DescriptionThis Volunteer Placement is Located in: Bogota, Colombia
Start Date: August 2026
Placement Length: 4 months
Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4-Advanced and English Level 5-Fluent
Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest
Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only
The Volunteer’s Role
Cuso International’s SHARE program works with local partners around the world to strengthen economic resilience for people who face barriers to opportunity. In Colombia, this volunteer assignment will support the Colombian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce in building partnerships that connect business growth with sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusive development.
This is an opportunity for a volunteer with a background in business, international relations, partnership development, or corporate social responsibility to help strengthen economic ties between Colombia and Canada. The role will focus on identifying business opportunities, engaging member companies, and supporting initiatives that expand market access and value-chain participation for women entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs, and other underrepresented groups.
The Chamber is especially interested in engaging companies in the mining and energy sectors, where corporate social responsibility and corporate volunteer programs can help create practical support for women-led microenterprises and emerging startups.
If you are passionate about international business, partnership development, and inclusive economic growth, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute your skills while supporting stronger connections between Colombia and Canada.
As a volunteer, you will:
- Identify and support strategic partnership opportunities with Chamber member companies, affiliated organizations, and potential collaborators.
- Strengthen engagement with Canadian companies operating in Colombia by encouraging their participation in social impact initiatives.
- Support relationship-building with private sector partners interested in sustainability, inclusive business, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
- Explore practical financing and collaboration models through corporate social responsibility programs and corporate volunteer initiatives.
- Contribute to the planning and coordination of events such as the Canada-Colombia Dialogue and other strategic Chamber activities.
- Prepare clear briefs, presentations, and information summaries to support decision-making and partner engagement.
Essential Qualifications:
- Degree in International Relations, International Business, Business Administration, Economics, International Development, Finance, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Additional studies or training in corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, or project management are an asset.
Essential Background:
- At least 6 months of experience gathering, organizing, and presenting information for diverse audiences.
- At least 6 months of experience using tools for analysis, presentations, reporting, or information management.
- Interest in or experience with economic inclusion, gender equality, entrepreneurship development, sustainable business, or private sector engagement.
- Strong intercultural communication skills and the ability to collaborate with companies, institutions, and community partners.
- Comfortable working independently, taking initiative, and translating ideas into practical recommendations.
What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!
About Us
Cuso International (Cuso) 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.
Project: Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)
Partner: Cámara de Comercio Colombo Canadiense
BenefitsVolunteer 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
- Agree to uphold the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policy and Code of Conduct
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.
Ready to Make a Difference? Apply to volunteer today!
