Music Museum Research Assistant
Cuso International, Jamaica

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Start Date: May 2023

Placement Length: 12 Months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

Support our museum partner, the Alpha Institute’s Music Department by providing assistance to develop materials for their museum and programmes. You will support the lead researcher in sourcing information on Alpha’s history and the sisters' altruistic efforts including information on the establishment of the school, music records and programmes. You will also support the lead writer in drafting content for the exhibits and programmes. The museum will position the Alpha Music Institute to independently sustain its programmes and develop its capacity to provide consistent and quality education for students through public and private partners in music education, music technology, arts performance and fundraising.

Contribute to this exciting and unique role to make a difference!

As a volunteer, you will:

• Support the Programme Officer with the implementation of a road map for operationalizing the museum
• Assist lead researcher in completing background research for museum history
• Assist lead writer with writing copy for the exhibits and programmes
• Support Programme Officer with visibility programmes to promote the museum

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences with a research component

Essential Background:

• Excellent writing, active listening and research skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
  

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 and the Caribbean, and Canada.

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, 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 - Alpha Institute

The Alpha Institute is a non-profit vocational and general education school for 150 at-risk teen boys and young men from Kingston’s impoverished inner-city communities. Since the early 1890s, the Alpha music program has produced graduates who are respected internationally for their accomplishments in jazz, ska, reggae and pop music. The partnership between Cuso International and The Alpha Institute is to strengthen the industry connections, vocational, educational and social resources provided by the Institute, in order to enable students to acquire the skills needed to sustain themselves and their families. The intent is to encourage music students to learn to read and perform music and work effectively as a member of a team. Students will receive support and be prepared for suitable employment in the music industry.

Requirements

Benefits

Cuso International terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (ex. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international persona

Job Rewards and Benefits