Cuso International
This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Iringa, Tanzania
Start Date: August 2025
Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension
Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent
Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only
The Volunteer’s Role
As the Machinist Engineer Advisor, you will be required to apply your demonstrated and extensive organizational skills in developing, integrating, coordinating, aligning a strategic plan that uses time and resources effectively and efficiently, in support of the SHARE project in Iringa, Tanzania.
The SHARE project supports SMEs to overcome existing barriers to grow their businesses in food production, natural resource products, and other agribusiness value chains. SHARE pays particular attention to the challenges which women and youth-led SMEs face by matching them with skilled volunteers with management and entrepreneurial experience to provide guidance.
The project also helps start ups through the incubation program and the use of shared technology to start business and provides financial mentorship to support SMEs that are ready to expand their operations.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, SHARE project is delivered in 3-6 strategic regions of Tanzania – Mtwara, Iringa, and Mwanza. Shinyanga, Morogoro and Dar es Salaam through the supervision of a field manager and full project team based in Dar es Salaam.
SHARE implements its deliverables through the collaboration with 2 NGO organizations, the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), as well as 2 government bodies, Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) and Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) one commercial financial consulting company (EMMAC) plus one agribusiness cooperative the Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO). International volunteers with various skill sets play an essential role in collaborating with the SHARE project team to address the challenges SMEs face.
The aim of the Organizational Development Advisor is to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs by supporting the development and execution of project plans, monitoring progress, and conducting detail review of implementation and spending.
Develop and maintain an evaluation method to assess program strengths and identify areas for improvement. Lead the analysis and documentation of best practices, lessons learned and challenges in the implementation of Business Development Services (BDS) through SIDO T-LED Hubs.
Write donor reports by coordinating inputs from multiple sources and facilitating the internal review process to ensure timely submission.
Also, you will be required to apply your organizational skills to assist with strategic planning to guide the organization from the current state to the desired sustainability state. This requires being adept at managing multiple and prioritizing the demands of a diverse range of partners and stakeholders.
By working with international volunteers, there will be opportunities to work collaboratively with other members of the team, using your strong intra/interpersonal skills to provide high level support and advice to managers and staff.
You will be well supported by the Iringa project partners, all eager to collaborate with you to improve the local growth of SMEs through your knowledge and input.
As a volunteer, you will:
Calculate and set controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media according to established guidelines and procedures.
Verify conformance of the finished workpiece to specifications, using measuring and inspection tools as necessary.
Set up and operate the machine on a trial run to verify the accuracy of machine settings or programmed control data
Confer with engineers, production personnel, programmers, or others to resolve machining or assembly problems.
Maintain a clean and organized work area and maintain all equipment, to a like-new appearance, according to maintenance plans and established procedures.
Essential Requirements:
Essential Background:
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 (). 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 – Small Industries Development Organization
In October 1973, the government-owned organization, SIDO, was established under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Marketing in Tanzania. The primary objective was to promote the growth of the small industry sector in the country.
SIDO’s role included policy formulation, providing direct assistance to industries, and the establishment of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The organization has been credited for several notable initiatives, including the creation of Industrial Estates, Technology Development Centers, and direct marketing efforts.
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
Selection Requirements:
Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:
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