Public Relations and Communications Advisor

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Lima, Peru

Start Date: September 2024

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4-Advanced

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 in Peru is seeking an individual to support our partner organization, Instituto de Defensa Legal (IDL), in promoting and raising awareness of their Constitutional Litigation Area (ALC) activities and legal cases both nationally and internationally.

As a volunteer, you will work closely with the team to share updates on the various activities they undertake, such as court judgments, legal hearings, reports, articles, briefs, and statements, depending on their significance.

You will collaborate with IDL's communications department to publicize activities through official media outlets and engage with alternative and mainstream media in Peru, as well as foreign press correspondents in the country. If needed, you may be responsible for drafting press releases, capturing photographs and videos, writing articles, and sharing them through the ALC's social media channels and other platforms.

In addition, you will play a key role in translating press releases, articles, and other communication materials into English for international media dissemination. These materials will be distributed among activist networks, NGOs, solidarity groups, and IDL allies.

Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to broadcast press conferences, forums, and other events via IDL's Facebook Live or other virtual broadcasting channels. You will actively participate in all ALC meetings and coordinate with team members based in Lima and other provinces.

This position is based in Lima, the vibrant capital city of Peru. You will join a dedicated, multidisciplinary team focused on monitoring public policies related to crucial issues in the country, such as human rights, justice, security, environment, and indigenous peoples.

As a volunteer, you will:

- Support the work of the constitutional litigation area (ALC) team members.

- Evaluate the relevance and importance of each activity and coordinate with the responsible individuals for their distribution.

- Prepare press releases and articles about these activities for local, regional, national, and international broadcasting.

- Coordinate with the IDL Communications Department to disseminate activities through the institution's official media channels.

- Accompany ALC members during activities that occur in both Lima and the provinces.

- Develop creative and innovative strategies for publishing activities on social networks, including both traditional and modern platforms.

- Take ownership of ALC publications.

- Establish connections with national press and foreign correspondents, including mainstream and alternative media outlets.

- Create communication materials and manage webinars and other public activities, such as press conferences.

Essential Requirements:

- Degree in journalism, communications or marketing with a minimum of 5 years experience.

- Excellent Spanish language skills with fluency in writing and speaking.

- Exceptional proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Essential Background:

- Proven experience in journalism and NGO communications, including published articles, photos, videos, etc.

- Knowledge of indigenous peoples, environmental pollution, and climate change issues.

- Proficiency in basic graphic design software and social media skills.

- Experience in photography and basic video production (filming and editing) for publication in various media outlets, alternative media, and social networks. It is crucial to submit a portfolio of recent work (within the past 2 years), including press releases, photos, videos, written articles, and social media publications.

- Ability to work under pressure and demonstrated skills in task prioritization.

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, the Caribbean, and Canada.

We seek individuals who share our values and are committed to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities.

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, to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing the 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 - Instituto de Defensa Legal

Founded in 1983, the Instituto de Defensa Legal (Legal Defense Institute) or IDL is a non-governmental organization in Peru dedicated to safeguarding and promoting human rights. The organization plays a crucial role in bringing about peace and solidifying democratic institutions within the country. IDL is a member of the National Coordinator of Human Rights (CNDDHH), and its areas of focus include legal defence, judicial reform, governance, citizen security, as well as indigenous and women's rights.

Benefits

Terms and Conditions

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

Support Package

- Modest monthly living allowance

- Accommodation while in placement

- Medical Health Insurance (including the cost of required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)

- Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs

- Pre-placement training, In-Country Orientation (ICO) and Reintegration Debriefing

- Support while in placement through Cuso International's Country Program Office (CPO) and local partners throughout your placement

- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while in placement and upon return

- Support to meet your fundraising goals

- Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Selection Requirements

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:

- Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel purposes

- Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference

- Complete a language assessment during the preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement

- Obtain a satisfactory Police Check

- Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before your departure

- Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated following the World Health Organization-approved vaccines.

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.

Pre-placement Training and Briefing - Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID)

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have a Volunteering Mobilization Advisor (VMA) to support you through the process and will participate in pre-placement training as part of your preparation. You will also have access to self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Cuso International works with poor, vulnerable and marginalized people, mainly women and girls, to eradicate poverty and inequality. We understand the need to uphold and enforce the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

At Cuso International, we believe that all people, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity or disability have the right to live lives free of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Cuso International considers all forms of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse to be incompatible with fundamental belief in the human dignity of all people, international and national agreements and standards, and its core values. Cuso International volunteers must agree to uphold the Child Protection, Prevention of Workplace Violence, Prevention of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policies and Code of Conduct.

Residency and Citizenship

During the application and pre-placement phases, most Cuso International applicants are based in Canada, although we also receive applications from outside Canada. Regardless of your location, it's crucial for us to maintain easy and prompt communication with you between your application and start dates. We may request your passport, need to know your current residence, and be informed of any travel plans.

Leaving your country of residence can impact your citizenship status. If you're leaving your residence for a placement, it is your responsibility to research the implications with local immigration authorities. By applying, you accept full responsibility for any consequences regarding citizenship, residency, or immigration status. Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid any risks to their residency status.

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