Project Support Officer

This Volunteer Placement is located in : Jamaica

Start Date : March / April 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 United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) with implementing its programs including monitoring and evaluation of projects. 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 Project Coordinator with daily project tasks as required to execute program deliverables and targets.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of projects.

Essential Requirements :

Essential Background :

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 - United Way Jamaica

The United Way of Jamaica envisions a society where individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, financial stability and healthy living. We envision a society where :

All children receive quality education that offers a pathway to a brighter tomorrow

The cycle of poverty and financial dependence ends, and productive livelihood begins for even the most disadvantaged

Everyone receives effective health care that improves the quality of life.

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 disasters, we collaborate with our partners in relief and restoration efforts.

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

Selection Requirements :

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

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.

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.