Job Description

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Medellín, Medellin, Colombia

Start Date: April 2026

Placement Length: 5 months

Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4-Advanced

Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

Cuso International is seeking two volunteers eager to join our international volunteer program, aimed at fostering the growth and empowerment of women, girls, and individuals facing poverty and vulnerability in Colombia. We need individuals with the expertise to reach and engage potential businesses that resonate with the demand for the specialized services provided by A Kasa and Cuso International, as part of our commitment to inclusive employment strategies and the development of more equitable work environments.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Conduct thorough mapping and analysis of potential private sector partners to identify opportunities for collaboration
• Create a comprehensive commercial outreach strategy that includes a detailed plan of action, an organized workplan, and a clear timeline to ensure accountability and progress tracking
• Facilitate productive weekly meetings to discuss objectives, progress updates, and to foster open communication among team members and stakeholders
• Draft and develop tailored work proposals in collaboration with interested companies, focusing on mutual benefits and aligned goals to strengthen partnerships

Essential Qualifications:

• A university degree in a relevant field, such as Administration, Engineering, or disciplines associated with Organizational Development, Marketing, Sales, Relationship Management, ideally with experience in the private sector.

Desirable Background

• Expertise in strategic planning, business strategy creation, and the development of synergies and institutional partnerships.

• Familiarity with marketing, along with experience in the private sector.
• Proven ability to build relationships within the private sector.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

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

About Us

Cuso International (Cuso) is an international cooperation and development organization based in Canada that works to create social and economic opportunities for equity-deserving groups. Building on over sixty years of impactful work, we address global challenges by tackling the root causes of inequality. Working alongside our partners, we are focused on efforts to improve economic resilience, advance equity and inclusion for all, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Guided by our values of courage, inclusion, sustainability and accountability, Cuso combines innovative strategies and enduring partnerships to create lasting, meaningful change in communities across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
Project: Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)

Requirements

Benefits

Volunteer Support and Requirements

Support Package

Cuso International provides a comprehensive support package to ensure volunteers maintain a modest and healthy lifestyle aligned with local standards. This includes:

• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation
• Health insurance (including required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Pre-placement, in-country and reintegration training (along with access to self-directed materials and online resources)
• Ongoing local support
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program during and after placement

Selection and Screening

If you are shortlisted, you will need to:

• Confirm passport or permanent resident details for travel
• Provide two professional references and one personal reference
• Complete a language assessment during the initial phone interview
• Pass a police check and medical clearance before departure
• Comply with anti-terrorism checks
• Agree to uphold the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policy and Code of Conduct

Residency and Citizenship: Candidates are responsible for confirming how volunteering internationally may affect their citizenship or residency status. Canadian Permanent Residents should verify requirements with Immigration Canada before travel.

Inclusion and Accessibility: Cuso International welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and equity-deserving groups. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout recruitment and placement. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us for support.

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply to volunteer today!