Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date: October 2026

Placement Length: 3 months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

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

The Volunteer’s Role

If you are passionate about this opportunity and dedicated to supporting others, this role is perfect for you!

As a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor, you will collaborate with the Hiwot Ethiopia team based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The primary aim of this position is to facilitate the integration and mainstreaming of gender equality and social inclusion principles throughout Hiwot Ethiopia’s programs and operations. The goal is to enhance the organization's capacity in conducting gender audits and analyses, developing gender policies, designing and implementing gender-sensitive projects, tracking data, and fostering knowledge creation and sharing.

Apply today and let’s make a positive impact together!

As a volunteer, you will:

• Lead gender and social inclusion initiatives to promote equality within the organization.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building to staff and partners on gender-responsive strategies and inclusion.
• Conduct gender audits, update policies, and ensure integration across operations and project proposals.
• Support resource mobilization for gender-sensitive projects and collaborate with MenEngage Ethiopia and safeguarding teams.
• Oversee data tracking and mapping of civil society organizations involved in safeguarding efforts.
• Design gender-focused programs, monitor outcomes, and develop knowledge tools like studies and toolkits.
• Deliver gender training and promote mainstreaming of gender and social inclusion in policies and plans.

Essential Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Development, International Development, Public Policy, Economics, Human Rights, or a related social science with a focus on gender is required. A Master's degree is considered an asset.

Essential Background:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in gender and social inclusion, including at least 1 year of experience at the international level.
• Extensive experience in conducting gender audits and analyses.
• Proven track record in designing, formulating, monitoring, and evaluating gender policies and programs.
• Experience collaborating with multilateral or bilateral development organizations in developing countries.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources that are responsive to gender and social inclusion.

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: Hiwot Ethiopia

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 
• 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!