Data Architecture & Governance Advisor

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Cali, Colombia

Start Date: June 2026

Placement Length: 5 months

Language Requirements: Spanish Level 4-Advanced

Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest

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

The Volunteer’s Role

This volunteer placement offers a unique opportunity to help transform how our partner, Fundacion wwb Colombia, captures, manages, and uses its data to measure social impact.

Following a comprehensive internal audit that identified more than 3,000 data variables and significant fragmentation across systems, the Foundation is launching a major data standardization and modernization initiative. As a volunteer, you will play a central role in shaping this transformation.

Your primary focus will be to translate an existing technical assessment of the Foundation’s data value chain into a practical, implementation‑ready framework for data architecture and governance. You will lead the design phase and support the initial implementation, laying the foundations for a more reliable, integrated, and future‑ready data ecosystem.

This role goes well beyond theory. Rather than delivering a standalone database solution, you will design the strategic data architecture required to turn administrative records into trusted assets for decision‑making, accountability, and social impact measurement-fully aligned with the Foundation’s current platforms, including its CRM and other information systems.

What You Will Help Achieve

You will provide strategic and technical guidance to help the Foundation:

• Improve data capture at source
  Redesign data flows into the CRM to close the current 80% standardization gap, ensuring data is consistent and reliable from the point of collection.
• Automate quality control and auditing
  Define technical requirements to replace manual, Excel‑based auditing and participant re‑contact with automated validation rules embedded within operational platforms.
• Break down data silos
  Design a single source of truth that connects data currently scattered across Google Drive, local files, offline forms, and virtual classrooms.
• Build for the future
  Ensure the new data architecture supports the Foundation’s long‑term ambition to move from “detect and react” to “predict and act” through advanced analytics and AI.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Design an integrated data architecture
  Translate existing technical assessments into a high‑level architecture connecting the CRM with current data silos, including virtual classrooms and offline data collection tools. You will design a cross‑functional data capture model that reduces operational burden on field teams and eliminates the use of “Excel as a database.”

• Standardize and normalize data variables
  Apply the proposed dimensional model (person, household, organization) to 3,057 identified variables, with a focus on harmonizing the 80% that require wording or structural adjustments.
• Optimize the data‑to‑audit process
  Design automated validation and control rules to replace manual checks and repeated contact with participants.
• Define an analytics and AI roadmap
  Develop clear technical requirements to support the transition from static reporting to predictive analytics and artificial intelligence.
• Establish data governance practices
  Define roles, responsibilities, and automated quality controls to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and accountability over time.

Essential Qualifications:

• A solid professional background in Economics, Statistics, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Science, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in implementing information systems, data management practices, data quality assurance, or analytical support within medium or large organizations.

Essential Background:

• Proven experience designing and managing data capture and storage systems that support analysis, visualization, and process automation.

• Demonstrated ability to develop relational data models, beneficiary information systems, and modular data collection tools that enable reliable monitoring and evidence‑based decision‑making in social programmes.
• Strong experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams across analysis, IT, and operations, supporting data standardization and improved data capture workflows.
• Applied knowledge of CRM systems, digital forms, relational databases, and administrative environments such as Google Workspace or similar tools.
• Experience working with NGOs or social impact organizations is highly valued, particularly in contexts involving vulnerable populations and sensitive data.
• A recognized ability to translate technical and strategic data concepts into clear, practical processes for non‑technical teams.
• Key competencies include strong organizational skills, clear and effective communication, operational problem‑solving, process monitoring, and a collaborative mindset, with a willingness to work on‑site as part of a team.

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: Fundación WWB Colombia

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!