Communications Advisor (Canadian Citizens) at Cuso International

Cuso International is a not-for-profit development organization that works to eradicate poverty and inequality. Each year, we mobilize hundreds of volunteer professionals to work alongside local partners to maximize their impact through capacity building. We work in partnership with governments, civil society organizations, multilateral agencies and the private sector to develop and deliver programs aimed at advancing gender equality, promoting the empowerment of women and girls, and improving access to and quality of economic opportunities for young people.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Communications Advisor (Canadian Citizens)

Location: Calabar, Cross-River
Length of Placement: 6 Months
Language Requirements: English Level 4 – Advanced

The Volunteer’s Role

If you are passionate about implementing communication initiatives, this could be the role for you!
As the Communications Advisor you will use your skills to support all internal and external communications, support the YouLead and B.LIVER project websites, as well as all social media platforms.

As a volunteer, you will:

Identify and analyze the communication needs of stakeholders (including staff, donor agencies and community, members), and develop materials to respond accordingly.
Work with the Communications Intern to manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic materials.
Along with the project team, organize media events including press conferences, talk show interviews, documentaries, etc.
Work with the project team to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project’s communication strategy.
Track and respond to general inquiries from the public.

About the Project
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.

Pre-departure Training and Briefing:

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have an advisor to support you through the pre-departure process and will receive essential training as part of your preparation. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement country 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 – A 45-hour training program that uses a blended learning approach including 4 days of in-person sessions and online e-modules to be completed before and after the in-person session.
Self-directed briefing documents, online training and external resources accessed through the volunteer portal
Online health briefing
Fundraising 101 Webinar

In-Country Training and Learning

You 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.

Fundraising:

We ask each volunteer, regardless of placement length, to raise $2,000. All volunteers receive support from Cuso International to help achieve the goal through fundraising.
If the volunteer chooses not to fundraise or is unable to achieve the fundraising goal, he/she can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to support our work.

Essential Academic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, College Diploma in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field

Essential Professional Background:

At least 2 years of professional experience working in development communications in an NGO or other reputable organization
Experience developing diverse communication and promotional materials
Experience in media relations and media campaigns
Excellent reporting skills

Terms & 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.

Residency & Citizenship
Residency:

The 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.

Citizenship:

Leaving 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.

Support Package

Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending country)
Accommodation while in placement
Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and health insurance
Pre-departure training program and in-country orientation (more details below)
On the ground support through our Cuso International country program office
Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return
Travel and accommodation for the pre-departure training course, in-country orientation, and reintegration debriefing weekend
Modest support for accompanying partners and dependents going on placement with you for 12 months or longer (Return flight, emergency medical insurance, vaccinations)
Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months