Brief Description:

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date: October - December 2022 (flexible)

Placement Length: 12 Months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

The Volunteer’s Role
As a volunteer, you will support our partner, Junior Achievement Jamaica (JAJ) and help strengthen its capacity to optimize services to high school youth through its JA Biz Town Programme.

The program is designed to develop the business IQ of students in grade five while improving their performance in standardized tests. This immersion experience at this age will play a critical role in improving the economic prospects of our nation. It features a comprehensive learning curriculum that focuses on the student’s role in the economy. After the completion of several weeks of specialized in-class learning, students will be able to apply for jobs at various companies at JA BizTown. It consists of a mini-city with several real-life private sector businesses, that will allow students to work in various roles in a simulated economy.

Your work will help streamline BizTown operations and further enhance Cuso International’s aim to empower Jamaica’s youth in business acumen and charting the course to financial independence.

As a volunteer, you will:

Coordinate and enhance the implementation of Biz Town Program
Develop and organize a filing structure to act as a documentation database
Design report templates and structures for pulling together and collating annual and program reports.
Support during BizTown simulation visits

Essential Requirements:

Degree or Diploma in International Development Studies, economics, business, or related field

Essential Background:

Excellent customer service/people skills
Technological proficiency – Microsoft Office; Online research, database tools
Enjoys working with students (secondary level/high school)
Commitment to and understanding of youth development
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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 - Junior Achievement Jamaica

Junior Achievement Jamaica (JAJ) is a non-profit, non-government organization (NGO). Since 2008, JAJ has been operating in Jamaica, executing programs designed to build the economic success of youth ages five (5) through twenty-four (24). Such programs are based on decades of research, implementation and reviews by our parent organization, Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAW) that has operations in more than 120 countries.

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 World Health Organization-approved vaccines.

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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