Communications Specialist

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Georgetown, Guyana

Start Date: November/December 2024

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: English Level 4-Advanced

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

The Volunteer’s Role

The overall purpose of the placement is to strengthen the capacity of National Conversation Trust Funds (NCTF) across the region to effectively strengthening their communications systems to improve visibility of their programs.

As a volunteer, you will support the execution of several marketing and communications related activities including social media management, website management, public relations, donor relations and content creation; as well as development of branding guidelines and materials. You will also be expected to identify strengths, opportunities and gaps to inform the improvement of the communication and marketing processes of the NCTF.

The Caribbean Organizations for Resilient Environments (CORE) project serves to build the capacity of National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) operating in eight countries (Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname) to implement local, nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation with a gender-responsive lens.

As a volunteer, you will:

Support the NCTF in maintaining an active social media presence including content creation for posts Support the team in designing and developing and posting content on its website and newsletter. Support training of staff in innovative communication strategies & techniques Support the team with general public relations activities including the creation of impact stories for various communication channels Support the strategic engagement with donors Support the implementation of the NCTF’s communications plan

Essential Requirements:

University degree in social/political sciences, international development, human rights, gender studies, social work, communications, or related field.

Essential Background:

Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in a position (s) related to the promotion of gender equality, diversity and/or women’s development issues Experience working with government agencies Experience working with senior management Experience in training and facilitation

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, 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 - BluePrints for Gender Equality

Cuso will be implementing the four-year BLUEPRINTS project funded by the Government of Canada Global Affairs Canada (GAC); the main focus of the project is to strengthen the capacity of local governments in Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to integrate gender into policies, programs, and services to better reflect the needs, perspectives and interests of the Caribbean’s most vulnerable women and girls.

Partner - National Conservation Trust Fund

Environmental management and stewardship is one of the cross-cutting themes for Cuso International. A partnership with the National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF) provides an avenue to build awareness around issues of climate change and to provide direct responses to mitigate effects of climate change by project implementation and community interventions. The partnership will further facilitate dialogue around the issue of climate change and environmental management with relevant stakeholders.

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 Support to meet your fundraising goals Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

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.

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