Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor - Volunteer in Benin (Canadians Eligible)

Cuso International

Cotonou, Benin

Experience: 3 to 5 Years

Skill Required: Advocacy and Campaign

Location: Cotonou, Benin

Start date: December 2023

Duration of assignment: 12 months

Language requirements: French Level 5 - Fully proficient

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only

Role of the volunteer

Through its programs and projects, Cuso International collaborates with local organizations to improve the social and economic well-being of communities in 11 countries, including Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Cuso's Strategic Plan focuses on three axes: Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; Access to economic opportunities for young people; and Use the potential of voluntary cooperation for sustainable development. Our main program, the SHARE voluntary cooperation project (2020-2027), aims to improve the economic and social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and most vulnerable people, particularly women and girls. .

In Benin and the DRC, a number of our partners for this project have identified the need to develop the knowledge of their staff and volunteers, in order to be able to better respond to the specific needs of women and girls, as well as more vulnerable population groups, but also to work to advance women's rights through the interventions of their organization.

The Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor will be responsible for developing training on issues of gender equality and social inclusion, using an intersectional perspective, intended for our partners in both countries, allowing increase their knowledge and understanding of concepts and issues and will provide them with the necessary foundations for integrating these issues into their work with local communities. The development of the training must be done collaboratively with the teams from both countries and the selected person must ensure that they integrate comments and feedback from the teams throughout the process.

The volunteer will have to carry out the following activities:

  • Development of a training plan on gender equality and social inclusion
  • Creation of the necessary training materials (Facilitator's manual, Powerpoint, activity sheets, etc.)
  • Training of teams in Benin and the DRC (training of trainers)

Essential Academic Skills:

University degree in gender studies, social sciences (sociology, anthropology, development, etc.) or other relevant field.

Individuals with significant experience in raising awareness of gender equality issues at a professional, volunteer, or other level are also invited to submit their application.

Experience / Essential professional skills:

  • Mastery of essential concepts of gender, intersectionality and human rights
  • Experience in creating training on gender equality issues
  • Knowledge of interactive and participatory training approaches

About us and the project
Cuso International

  • Cuso International is a voluntary cooperation and international development organization whose mission is to provide new socio-economic opportunities for marginalized groups. With our partners, we focus on promoting gender equality and social inclusion, improving economic resilience and climate action. We are convinced that sharing knowledge and know-how is the best way to sustainably improve people's living conditions. Founded in 1961, Cuso International has a presence in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada.

Project - SHARE (sharing Canadian know-how for inclusive development and gender equality)

Cuso International will carry out the SHARE project (sharing Canadian know-how for inclusive development and gender equality), with the contribution of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) over a period of seven years. SHARE aims to improve the economic and social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls in developing countries, with the mission of contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ). In addition to strengthening Canadians' engagement with international development and key global issues,

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Benefits

Terms and conditions

Cuso International's terms and conditions allow you to live a modest and healthy lifestyle while being efficient in your assignment. Cuso International support helps cover a volunteer's basic living expenses but is not intended to cover home expenses (e.g. mortgage, student loans, school fees, etc.) or items luxury including the importation of goods from elsewhere, international personal travel, etc.

Support package

  • Modest monthly subsistence allowance (amount varies by country)
  • Accommodation during assignment
  • Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit fees
  • Cost of required vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and health insurance
  • Pre-departure training program, field orientation and return on the day, including travel and accommodation (more details below)
  • On-the-ground support through the Cuso International Country Office
  • Access to the employee assistance program during the assignment and upon return
  • Bonus: Volunteers who extend for a period of 6 months after completing 12 months of service will be entitled to an additional round-trip ticket or cash back.

Other requirements

  • Please note that if you are shortlisted for the internship, you will be asked to:
  • Provide two professional references and one personal reference
  • Take an oral assessment during your preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your internship
  • Obtain a police certificate at our request
  • Pass a complete medical examination and obtain the green light from the Cuso International medical advisor before your departure.
  • Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated in accordance with vaccines approved by the World Health Organization
  • We're looking for people who share our values ​​and are committed to supporting marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ communities

Fund raising

We ask each volunteer, regardless of the duration of the assignment, to raise an amount of $2,000. All volunteers will have the support of Cuso International to achieve this objective. If a volunteer chooses not to raise funds or is unable to reach the fundraising goal, they will be able to make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to support our work.