Business and Policy Analyst

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date: October 2026

Placement Length: 5 months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent, French (Asset)

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

The Volunteer’s Role

If you have a passion for Business and Policy Analysis and a desire to help others, this role is perfect for you.

As a Business and Policy Analyst, you will collaborate with the Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia and their team based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In this volunteer role, you will contribute to advancing sustainable and inclusive trade, investment, and networking between Canada and Ethiopia.

Your primary focus will be on bridging the gap between business operations and policy frameworks by delivering evidence-based analysis that informs organizational decision-making and policy formulation. You will assess economic, social, and regulatory impacts to ensure that the organization's strategies align effectively with compliance standards, internal objectives, and wider socio-economic developments. Moreover, you will play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral economic relations by providing an active platform for Canadian businesses in Ethiopia to network, collaborate, and advocate, while also supporting Ethiopian companies seeking partnerships, market access, and knowledge sharing with Canadian counterparts. Through these initiatives, you will contribute to promoting essential policy dialogue aimed at enhancing the local business climate and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Apply today and let’s make a difference together!

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include:

• Engaging in advocacy and policy efforts to represent the interests of members in dialogues with both Ethiopian and Canadian authorities.
• Facilitating business networking by organizing trade fairs, roundtable discussions, and B2B matchmaking events.
• Promoting and branding Canadian innovations and Ethiopian opportunities through targeted campaigns and events.
• Developing partnerships by supporting joint ventures, investment projects, and initiatives for knowledge sharing.

Essential Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Statistics or a related field.

Essential Background:

• At least 3 to 5 years of experience in business analysis, policy research, or economic analysis.
• Demonstrated history of producing analytical reports and policy recommendations.
• Experience collaborating with NGOs or corporate strategy teams.

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: Canada Chamber of Commerce Ethiopia

Benefits

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!