Brief Description:

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date: December 2023

Placement Length: 12 Months

Language Requirements: English

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) in 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 achieve a more inclusive society.

As a volunteer, you will:

Support the 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:

University degree in social sciences, project management, or another relevant field

Essential Background:

Experience in working with groups, preferably community-based groups with strong teamworking skills
Excellent oral, writing and communication skills
Experience working in organizational development, planning and project management
Experience in project management

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

About Us, the Project and the Partner
Cuso International

Cuso International is a not-for-profit development organization that works to eradicate poverty and inequality. Each year, we mobilize hundreds of volunteer professionals to work alongside local partners to maximize their impact through capacity building. We work in partnership with governments, civil society organizations, multilateral agencies and the private sector to develop and deliver programs aimed at advancing gender equality, promoting the empowerment of women and girls, and improving access to and quality of economic opportunities for young people.

Project - Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)

Cuso International will deliver the Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE) project, with a contribution from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) over seven years (2020-2027). SHARE aims to improve the economic and/or social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in developing countries, with a view to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues, this project will aim to increase the performance of country partners to deliver more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality, in support of the action areas of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

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 providing 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 in the workplace and in society at large.

Requirements

Benefits
Terms and Conditions
Cuso International terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (ex. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending on country)
Accommodation while in placement
Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication, and health insurance
Pre-departure training and in-country orientation (more details below)
On the ground support through our Cuso International country program office
Access to Employee Assistance Program 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

Other Requirements:

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:
Provide two Professional References and one Personal Reference
Complete an oral assessment during your preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
Obtain a Police Check at our request
Complete a full medical exam and be medically cleared by the Cuso International Medical Advisor prior to your departure
Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated in accordance with the
We seek individuals who share our values and are dedicated to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities

Fundraising

We ask each volunteer, regardless of placement length, to raise $2,000. All volunteers receive support from Cuso International to help achieve the goal through fundraising. If the volunteer chooses not to fundraise or is unable to achieve the fundraising goal, he/she can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to support our work.

Read More