Brief Description:

City Quezon City, Philippines

Start Date Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 (flexible)

Length of Placement 12 Months

Language Requirements English

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

This placement offers an opportunity for a seasoned gender and development expert to apply his/her expertise in the implementation of livelihood and social enterprise programs with gender equality and social inclusion as a cross-cutting theme. The program will involve agricultural, fishing, weaving and other rural communities in the Western Visayas (Region 6) and Eastern Visayas (Region 8) Regions which are not only among the poorest regions but also among the most vulnerable areas in the country.

This placement is best suited for an experienced gender expert to support Cuso International’s newest field office in Asia in the implementation of its gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) strategy. As gender specialist based in the country program office (CPO), the volunteer will lead capacity-building, tool development and networking activities to fulfill the GESI strategy. S/He will design and implement capacity-building for CPO staff, volunteers and partner organizations. S/He will likewise oversee a team of volunteer gender specialists to be deployed to selected local partner organizations At the same time, s/he will support the rest of the Cuso volunteers in the Philippines to integrate GESI and equip them with the knowledge and skills to be gender champions in their placements.

As a volunteer, you will:

-Formulate the GESI action plans building on the gender mainstreaming strategy paper of the country program office (CPO)

-Coordinate with MEAL to incorporate GESI in the MEAL Framework

-Lead capacity-building activities on gender mainstreaming for staff and volunteers including development or application of tools, coaching and mentoring

-Establish gender network for Cuso International Philippines

Essential Academic Qualifications:

University Degree in the Social Sciences, Economics, Politics and International Development, or any related field with Women’s Studies or Gender as a major course

Essential Professional Background:

- Min. 5 years of experience in gender mainstreaming or integration in development projects

Support Package

- Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending country)

- Accommodation while in placement

- Return airfare and visa/work permit costs

- Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and health insurance

- Pre-departure training and in-country orientation

- Travel and accommodation for reintegration debriefing weekend

- Modest support for accompanying partners and dependents going on placement with you for 12 months or longer (Return flight, emergency medical insurance, vaccinations)

- Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return

- Cuso International assessment day (Candidates must cover the first $200 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and all accommodation costs).

- Travel and accommodation for the five-day pre-departure training course and for in-country orientation

- Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

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