This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Cali, Colombia
Start Date: June 2026
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
Cuso International is seeking an experienced Project Development Advisor to support our partner, the Colombia WWB Foundation, in advancing initiatives that strengthen economic resilience for disadvantaged communities.
In this volunteer role, you will contribute to the design, development, and monitoring of donor funded projects that remove barriers to employment and entrepreneurship. You will work closely with partners to develop strong, fundable project proposals and ensure that initiatives are well planned, adequately resourced, and aligned with both donor requirements and institutional priorities.
This is a hands on role that combines technical expertise in project design with collaboration, capacity building, and strategic thinking.
As a volunteer, you will:
Support the development of high quality project proposals, using standard cooperation and results based management tools such as logical frameworks, results matrices, and Gantt charts
Draft, reviewing, and refining proposals in collaboration with the WWB Colombia Foundation and other partners
Develop and review detailed project budgets, ensuring alignment with donor templates and internal financial guidelines
Support project monitoring, including timelines, milestones, risks, and results
Contribute to technical and financial reports in line with donor reporting requirements
Track commitments, action points, and follow up actions with internal teams and external partners
Identify and help mitigate risks during both project design and implementation
Ensure alignment with institutional policies, procedures, and donor expectationsWork under the guidance of the Project Development Manager, while sharing workload and providing technical input across initiatives
Essential Qualifications:
Development professional with strong experience in proposal development and donor engagement, and motivated to use your skills to support inclusive economic growth.Degree in
International Development, Economics, Social Sciences, Project Management, or Business AdministrationAsset: Postgraduate studies or professional certification in
International Cooperation, Grant Writing, or Public Policy Certified knowledge of
Results Based Management (RBM), the
logical framework approach, and
theory of changeEssential Background:
3-5 years of demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and fundraising for NGOs or international organizationsA proven track record of
successful proposal writing for major institutional donors such as
Global Affairs Canada (GAC), USAID, the EU, or UN agenciesExperience with
financial planning and budgeting for complex, multi stakeholder projectsStrong experience in
building partnerships and stakeholder networks, including engagement with 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
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!
