Development director Jobs in Kitchener, ON

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Georgetown, Guyana

Start Date: May 2026

Placement Length: 6 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 primary objective of this placement is to enhance the capabilities of National Conversation Trust Funds (NCTF) throughout the region, enabling them to formulate and execute a strategic plan while reorganizing their internal structures to improve their transition planning.

The Caribbean Organizations for Resilient Environments (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.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Lead the development of the PAT Application, including requirements gathering, vendor coordination, design oversight, and implementation management.
• Design and guide the rollout of an electronic Protected Areas Passport, ensuring usability, data integrity, and alignment with national-level conservation needs.
• Conduct a comprehensive technology and software evaluation for PAT, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities to strengthen digital infrastructure.
• Oversee the selection, implementation, and adoption of a grants management software platform, including workflow design, configuration, testing, and training.
• Develop and implement a data protection and technology usage policy that ensures compliance, security, and responsible digital practices across PAT operations.
• Facilitate the development of strategic directions and organizational priorities, including conducting research, leading consultations with staff and members, and shaping a clear and actionable 5-Year Strategic Plan.
• Conduct a full organizational assessment to evaluate current practices, structures, capabilities, and overall performance, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Create and manage a detailed work plan for the strategic planning process, outlining objectives, milestones, timelines, stakeholder roles, and key deliverables.
  

Essential Requirements:

• A university degree in Public Administration, Information Systems, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Computer Science, or a related field.

Essential Background:

• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience
• Experience collaborating with government agencies and senior leadership
• Background in training and facilitation

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: Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment (CORE)

Partner: National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF)

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!