Micro & Small Business Development Specialist

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date: July 2026

Placement Length: 6 months

Language Requirements: English Level 4-Advanced

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

As a volunteer, your responsibility will be to work alongside our partner, the Private Sector of Jamaica (PSOJ), in developing and implementing a comprehensive scale‑up assessment tool. This instrument will evaluate key areas such as governance, financial management, operational systems, and strategic readiness, specifically tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

As a volunteer, you'll play a vital role in helping PSOJ design the MSME Scale‑Up Readiness Diagnostic Tool, empowering businesses to become both market‑ready and investment‑ready for future growth.

• Develop a Scale‑Up Readiness Diagnostic Tool that encompasses elements of governance, financial management, operational systems, and strategic preparedness.
• Deploy the Diagnostic Tool with selected organizations. This will involve consulting with the Executive Director and their team to complete the tool, as well as evaluating the organization’s readiness to enter the market.

• Bachelor’s degree in organizational management, business administration, business process automation, or a related discipline.

• A dedicated commitment to and thorough understanding of youth development.
• Extensive background in strategic planning, expertise in developing organizational plans, familiarity with operational plans and policies, and experience in business planning and management.
• Strong interpersonal skills, proven experience collaborating within teams, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven problem‑solving capabilities and independent judgment, attention to detail, and a high level of initiative with the capacity for self‑motivation.
• Proven experience in delivering training.

Volunteer Support and Requirements

• 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

• 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

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.

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.