Project Support Advisor

This Volunteer Placement is located in: Jamaica

Start Date: July/August 2025

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

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

The Volunteer’s Role

The overall purpose of this placement is to support the Abilities Foundation of Jamaica (AF) with implementing its programs and activities including psychosocial support to students and program development (including resource mobilization). As a volunteer, you will be instrumental in supporting their internal processes to optimally manage their programs and services offered to beneficiaries

Abilities Foundation serves to provide quality vocational education and life skills training to persons with disabilities enabling them to function as creative and productive citizens of society. Working with Abilities Foundation will further strengthen Cuso International’s aim to provide greater opportunities to vulnerable groups particularly the PLWD group and achieving a more inclusive society.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Support Project Coordinator with daily project tasks as required to execute program deliverables and targets.
• Support the project staff with grant applications to secure sustainable funding for projects
• Support the implementation of the Living Labs project
• Support the psycho-social support and development of students
• Support the capacity building of staff in psychosocial methodologies and counselling

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences

Essential Background:

• Experience in working with groups, preferably community-based groups
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent oral and writing skills
• Experience working in organizational
• Development/planning
• Experience in project management
• Strong team work skills

What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!

About Us, the Project and the Partner

Cuso International

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.

We seek individuals who share our values and are committed to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities.

Project - Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment (CORE)

The Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment (CORE) project is designed to be a game changer in both ensuring on-the-ground activities to ensure positive impacts in tackling biodiversity loss and climate change effects while also mainstreaming inclusive gender-responsive approaches in the Caribbean.

Partner - Abilities Foundation of Jamaica

The Abilities Foundation was established in November 1991 and is a registered voluntary organization. The Foundation works in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and the HEART Trust/National Training Agency. The Abilities Foundation is committed to provide quality vocational education to persons with disabilities to enable them to function as creative and productive citizens. It is the leading organization offering learning opportunities that will produce graduates who are able to access further education and training and become confident and competent individuals at the work place and in society at large.

Benefits

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International's terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle similar to local living standards. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (eg. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance
• Accommodation while in placement
• Medical Health Insurance (including the cost of required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Pre-placement training, In-Country Orientation (ICO) and Reintegration Debriefing
• Support while in placement through Cuso International's Country Program Office (CPO) and local partners throughout your placement
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while in placement and upon return
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Selection Requirements:

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:

• Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel purposes
• Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference
• Complete a language assessment during the preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a satisfactory Police Check
• Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated following the World Health Organization-approved vaccines.

Pre-placement Training and Briefing - Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID)

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have a Volunteering Mobilization Advisor (VMA) to support you through the process and will participate in pre-placement training as part of your preparation. You will also have access to self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Cuso International works with poor, vulnerable and marginalized people, mainly women and girls, to eradicate poverty and inequality. We understand the need to uphold and enforce the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

At Cuso International, we believe that all people, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity or disability have the right to live lives free of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Cuso International considers all forms of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse to be incompatible with fundamental belief in the human dignity of all people, international and national agreements and standards, and its core values. Cuso International volunteers must agree to uphold the Child Protection, Prevention of Workplace Violence, Prevention of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policies and Code of Conduct.

Residency and Citizenship

During the application and pre-placement phases, most Cuso International applicants are based in Canada, although we also receive applications from outside Canada. Regardless of your location, it's crucial for us to maintain easy and prompt communication with you between your application and start dates. We may request your passport, need to know your current residence, and be informed of any travel plans.

Leaving your country of residence can impact your citizenship status. If you're leaving your residence for a placement, it is your responsibility to research the implications with local immigration authorities. By applying, you accept full responsibility for any consequences regarding citizenship, residency, or immigration status. Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid any risks to their residency status.