Micro&Small Business Development Specialist - Volunteer in …, Edmonton

This Volunteer Placement is Located in:

Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date:

July 2026

Placement Length:

6 months

Language Requirements:

English

Eligibility:

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

As a volunteer, your responsibility will be to work alongside our partner, the Private Sector of Jamaica (PSOJ), in developing and implementing a comprehensive scale‑up assessment tool. This instrument will evaluate key areas such as governance, financial management, operational systems, and strategic readiness, specifically tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

As a volunteer, you'll play a vital role in helping PSOJ design the MSME Scale‑Up Readiness Diagnostic Tool, empowering businesses to become both market‑ready and investment‑ready for future growth.

As a volunteer, you will:

Develop a Scale‑Up Readiness Diagnostic Tool that encompasses elements of governance, financial management, operational systems, and strategic preparedness.

Deploy the Diagnostic Tool with selected organizations. This will involve consulting with the Executive Director and their team to complete the tool, as well as evaluating the organization’s readiness to enter the market.

Essential Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in organizational management, business administration, business process automation, or a related discipline.

Essential Background:

A dedicated commitment to and thorough understanding of youth development.

Extensive background in strategic planning, expertise in developing organizational plans, familiarity with operational plans and policies, and experience in business planning and management.

Strong interpersonal skills, proven experience collaborating within teams, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Proven problem‑solving capabilities and independent judgment, attention to detail, and a high level of initiative with the capacity for self‑motivation.

Proven experience in delivering training.

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

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr