Public Policy Research Advisor

**This Volunteer Placement is Located in**:Bogota, Colombia

**Start Date**:February/March 2025

**Placement Length**: 6 months with the possibility of extension

**Language Requirements**:Spanish Level 4-Advanced; English Level 3-Intermediate

**Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest**

**Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only**

**The Volunteer’s Role**:
**As a volunteer, you will**:

- Review public policy documents on women in the municipalities of Guapi, Timbiquí, Lopez de Micay and El Charco and the advocacy processes. Based on the needs presented, formulate a work and action plan with each community in conjunction with other Cuso volunteer.
- Support the fine-tuning of the document/guide for the implementation of the Public Policy on Women, taking into account the municipal, departmental and national development plans. In addition to this, the Development Programs with a Territorial Approach (PDET) and corresponding legal frameworks should be included.
- Creation of tools (guides, training, routes, etc.) to support the implementation of women's public policies and action and advocacy plans in each municipality. Diagnose, create, pilot, evaluate, improve, finalize.

**Essential Requirements**:

- Studies (graduate or undergraduate) in public policy studies, political science, government, development studies or other.
- Certificates in project management or knowledge in results-based management.

**Essential Background**:

- Experience working at the community level with women in vulnerable situations.
- Experience leading training processes with women in vulnerable situations.

**What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience**

**About Us, the Project and the Partner**:
**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, the Caribbean, and Canada.

We seek individuals who share our values and are committed to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities.

**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, to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing the 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.

**Partner - Fundación Activos Culturales Afro (ACUA)**

The Afro Cultural Assets Foundation -ACUA- is a non-profit entity that was created as an IFAD program in 2007 and later became a foundation in 2010. ACUA promotes the sustainable empowerment of cultural assets of organized Afro-descendant communities. ACUA, in co-ownership with Afro-descendant communities, contributes to the promotion of innovative income-generating initiatives, the recovery of cultural knowledge and practices, and economic and social inclusion. The Foundation manages projects in Latin America for the development of Afro-descendant communities with the main objective of closing the gaps and improving the living conditions of the rural Afro-descendant population.

**Benefits**

**Terms and Conditions**:
Cuso International's terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle similar to local living standards. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (eg. 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
- Medical Health Insurance (including the cost of required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
- Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
- Pre-placement training, In-Country Orientation (ICO) and Reintegration Debriefing
- Support while in placement through Cuso International's Country Program Office (CPO) and local partners throughout your placement
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while