Gender Equality Advisor

DescriptionLocation: Tegucigalpa, HondurasStart Date: January 2026Placement Length: 5 MonthsLanguage Requirements: Spanish Level 4-AdvancedPlease submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of InterestOpen to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada OnlyThe Volunteer’s Role Gender equality is an integral theme throughout all of Cuso International's programs. In Honduras, we collaborate with various partners dedicated to promoting gender equality and social inclusion.As a gender advisor, you will work with our partner CEM (Centro de Estudios Marítimos) to develop gender policies at both community and institutional levels. CEM focuses on coastal marine and socioeconomic research to provide valuable technical information that enhances decision-making for the sustainable management of coastal marine resources in Honduras. Additionally, CEM advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women.As a volunteer, you will:Conduct an analysis and evaluation of the Draft Institutional Diagnosis.Review and revise the Draft Institutional Gender Policy and the Institutional Strategic Plan to ensure alignment of normative instruments.Develop a Training Plan targeted at both the communities and the organization's staff.Essential Requirements:A university degree in social sciences, economics, international development, or equivalent experience in a related field.Essential Background:Familiarity or experience with Gender EqualityExperience in planning and administrative processes, as well as strategy design. Prior involvement in planning initiativesExperience in research, teaching, training, and/or facilitation activitiesProficient in utilizing participatory approaches and toolsProven track record of working effectively within multicultural and multidisciplinary teamsWhat’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experienceAbout Us, the Project and the PartnerCuso InternationalCuso 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 - 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 - Centro de Estudios Marítimos The Centro de Estudios Marinos (CEM) is a Honduran, non-governmental organization dedicated to applied science on coastal-marine ecosystems. Founded initially on the island of Utila in 2006, the CEM has grown and expanded its study area along the Honduran Atlantic and Pacifica coasts. We also work under regional approaches with the Mesoamerican Reef System and the Gulf of Fonseca.BenefitsTerms 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 PackageModest monthly living allowance (varies depending on country)Accommodation while in placementReturn airfare and visa/work permit costsCost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication, and health insurancePre-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 officeAccess to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon returnOther Requirements:Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:Provide two Professional References and one Personal ReferenceComplete an oral assessment during your preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placementObtain a Police Check at our requestComplete a full medical exam and be medically cleared by the Cuso International Medical Advisor prior to your departureDue 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+ communitiesPre-departure Training and BriefingWe commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have an advisor to support you through the process and will receive essential training as part of your preparation. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your own learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.Overview of pre-departure training:Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID) program: blended online and in-person training, including 3-day training in Ottawa (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Self-directed briefing documents, online training and external resources accessed through the volunteer portalOnline health briefingFundraising 101 WebinarIn-Country Training and LearningYou will receive an In-Country Orientation (ICO) that builds upon the pre-departure training. This will be conducted by either the country program office or the supporting partner organization. This normally lasts for 2-10 days (depending on language learning requirements and other factors). In some countries, volunteers will be able to access ongoing language training opportunities. In-Country Orientation equips you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and country-specific information to be successful in your placement. Furthermore, our Country Program Office or local partner will provide you with continuous in-country support throughout the duration of your placement.Protection from Sexual Exploitation and AbuseCuso 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 with 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 ResidencyThe majority of Cuso International volunteer applicants are residing in Canada at the time of application and during the pre-departure process. Occasionally we received applications from volunteer applicants who are residing outside of Canada at the time of application. In both instances, between your application date and placement start date, we must be able to contact you and you must be able to contact us easily and promptly throughout the process.We may require your passport and would need to be aware of your current place of residence and any travel plans you may have during this time. You will also require unrestricted access to Canada during this time for training, as applicable.CitizenshipLeaving your country of residence can have significant effects on your citizenship status in that country. It is your responsibility to research the consequences of traveling to Canada during the pre-departure process if you are living outside of Canada and of leaving your country of residence for a placement with the immigration authority where you live.By applying to this placement, you accept full responsibility for any consequences related to your citizenship, residency, and immigration status or penalties as a result of travel to pre-departure training, international placement, or other Cuso International related travel.You must check the implications that apply to you, but examples include:Canadian permanent residents may need to make arrangements with immigration authorities before traveling. These arrangements allow them to travel without risk to their status in Canada. Without them, residency status may be withdrawn.Citizens of other countries, including those visiting Canada on a visa, may have travel restrictions.Additional InformationWe are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we support. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and others from equity-deserving groups or underrepresented groups. Applicants who require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process or volunteer placement are encouraged to contact us to discuss how we can best support their accessibility needs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided wherever possible to ensure that all individuals can participate fully and equitably. Apply for this job