Project Development Advisor - Volunteer in Colombia (Spanish)

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Cali, Colombia

Start Date: May/June 2026

Placement Length: 5 months

Language Requirements: Spanish

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

The Volunteer’s Role

Cuso International is seeking an experienced Project Development Advisor to support our partner, the Colombia WWB Foundation, in advancing initiatives that strengthen economic resilience for disadvantaged communities.

In this volunteer role, you will contribute to the design, development, and monitoring of donor‑funded projects that remove barriers to employment and entrepreneurship. You will work closely with partners to develop strong, fundable project proposals and ensure that initiatives are well planned, adequately resourced, and aligned with both donor requirements and institutional priorities.

This is a hands‑on role that combines technical expertise in project design with collaboration, capacity‑building, and strategic thinking.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Support the development of high‑quality project proposals, using standard cooperation and results‑based management tools such as logical frameworks, results matrices, and Gantt charts
• Draft, reviewing, and refining proposals in collaboration with the WWB Colombia Foundation and other partners
• Develop and review detailed project budgets, ensuring alignment with donor templates and internal financial guidelines
• Support project monitoring, including timelines, milestones, risks, and results
• Contribute to technical and financial reports in line with donor reporting requirements
• Track commitments, action points, and follow‑up actions with internal teams and external partners
• Identify and help mitigate risks during both project design and implementation
• Ensure alignment with institutional policies, procedures, and donor expectations
• Work under the guidance of the Project Development Manager, while sharing workload and providing technical input across initiatives

Essential Qualifications:

• Development professional with strong experience in proposal development and donor engagement, and motivated to use your skills to support inclusive economic growth.
• Degree in International Development, Economics, Social Sciences, Project Management, or Business Administration
• Asset: Postgraduate studies or professional certification in International Cooperation, Grant Writing, or Public Policy
• Certified knowledge of Results‑Based Management (RBM), the logical framework approach, and theory of change

Essential Background:

• 3–5 years of demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and fundraising for NGOs or international organizations
• A proven track record of successful proposal writing for major institutional donors such as Global Affairs Canada (GAC), USAID, the EU, or UN agencies
• Experience with financial planning and budgeting for complex, multi‑stakeholder projects
• Strong experience in building partnerships and stakeholder networks, including engagement with private sector donors

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.

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

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!