Communications advisor

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Pereira, Risaralda, ColombiaStart date: December 2025Duration of placement: 6 monthsLanguage requirements: Spanish Level 4-AdvancedOpen only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of CanadaThe Volunteer's RoleThe overall purpose of the position is to provide support to our partner organization, the Technological University of Pereira, with the initiative Risaralda Model Forest. The purpose of this role is to strengthen the partner's technical capacity in social media management, content development, and communication strategy development. The desired goal is to strengthen social media platforms and to enhance internal and external communication strategies.As a Volunteer, you will: Support the social media strategy of the Risaralda Model Forest and the Latin American Model Forest Network.Design and publish content for social media platforms and update websites.Design strategies, manuals, operating procedures and other communication tools.Support the promotion and dissemination of the partner's projects. RequirementsEssential academic qualifications: Degree in communication, marketing or a related field. Essential professional experience: Experience and knowledge of graphic design tools and brand promotion.Experience with organisations working toward social transformation.Experience working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.Experience of working with participatory, systemic and/or adaptive methodologies. What'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, 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 - 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, to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing the 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 - Bosque Modelo Risaralda – Universidad Tecnológica de PereiraThe Bosque Modelo Risaralda (BMR) is a sustainability initiative that covers the entire department of Risaralda, Colombia. It forms part of the International and Latin American Model Forest Networks, which promote inclusive, participatory approaches to territorial management. Coordinated by multiple local actors, including the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP), the BMR integrates forest conservation, sustainable production, social inclusion, and innovation. Its mission is to maintain ecological integrity while improving livelihoods through participatory governance, ecosystem restoration, gender- and youth-focused projects, and the sustainable use of natural resources. BMR represents a collaborative model for managing biodiversity and development in harmony across an entire territory.BenefitsTerms and ConditionsCuso 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 allowanceAccommodation while in placementMedical Health Insurance (including the cost of required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costsPre-placement training, In-Country Orientation (ICO) and Reintegration DebriefingSupport while in placement through Cuso International's Country Program Office (CPO) and local partners throughout your placementAccess to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while in placement and upon return 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 purposesProvide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal ReferenceComplete a language assessment during the preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placementObtain a satisfactory Police CheckComplete a medical exam and be medically cleared before your departureDue 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 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 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 CitizenshipDuring 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.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 2 SLGBTQIA+ 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.