Top Benefits
About the role
This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Cotonou, Littoral Department, Benin
Start date: October 2026 Assignment duration: 5 months Language requirements: French Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only
Role of the volunteer
Do you want to make a concrete contribution to gender equality and a more inclusive society? Join Cuso International as a volunteer to strengthen the capacity of a local organization in advocacy, leadership and gender mainstreaming. Cuso International fights poverty and inequality by mobilizing volunteer workers and local partners. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the SHARE program supports the economic and social well-being of marginalized or vulnerable people in 10 countries, including Benin, until 2028, with a particular focus on women and girls. In Benin, you will collaborate with the ECOWAS Area Peace and Security Network for Women (REPSFECO), the Cuso International team and other volunteer cooperants to promote gender equality, inclusive economic opportunities and climate resilience for women and youth. Your main objective will be to support REPSFECO in the design and implementation of advocacy initiatives with local and governmental authorities, in line with the objectives of the SHARE program, while strengthening the integration of a gender-sensitive approach in its programs, activities, tools and working methods.
The volunteer will be required to carry out the following activities
Conduct a needs assessment for leadership and advocacy, map stakeholders and analyze existing practices. Design and facilitate participatory co-construction sessions to generate knowledge, tools and practices adapted to the context. Support the identification of relevant funders and help the partner better understand their requirements and procedures. Supporting the planning, monitoring and implementation of leadership, advocacy and awareness-raising activities on gender equality.
Essential academic skills
Degree in gender studies, political science, social sciences, law, human rights, communications, journalism, sustainable development, community development or a related field. Experience in designing training programs, advocacy strategies, or action plans. Ability to support an organization in its leadership, advocacy and gender equality awareness initiatives.
Essential professional skills
Good understanding of the issues related to gender equality and inclusion. Experience in capacity building and participatory facilitation. Practical experience in advocacy and stakeholder mobilization. Ability to work independently, with limited resources, while actively contributing to a team. Ability to design, structure and advance projects.
Ready to turn your expertise into lasting impact? This placement will allow you to work closely with a local partner, share your skills and contribute to concrete changes for women and young people in Benin.
What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!
Cuso International
Cuso International 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.
Support Package
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
Visit our website to view all 30+ international and online volunteer opportunities: https://cusointl.org/3uVN1oJ
Not the right fit? Search for Gender Equality Advocacy jobs in Ontario, Canada
About Cuso International
Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Canada.
Registered charitable numbers: Canada: 81111 6813 RR0001 United States: EIN 30-0545486 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
Similar Jobs
Top Benefits
About the role
This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Cotonou, Littoral Department, Benin
Start date: October 2026 Assignment duration: 5 months Language requirements: French Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only
Role of the volunteer
Do you want to make a concrete contribution to gender equality and a more inclusive society? Join Cuso International as a volunteer to strengthen the capacity of a local organization in advocacy, leadership and gender mainstreaming. Cuso International fights poverty and inequality by mobilizing volunteer workers and local partners. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the SHARE program supports the economic and social well-being of marginalized or vulnerable people in 10 countries, including Benin, until 2028, with a particular focus on women and girls. In Benin, you will collaborate with the ECOWAS Area Peace and Security Network for Women (REPSFECO), the Cuso International team and other volunteer cooperants to promote gender equality, inclusive economic opportunities and climate resilience for women and youth. Your main objective will be to support REPSFECO in the design and implementation of advocacy initiatives with local and governmental authorities, in line with the objectives of the SHARE program, while strengthening the integration of a gender-sensitive approach in its programs, activities, tools and working methods.
The volunteer will be required to carry out the following activities
Conduct a needs assessment for leadership and advocacy, map stakeholders and analyze existing practices. Design and facilitate participatory co-construction sessions to generate knowledge, tools and practices adapted to the context. Support the identification of relevant funders and help the partner better understand their requirements and procedures. Supporting the planning, monitoring and implementation of leadership, advocacy and awareness-raising activities on gender equality.
Essential academic skills
Degree in gender studies, political science, social sciences, law, human rights, communications, journalism, sustainable development, community development or a related field. Experience in designing training programs, advocacy strategies, or action plans. Ability to support an organization in its leadership, advocacy and gender equality awareness initiatives.
Essential professional skills
Good understanding of the issues related to gender equality and inclusion. Experience in capacity building and participatory facilitation. Practical experience in advocacy and stakeholder mobilization. Ability to work independently, with limited resources, while actively contributing to a team. Ability to design, structure and advance projects.
Ready to turn your expertise into lasting impact? This placement will allow you to work closely with a local partner, share your skills and contribute to concrete changes for women and young people in Benin.
What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!
Cuso International
Cuso International 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.
Support Package
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
Visit our website to view all 30+ international and online volunteer opportunities: https://cusointl.org/3uVN1oJ
Not the right fit? Search for Gender Equality Advocacy jobs in Ontario, Canada
About Cuso International
Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Canada.
Registered charitable numbers: Canada: 81111 6813 RR0001 United States: EIN 30-0545486 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.