Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisors (non-Beninese living in Benin only)

Location: Cotonou, Benin

Start date:  September 2021

Duration of assignment: 12 months

Language requirements: French Level 5 - Full mastery

Role of the volunteer  

If you are currently living in Benin and want to contribute to positive and lasting change, this opportunity could be yours! Due to current restrictions on travel between countries, we have some placements available for applicants already in Benin.

Volunteers must currently reside in Benin and have one of the following statuses:

• Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status in Canada
• Citizenship of a neighboring country other than Benin

The Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor will be responsible for developing training on gender equality- and social inclusion issues, using an intersectional perspective, aimed at our partners in both countries, allowing for increase their knowledge and understanding of concepts and issues and will provide them with the necessary bases for integrating these questions into their work with local communities. The development of the training will have to be done in a collaborative way with the teams of the two countries and the person selected will have to make sure to integrate the comments and the feedback of the teams throughout the process.

Essential academic skills:

• University degree in gender studies, social sciences (sociology, anthropology, development, etc.) or other relevant field.
• People with significant experience in raising awareness of gender equality issues at the professional, volunteer, or other level are also welcome to submit their application.

Essential professional experience / skills:

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

About Us and the Project

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.

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.

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
• Accommodation while in placement, return airfare/transport and cost of health insurance
• Training and 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

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.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

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 Polices and Code of Conduct.