Program assistant Jobs in Thunder Bay, ON

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date: August 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, digitalization initiatives, and supporting others, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

As a TVET Digitalization Advisor, you will collaborate with the Ministry of Labor and Skills and their team in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In this volunteer role, you will assist the Ministry in transitioning towards industry-focused, AI-integrated learning and hybrid training models. Within the framework of Canada-Ethiopia cooperation, this role will likely contribute to advancing Ethiopia's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda 2.0 by modernizing the digital infrastructure of vocational colleges to improve engagement. Additionally, you will work with Ethiopian and Canadian companies to expand the networking platform for investors, benefiting entrepreneurs from both countries.

Apply today and let’s make a difference together!

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include:

• Digital Pedagogy & Curriculum Integration: Modify CBET curricula for blended learning approaches; provide training to instructors on LMS platforms such as Moodle and Google Classroom; create VR/AR simulation modules tailored for high-risk vocational training.
• Institutional Infrastructure & E-Governance: Perform Digital Readiness Assessments for TVET colleges; offer guidance on implementing digital student records and automated grading systems; assist in establishing Innovation Hubs and Maker Spaces.
• Industry-Linked Digital Skills: Establish collaborations with technology companies to offer micro-credentials in coding, cybersecurity, and digital marketing; develop E-Portfolios that highlight student skills within the Canada-Ethiopia business corridor.
• Capacity Building & Training: Lead AI literacy Train-the-Trainer sessions; mentor female students and instructors to encourage gender-inclusive participation in STEM fields.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in educational technology, ICT, Computer Science, or Vocational Education.

Essential Background:

• 3+ years in digital transformation, e-learning development, or TVET instruction.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in LMS administration (Moodle, Canvas, etc.).

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!