Corporate Engagement Advisor - Volunteer in Benin (French)

This assignment is located in : Cotonou, Benin (and Senegal)

Start date: July 2026

Assignment duration: 3 months

Language requirements: French

Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only

Role of the volunteer cooperator

Through its global volunteer cooperation program, SHARE, Cuso International collaborates with a diverse network of implementing partners worldwide. During Year 7, SHARE's country programs will advance Cuso International's strategic commitment to strengthening the economic resilience of the most marginalized, a central pillar of our global programming. Through targeted, volunteer-led technical assistance, partners in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean will build capacity in entrepreneurship, employability, TVET systems, and market-oriented skills development—expanding opportunities for women, youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants and refugees, and other marginalized groups. The programming will also lay the groundwork for support of value chain development, skills transfer, and market access initiatives. The objective is to support the identification of the skills needs of Canadian private companies, in order to align technical and vocational training with these needs and thereby promote access for young people to decent employment in Senegal, Benin and other West African countries.

The volunteer will be required to carry out the following activities:

• Identify new market opportunities in the business sector in Senegal and Benin.
• Contribute to mapping Canadian and European companies operating in Senegal, Benin and other West African countries (such as Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Mali and Mauritania).
• Contribute to mapping networks and chambers of commerce for Canadian businesses and/or the mining sector and entrepreneur training facilities (colleges, universities, technical high schools) in Senegal, Benin and other West African countries (such as Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Mali and Mauritania).
• Implement the company's engagement strategy in Senegal and
• Support the team in Senegal and Benin to ensure follow-up with contacts and business organizations, such as Canadian companies, mining companies, chambers of commerce, etc.
• Participate in meetings and in-person visits with partner companies in Benin and Senegal, with other members of the Cuso PD team.

Essential academic skills:

• At least 2 years of professional experience in the business sector in West Africa (specifically in Benin and/or Senegal).

Essential professional skills:

• Experience in engaging with corporate/private structures.
• Superior skills in analysis, communication and report writing.
• Ability to work in an intercultural context and to meet tight deadlines.

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.

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 policy and

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!