Program specialist Jobs in Guelph, ON

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date: July 2026

Placement Length: 5 months

Language Requirements: English Level 4-Advanced

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

The Volunteer’s Role

As a volunteer, you will help design and implement communication strategies that amplify LGBTQIA+ voices in the Caribbean. You will also turn research findings and advocacy initiatives into impactful communication products, supporting the Building Bricks project, which operates in eight countries to promote rights and gender equality in the region.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Design and execute communication plans to showcase project successes and advocacy objectives.
• Produce content for various digital platforms, including newsletters, press releases, reports, and campaign materials.
• Enhance the social media presence and interaction for our partners.
• Strengthen the skills of local staff in strategic communications, messaging, and storytelling for advocacy.
• Facilitate strategic engagement with donors.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Development, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in communications, media, or advocacy
• Strong writing, editing, and content creation skills
• Ability to simplify complex research and policy information

Desirable Background

• Specialized training in gender equality and LGBTQ2IA+ rights
• Training in strategic or advocacy communications
• Experience with civil society organizations in human rights or gender equality
• Experience in building communications capacity within organizations

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 - Building Balanced, Rights-Centered, Inclusive, Cohesive and Knowledgeable Societies

Partner - Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC)

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!