Overview

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Mwanza, TanzaniaStart Date: September 2026Placement Length: 5 monthsLanguage Requirements: English Level 5-FluentEligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada onlyThe Volunteer's Role You will play a pivotal role in empowering SMEs, small-scale, and artisanal miners by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and strategic guidance necessary to thrive in the mining sector. Your expertise will be instrumental in introducing cutting-edge and innovative mining technologies tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by these communities. Furthermore, you will focus on enhancing technical skills through comprehensive training programs and workshops, ensuring that miners are equipped with the latest best practices and safety standards. In addition to technical advancement, you will be a passionate advocate for sustainable and environmentally responsible mining methods that promote long-term ecological balance. By championing efficient mining practices, you will help drive substantial economic growth and social development within mining communities, ultimately creating a lasting positive impact on their livelihoods and the broader industry.As a volunteer, you will:Carry out a needs assessment for SMEs, artisanal, and small-scale miners in GeitaIdentify appropriate technologies and innovations relevant to small-scale miningCollaborate closely with SIDO staff to enhance institutional capacityAssist in establishing connections between miners, technology providers, financial institutions, and marketsOrganize and facilitate training sessions and workshops on the latest mining technologiesEssential Qualifications:Degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a closely related disciplineEssential Background:Experience collaborating with small-scale or artisanal mining communitiesFamiliarity with current mining technologies and methodsBackground in capacity development, training, or consulting rolesExcellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication abilitiesPrevious experience working in developing countries is advantageousWhat's in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!About UsCuso 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: SIDOVolunteer Support and Requirements Support PackageCuso 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 ScreeningIf 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 de