Program assistant Jobs in Scarborough, ON

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Lima, Peru

Start Date: September 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

The volunteer will be working with our strategic partner to strengthen collaboration with educational institutions, public sector stakeholders, and private sector players through a dynamic Chamber-led program that fosters a deep, informed understanding of responsible and formal mining within school communities across Peru.

In this crucial advisory role, you will drive the research, design, and strategic planning of the initiative, delivering essential tools, frameworks, and recommendations that empower the Chamber to effectively engage stakeholders, coordinate seamless implementation, and secure the long-term success and sustainability of the program.

Through its Global Volunteer Cooperation Program, SHARE, Cuso International partners worldwide to enhance economic resilience for marginalized groups. In Year 7, programs in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean will provide volunteer-led technical assistance to strengthen entrepreneurship, employability, TVET systems, and market-oriented skills. The focus is on expanding opportunities for women, youth, LGBTQ+, migrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities, while supporting value-chain development, skills transfer, and market access.

As a volunteer, your duties will include:

• In-depth Research and Context Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research on Peru’s mining sector, regulatory environment, public perception, and existing education-related initiatives.
• Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Strategy (CCCP-led): Identify key stakeholders (government, companies, schools, NGOs) and design a clear engagement strategy for the Chamber, including how to approach, involve, and sustain their participation.
• Program Design and Structuring (Chamber-led Initiative): Develop a comprehensive program framework including objectives, target audiences, key messages, formats (talks, panels, materials), and a phased implementation approach.
• Operational and Logistical Model Design: Define how the program can be executed by the Chamber, including school selection criteria, geographic rollout strategy, coordination mechanisms, and options for regional activation (e.g., local support or partners).
• Educational Content and Material Guidelines: Propose the structure, tone, and key messages of educational materials to ensure they are accessible, balanced, and aligned with responsible and formal mining principles.

Essential Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in Education, Social Sciences, Communications, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field

Essential Background:

• Experience in research, analysis, and synthesis of complex information
• Experience in program or project design
• Experience developing structured reports, frameworks, or strategic recommendations

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: Canada Peru Chamber of Commerce

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!