Program specialist Jobs in Waterloo, ON

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date: July 2026

Placement Length: 6 months

Language Requirements: English Level 4-Advanced

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

The Volunteer’s Role

Join us as a volunteer to support our partner, PSOJ, in developing an actionable digital maturity pathway tailored to empower SMEs. You will help boost efficiency, streamline processes through automation, and introduce innovative, cost-effective digital tools that drive real impact. This pathway includes an automation and digital transformation pilot focused on accelerating business growth and enhancing productivity. Plus, you'll play a key role in tracking organizations' digital transformation journeys and strengthening leaders’ abilities to leverage these powerful tools for a successful business transition.

Seize this thrilling opportunity to make a difference-apply now!

As a volunteer, you will:

• Create the SME Digital Maturity Framework and Assessment Tool
• Develop the SME Automation and Digital Tools Toolkit
• Implement the Digital Adoption Pathway and Pilot Programme with selected organizations. This includes guiding the Executive Director through the adoption pathway, evaluating the organization's readiness to utilize the toolkit, and measuring improvements in productivity and the extent of process automation achieved. Key Indicators: - Percentage of SMEs completing the digital readiness assessment - Percentage reduction in manual processes - Percentage increase in online sales or customer engagement

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in organizational management, business administration, business process automation, or a related discipline.

Essential Background:

• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of youth development
• Detail-oriented with proven problem-solving abilities and the capacity to exercise independent judgment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong interpersonal skills
• Extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational plan development, operational plans and policies, as well as business planning and management
• Experience in conducting training sessions
• Strong team collaboration skills, a high level of initiative, and the ability to self-motivate

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: Private Sector of Jamaica Foundation

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!