Youth Program Advisor

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date: April 2023

Placement Length: 12 Months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

The Volunteer’s Role

As a volunteer, you will support our partner, Junior Achievement Jamaica (JAJ) and help strengthen its capacity to optimize services to high school youth through its JA Biz Town Programme.

The program is designed to develop the business IQ of students in grade five while improving their performance in standardized tests. This immersion experience at this age will play a critical role in improving the economic prospects of our nation. It features a comprehensive learning curriculum that focuses on the student’s role in the economy. After the completion of several weeks of specialized in-class learning, students will be able to apply for jobs at various companies at JA BizTown. It consists of a mini-city with several real-life private sector businesses, that will allow students to work in various roles in a simulated economy.

Your work will help streamline BizTown operations and further enhance Cuso International’s aim to empower Jamaica’s youth in business acumen and charting the course to financial independence.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Coordinate and enhance the implementation of Biz Town Program
• Develop and organize a filing structure to act as a documentation database
• Design report templates and structures for pulling together and collating annual and program reports.
• Support during BizTown simulation visits

Essential Requirements:

• Degree or Diploma in International Development Studies, economics, business, or related field

Essential Background:

• Excellent customer service/people skills
• Technological proficiency – Microsoft Office; Online research, database tools
• Enjoys working with students (secondary level/high school)
• Commitment to and understanding of youth development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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.

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.

Partner - Junior Achievement Jamaica

Junior Achievement Jamaica (JAJ) is a non-profit, non-government organization (NGO). Since 2008, JAJ has been operating in Jamaica, executing programs designed to build the economic success of youth ages five (5) through twenty-four (24). Such programs are based on decades of research, implementation and reviews by our parent organization, Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAW) that has operations in more than 120 countries.

Requirements

Benefits

Terms and 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.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending on country)
  
• Accommodation while in placement
• Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication, and health insurance
• Pre-departure training, in-country orientation, and reintegration debriefing, including travel and accommodation (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
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Other Requirements:

• Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:
• Provide two Professional References and one Personal Reference
• Complete an oral assessment during your preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a Police Check at our request
• Complete a full medical exam and be medically cleared by the Cuso International Medical Advisor prior to your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated in accordance with the World Health Organization-approved vaccines.

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.

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 process and will receive essential training as part of your preparation. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement 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:

1. Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID) program: blended online and in-person training, including 3-day training in Ottawa (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
2. Self-directed briefing documents, online training and external resources accessed through the volunteer portal
3. Online health briefing
4. Fundraising 101 Webinar

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.

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 with 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

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.