Project Support Officer - Volunteer in Jamaica

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date: January 2024

Placement Length: 6 Months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

The Volunteer’s Role

The overall purpose of this placement is to support the United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) in implementing its programs including monitoring and evaluation of projects and resource mobilization. As a volunteer, you will be instrumental in supporting their internal processes to optimally manage their programs and services offered to target groups.

United Way of Jamaica works to mobilize resources to transform lives throughout Jamaica” which has left indelible marks in the key areas of Education, Health, and Income Stability. Working with UWJ will further strengthen Cuso International’s aim to provide greater opportunities to vulnerable groups to achieve a more inclusive and equitable 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 monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Support the capacity building of staff in Monitoring & Evaluation and project coordination

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 teamwork 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 - United Way Jamaica

The United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) brings donors, volunteers, community leaders and other stakeholders to address pressing needs in our society. We invest resources and build partnerships to support a wide range of services. In times of disaster, we collaborate with our partners in relief and restoration efforts.

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
• 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.