Vocational Engineering Advisor
Cuso International · Moshi
This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Moshi, Tanzania
Start Date: December 2026
Placement Length: 5 months
Language Requirements: English Level 4-Advanced
Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only
The Volunteer’s Role
Empower the Next Generation of Engineers in Tanzania
Are you an experienced engineer ready to share your expertise where it matters most? Cuso International, in partnership with VETA Moshi under the SHARE Project, is seeking a passionate Vocational Engineering Advisor to transform technical education and elevate vocational instruction in Tanzania.
In this hands-on advisory role, you will work side-by-side with instructors at the Integrated Mining Technical Training (IMTT) Unit. By upgrading their practical skills in bench work, sheet metal fabrication, welding, basic electrical systems, and workshop safety, you will help build a sustainable training environment that equips local youth with in-demand, industry-ready engineering competencies.
As a volunteer, you will:
- Assess Training Needs & Skills Gaps: Conduct comprehensive assessments of General Engineering instructors to evaluate practical skills gaps in bench work, sheet metal fabrication, welding, electrical systems, rigging, and overall workshop management.
- Master Bench Work & Tool Mechanics: Deliver hands-on mentorship to strengthen practical instruction in precision measuring, marking out, cutting, filing, drilling, thread cutting (tapping and die-threading), component fitting, and the safe operation of specialized hand and power tools.
- Advance Sheet Metal & Fabrication Training: Design and execute practical training modules covering advanced measurement, layout techniques, precise cutting, bending, forming, and joining methods tailored to industry standards.
- Elevate Welding & Metal Joining Standards: Mentor instructors on proper material preparation, safe welding operations, joint assembly, and the systematic identification and correction of common welding defects.
- Strengthen Electrical Systems & Safety: Guide instructors through essential electrical concepts, including circuit assembly, safety protocols, accurate use of diagnostic measuring instruments, systematic fault identification, and routine electrical troubleshooting.
- Implement Rigging & Safe Lifting Operations: Train instructors on industry-standard load-handling practices, including proper selection, rigorous inspection, and safe utilization of lifting equipment and rigging gear in workshop environments.
- Promote Technical Documentation Literacy: Integrate engineering drawings, schematics, technical manuals, equipment specifications, and workshop reference guides directly into daily instruction to build strong blueprint-reading skills among staff and trainees.
- Develop Integrated Applied Projects: Collaborate with teaching staff to design practical, end-to-end engineering projects and practical exercises that combine bench work, sheet metal, welding, and electrical tasks into comprehensive learning experiences.
- Champion Health, Safety, & Maintenance: Model and enforce occupational health, safety, and security (OHSS) standards, while establishing routines for the safe selection, operation, inspection, and preventative maintenance of workshop equipment.
Essential Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Technical Education, or a closely related engineering field.
Essential Background:
- Minimum of 5 years of practical, hands-on experience in general engineering, mechanical workshop operations, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, or related technical environments.
- Core Technical Competencies:
- Proven expertise in bench work operations (measuring, marking out, filing, drilling, threading, and precision fitting).
- Demonstrated proficiency in sheet metal operations (layout, cutting, forming, bending, and joining).
- Solid practical knowledge of basic welding, metal joining techniques, and associated workshop safety procedures.
- Practical understanding of basic electrical systems, electrical safety, diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting principles.
- Operational & Training Skills:
- Exceptional ability to read, interpret, and teach engineering drawings, blueprints, technical manuals, and workshop specifications.
- Hands-on proficiency in operating, inspecting, and maintaining standard engineering workshop machinery and tools.
- Deep knowledge of occupational health, safety, and security (OHSS) practices within industrial and technical training settings.
What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!
About Us
Cuso International (Cuso) is an international cooperation and development organization based in Canada that works to create social and economic opportunities for equity-deserving groups. Building on over sixty years of impactful work, we address global challenges by tackling the root causes of inequality. Working alongside our partners, we are focused on efforts to improve economic resilience, advance equity and inclusion for all, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Guided by our values of courage, inclusion, sustainability and accountability, Cuso combines innovative strategies and enduring partnerships to create lasting, meaningful change in communities across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
Project: Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)
Partner: Vocational Education Training Authority
Benefits
Volunteer Support and Requirements
Support Package
Cuso International provides a comprehensive support package to ensure volunteers maintain a modest and healthy lifestyle aligned with local standards. This includes:
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation
- Health insurance (including required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
- Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
- Pre-placement, in-country and reintegration training (along with access to self-directed materials and online resources)
- Ongoing local support
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program during and after placement
Selection and Screening
If you are shortlisted, you will need to:
- Confirm passport or permanent resident details for travel
- Provide two professional references and one personal reference
- Complete a language assessment during the initial phone interview
- Pass a police check and medical clearance before departure
- Comply with anti-terrorism checks
- Agree to uphold the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policy and Code of Conduct
Residency and Citizenship: Candidates are responsible for confirming how volunteering internationally may affect their citizenship or residency status. Canadian Permanent Residents should verify requirements with Immigration Canada before travel.
Inclusion and Accessibility: Cuso International welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and equity-deserving groups. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout recruitment and placement. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us for support.
Ready to Make a Difference? Apply to volunteer today!