Marketing and Communications Advisor

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

Start Date: October 2024

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: English - Native / Spanish Level 4-Advanced

Please submit an English Resume and Statement of Interest

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

This role supports Fundación Victoria Elena, our partner organization. If you are interested in working as a volunteer in Colombia and you love Marketing and communications this position is for you

In this position, you must must oversee promotional and advertising initiatives to promote our Foundation's work using digital channels and tools, providing value and strengthening our image. From planning to implementation, you must be involved in all aspects of communication strategy creation and execution, including monitoring, optimization, and analysis.

You will rock this position if you are knowledgeable in all digital marketing and communication strategies, from innovative to used, to apply them to the strategy and meet goals.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Conduct an analysis of the marketing and communications process internally and externally (market), understanding the organization's online presence, the visibility strategy it has followed to see what can be improved, eliminated or enhanced, and the number of consumers it has.
• Periodically analyze the Foundation's positioning in the market. Clearly define the cause pursued in each project and establish the objectives around it.
• Identify donors and volunteers to be recruited through different strategies.
• Design marketing and communications strategies that allow us to work and transmit the values of the FVE, creating and disseminating images, messages and ideas that best communicate our work. The above, taking into account the segment to be reached (donors, volunteers, partners, beneficiaries, etc.)
• Measure results to clearly define how the actions have contributed to the achievement of objectives, and use the appropriate tools to do so.

Essential Requirements:

• University and/or graduate degree in social communication, marketing and advertising, business administration or related careers, with postgraduate degree in strategic communications, digital communication and marketing or related areas is required.

Essential Background:

• Digital donor acquisition through lead campaign strategies or direct donation.
• Web programming and design.
• Professional experience in formulation, design, implementation and measurement of projects and integrated communication strategies.
• Knowledge in internet marketing, websites, SEO and SEM positioning, social networks, analytics, crisis management, among others.

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

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 - Fundacion Victoria Elena

Fundacion Victoria Elena is a non-profit institution created by a group of professionals in different areas, who are confident that, through education and sport, can form suitable and competent people, who can be part of a globalised society that demands a leading, conciliatory citizenship, educated in family values and with a deep respect for diversity and human rights.

Benefits

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 in placement and upon return
• Support to meet your fundraising goals
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Selection Requirements:

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:

• Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel purposes 
• Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference
• Complete a language assessment during the preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a satisfactory Police Check
• Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated following the World Health Organization-approved vaccines.

Fundraising

We ask each volunteer, regardless of placement length, to raise $2,000. All volunteers receive support from Cuso International to help achieve the goal through fundraising. If the volunteer chooses not to fundraise or is unable to achieve the fundraising goal, he/she can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to support our work.

Pre-placement Training and Briefing - Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID)

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have a Volunteering Mobilization Advisor (VMA) to support you through the process and will participate in pre-placement training as part of your preparation. You will also have access to self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your 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 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 Policies and Code of Conduct.

Residency and Citizenship

During the application and pre-placement phases, most Cuso International applicants are based in Canada, although we also receive applications from outside Canada. Regardless of your location, it's crucial for us to maintain easy and prompt communication with you between your application and start dates. We may request your passport, need to know your current residence, and be informed of any travel plans.

Leaving your country of residence can impact your citizenship status. If you're leaving your residence for a placement, it is your responsibility to research the implications with local immigration authorities. By applying, you accept full responsibility for any consequences regarding citizenship, residency, or immigration status. Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid any risks to their residency status.