance initiatives aligned with Fundacion SVX Colombia’s capabilities.
• Support preparation of concept notes, partnership briefs, and funding proposals, and assist in strategic meetings with potential funders. Contribute to designing new service offerings and develop tailored materials for diverse stakeholders.
• Produce market intelligence briefs on priority themes, benchmark international models, and provide strategic recommendations to senior management. Support the design of high-level convenings to unlock capital flows and align with Embassy of Canada cooperation priorities.
• Deliverables include a strategic ecosystem opportunity brief, updated stakeholder mapping, 4–6 funding proposals, advancement of at least one new partnership pathway, and a final advisory memo with strategic recommendations for Fundacion SVX Colombia’s growth and positioning.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Relations, or related fields.

Essential Background:

• Over 7 years of pertinent experience in business development, strategic partnerships, market analysis, or consulting.
• Proven experience working with institutional stakeholders such as donors, foundations, development finance institutions (DFIs), corporate partners, and public agencies.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in impact investing, blended finance, or structuring funding proposals.

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: United Way Jamaica

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!