Brief Description:

Location: Roseau, Dominica

Start Date: As soon as possible

Placement Length: 7-9 months

Language Requirements: English

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

The Volunteer’s Role
As a volunteer, you will support the development of results-based gender-responsive planning, monitoring and evaluation procedures and practices; build the capacity of staff through training on the development of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools and administration of said tools for programming. Additionally, you will support the implementation of these M&E tools across various ministries including the creation of database systems and beneficiary impact assessments.

The overall purpose of the placement is to strengthen the capacity of the Gender Division and additional ministries to effectively monitor the performance and effectiveness of its services and programs, including the design of tools and systems for the collection of gender-disaggregated data and analysis of information.

BLUEPRINTS is being implemented in four countries: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. You will work in close collaboration with 3 other M&E Experts in Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Additionally, each country will be supported by a Gender Expert. You will also work with a local In-Country Program Support Officer to coordinate support to the Gender Divisions and ministries.

As a volunteer, you will:

Conduct an assessment of staff capacity to implement M&E tools and systems to assess programs and services on targeted beneficiary groups
Support the development of training resources and conduct training sessions with staff from various ministries, departments & agencies (MDAs) on results-based gender-responsive planning, monitoring and evaluation procedures and practices
Support the development of M&E systems and tools to collect disaggregated data and conduct beneficiary impact assessments
Support the development of gender equality and results-based indicators to monitor and report on the effectiveness of program implementation (beyond sex-disaggregated data).

Essential Requirements:

University degree in social/political sciences, international development, project management, or a related field
Specialized training in program monitoring and evaluation, results-based reporting

Essential Background:

Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in a position related to monitoring and evaluation of projects
Experience with developing M&E databases and impact assessments
Experience working with government agencies and senior management
Experience in training and facilitation

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.

Project - BluePrints for Gender Equality

Cuso will be implementing the four-year BLUEPRINTS project funded by the Government of Canada Global Affairs Canada (GAC); the main focus of the project is to strengthen the capacity of local governments in Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to integrate gender into policies, programs, and services to better reflect the needs, perspectives and interests of the Caribbean’s most vulnerable women and girls.

Partner - Gender Affairs Division, Ministry of Social Development, Housing and Community Empowerment

The Gender Relations Division’s mission is to create an environment to redress gender imbalances through policies and programmes geared towards maximizing women participation in, and benefits from national socio-economic development initiatives and improve the relationship between women and men: the goal of which is to enhance the quality of women 's lives and to allow both women and men to achieve their full potential.

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, in-country orientation, and reintegration debriefing, including travel and accommodation (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

Accommodations

You will be provided with adequate housing which will be coordinated by the Cuso International local programme office for the duration of your placement. The accommodation will be fully furnished with items such as a stove, refrigerator, bedroom furniture, table, chairs, cutlery, upholstery, sheets and will include necessary conveniences such as running water, electricity etc. It will be similar to an Airbnb. You will be responsible for the payment of the security deposit which is usually equivalent to one month’s rent, the program office offers optional support of an advance which would be deducted from your stipend over three-four months.

Cuso International will cover the monthly rental cost of your accommodation. Utilities - Internet access, water, electricity, etc., will be covered by you, using your monthly allowance.

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.

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