Horticulture Advisor - Colombia (Canadians and PR eligible)

Location: Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia

Start Date: January 2024

Placement Length: 12 Months

Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4 - Advanced

Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

The Volunteer’s Role

Do you enjoy working with grassroots communities? Does the sunny climate and working in gardens appeal to you? Would you like to contribute to developing therapeutic tools for community-based emotional management? This volunteering placement is for you. Support our local partner Proarbol in the area of therapeutic, social horticulture and gardening with the aim to:

1. Support in the planning and administration of therapeutic horticulture activities.

2. To generate therapeutic horticulture activities for children, youth, elderly and disabled people.

3. Strengthen the Proarbol team in the application of therapeutic horticulture.

4. Support the development of organic and sustainable agriculture in community gardens.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Plan work experiences in horticulture for groups of children, youth, adults and seniors in community gardens.
• Provide technical assistance to the Proarbol team in organic agriculture and gardening.
• Coordinate and work closely with the Proarbol team to ensure maximum synergy and communication.
• Provide reports and information on the implementation of activities to Proarbol as needed.

Essential Requirements:

• Professional in horticulture or related fields, with a postgraduate degree or extensive experience in gardening, community gardening, agroecology, environmental education, community social work, organic agriculture or other related areas.

Essential Background:

• Psychology, agronomy, gardening, environment

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 and the Caribbean, and Canada.

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, with a view to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing 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 - Proarbol

We are a young organization that has been advancing actions of sustainable transformation in the communities and sharing knowledge on environmental issues and conservation of our urban trees in Valledupar and the region because trees are great allies against climate change.

Requisitos

Prestaciones

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (ex. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending on country)
• Accommodation while in placement
• Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication, and health insurance
• Pre-departure training, in-country orientation, and reintegration debriefing, including travel and accommodation (more details below)
• On the ground support through our Cuso International country program office
• Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Other Requirements:

• Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:
• Provide two Professional References and one Personal Reference
• Complete an oral assessment during your preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a Police Check at our request
• Complete a full medical exam and be medically cleared by the Cuso International Medical Advisor prior to your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated in accordance with the World Health Organization-approved vaccines
• We seek individuals who share our values and are dedicated to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities

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.