Program assistant Jobs in Abbotsford, BC

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Mwanza, Tanzania

Start Date: Aug 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

You will play a pivotal role in empowering SMEs, small-scale, and artisanal miners by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and strategic guidance necessary to thrive in the mining sector. Your expertise will be instrumental in introducing cutting-edge and innovative mining technologies tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by these communities. Furthermore, you will focus on enhancing technical skills through comprehensive training programs and workshops, ensuring that miners are equipped with the latest best practices and safety standards. In addition to technical advancement, you will be a passionate advocate for sustainable and environmentally responsible mining methods that promote long-term ecological balance. By championing efficient mining practices, you will help drive substantial economic growth and social development within mining communities, ultimately creating a lasting positive impact on their livelihoods and the broader industry.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Carry out a needs assessment for SMEs, artisanal, and small-scale miners in Geita
• Identify appropriate technologies and innovations relevant to small-scale mining
• Collaborate closely with SIDO staff to enhance institutional capacity
• Assist in establishing connections between miners, technology providers, financial institutions, and markets
• Organize and facilitate training sessions and workshops on the latest mining technologies

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a closely related discipline

Essential Background:

• Experience collaborating with small-scale or artisanal mining communities
• Familiarity with current mining technologies and methods
• Background in capacity development, training, or consulting roles
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication abilities
• Previous experience working in developing countries is advantageous

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: SIDO

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!