Project Development Advisor
Cuso International · Cali
This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Cali, Colombia
Start Date: January 2027
Placement Length: 5 months
Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4-Advanced
Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest
Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only
The Volunteer’s Role
Join Cuso International as a Project Development Advisor and play a pivotal role in empowering the Colombia WWB Foundation to drive impactful initiatives that boost economic resilience in underprivileged communities.
In this dynamic position, you will collaborate closely to craft project proposals that not only align with our strategic goals but also promise meaningful, positive outcomes, utilizing essential cooperation tools such as logical frameworks, results matrices, and Gantt charts.
As a volunteer, you will partner with our strategic partners to enhance their capacity to engage with disadvantaged groups, while ensuring these individuals are treated with dignity, have opportunities to realize their full potential, and can actively participate in society, all while coordinating with partners dedicated to helping them overcome their challenges.
As a volunteer, you will:
- Support the formulation of project proposals using standard cooperation tools (logical frameworks, results matrices, Gantt charts). Develop and review detailed project budgets using donor templates and internal financial tools
- Support the monitoring of project implementation, timelines, milestones and results using monitoring tools. Assist in the preparation of technical and financial reports based on donor templates and reporting guidelines
- Monitor commitments, action points and follow-up measures with internal teams and partners. Support the identification and mitigation of risks during project formulation and implementation
- Contribute to aligning projects with institutional policies, procedures and donor requirements. Work under the guidance of the project development manager, providing technical support and sharing the workload
Essential Qualifications:
- Degree: A degree in International Development, Economics, Social Sciences, Project Management or Business Administration.
- Specialization (Asset): Postgraduate studies or certifications in International Cooperation, Grant Writing or Public Policy.
- Technical training: Certified knowledge of results-based management (RBM), the logical framework approach and theory of change.
Essential Background:
- Minimum experience: at least 3-5 years’ demonstrable experience in resource mobilization and fundraising for NGOs or international organizations.
- Proposal development: A strong track record in drafting successful technical proposals for major donors, such as Global Affairs Canada (GAC), USAID, the EU or UN agencies. Experience in financial planning and budgeting for complex projects. Experience in building networks and strategic partnerships with stakeholders and private sector donors
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: Fundación WWB Colombia
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
- 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!