Current jobs related to Communications/Advocacy Officer - Toronto, Ontario - Cuso International

This Volunteer Placement is Located in:
Jamaica

Start Date:
December 2025

Placement Length:
6 months

Language Requirements:
English Level 4- Advanced

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

The Volunteer's Role

The purpose of this placement is to strengthen the communications and advocacy capacity of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) and the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Gender Equality and Diversity (ECADE). As a volunteer, you will support both organizations to design, implement, and enhance communication strategies that amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ communities across the Caribbean. You will play a key role in ensuring that research findings and advocacy initiatives are translated into engaging and impactful communication products, thereby supporting the wider Building Bricks project.

BUILDING BRICKS is being implemented in eight countries: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana and Belize with the ultimate aim of increased enjoyment of their rights and advancement of gender equality in the Caribbean.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Develop and implement communication strategies to highlight project achievements and advocacy goals.
• Create content for digital platforms, newsletters, press releases, reports, and campaign materials.
• Strengthen social media presence and engagement for CVC and ECADE.
• Build the capacity of CVC/ECADE staff in strategic communications, messaging, and advocacy storytelling
• Support the strategic engagement with donors

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 - BUILDING BRICKS: Building Balanced, Rights-Centered, Inclusive, Cohesive and Knowledgeable Societies

This project aims to increase the realization of human rights by LGBTQ2IA+ people and the advancement of gender equality in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname. This project seeks to promote the exercise and fulfillment of human rights through a multi-sectoral approach addressing gender inequalities and social stigma. The overarching goal of the project is to address the restrictive legal, sociocultural, religious and political norms and structures hindering LGBTQ2IA+ peoples' access to high quality and comprehensive social, economic and civic services in the eight countries.

Partner - Caribbean Vulnerable Communicites Coalition (CVC)

Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) is a coalition of community leaders and non-governmental agencies that are advocates and service providers, working with and on behalf of Caribbean populations who are especially vulnerable to HIV infection or often forgotten in access to treatment and healthcare programmes. CVC mission is to mobilize the voice, visibility and participation of the diverse groups they serve, to impact the regional HIV response and to create an enabling environment by which to end the conditions and consequences of marginalization.

Requirements

Academic Qualifications:

• University degree in Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Development, Social Sciences or a related field.

Professional Background/Competencies:

• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in communications, media, or advocacy roles
• Strong writing, editing, and content creation skills
• Ability to translate complex research and policy information into accessible messaging

Desirable Qualifications and Background

• Specialized training in gender equality, LGBTQ2IA+ rights and social inclusion
• Specialized training in strategic communications, digital media, or advocacy communications
• Experience working with civil society organizations, especially in human rights, gender equality, or LGBTQIA+ issues.
• Experience building communications capacity within organizations.

Benefits

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

• Modest monthly living allowance
• Accommodation while in placement
• Medical Health Insurance (including the cost of required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Pre-placement training, In-Country Orientation (ICO) and Reintegration Debriefing
• Support while in placement through Cuso International's Country Program Office (CPO) and local partners throughout your placement
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while in placement and upon return

Accommodations

You will receive suitable housing arrangements that will be coordinated by the local program office of Cuso International for the duration of your placement. The accommodation will be fully furnished with essential items such as a stove, refrigerator, bedroom furniture, table, chairs, cutlery, upholstery, and sheets. It will include necessary amenities like running water and electricity. The experience will be similar to that of staying in an Airbnb. You will be responsible for the security deposit payment, typically equivalent to one month's rent. Additionally, the program office offers the option of an advance that will be deducted from your stipend over three to four months.

Cuso International will cover the monthly rental cost of your accommodation. You will be responsible for covering utilities such as internet access, water, electricity, etc., using your monthly allowance.

Selection Requirements

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

• Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel purposes
• Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference
• Complete a language assessment during the preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a satisfactory Police Check
• Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated following the World Health Organization-approved vaccines

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.