Volunteer With Us
By sharing your professional knowledge and expertise, you can make a positive difference in Canada and around the world. We’ve been successfully matching our volunteer Catalyste+ Advisors with clients and partners in over 120 countries since 1967. Our volunteers drive both economic and social change by strengthening the private sector and creating an environment for communities to thrive.
Become a Catalyste+ Advisor
Catalyste+ Advisors are Canadian senior-level professionals with extensive expertise from both the private and public sectors. Leveraging an average of 20 years of experience, Advisors provide mentorship and advisory services to Catalyste+ partners and clients through a sequence of short-term, strategic assignments.
Eligibility Requirements
Typically, a minimum of 15 years working experience is required, with at least ten years of experience in the field or with a role that an Advisor is looking to support. In select cases, we work with Advisors with less experience, provided they have the right mix of knowledge and expertise to suit the Catalyste+ partner’s needs. Advisors must be:
- A resident or citizen of Canada.
- Covered under a Canadian provincial health program.
- Native or fully professional in either English or French.
Our Focus
We are looking to add to the diverse range of skills and experiences we offer to make sure we can provide the right support to our partners. We work in a broad range of industry sectors and key areas that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Functional Skills of Interest
Catalyste+ Advisors deliver expertise across all functions of an organization.
Business Development
This function helps an organization pursue strategic opportunities, which may involve identifying new markets, developing strategic partnerships or sales.
Finance
The finance function focuses on the planning and control of financial resources. It may involve the acquisition and utilization of funds necessary for efficient operations.
General Management
This function supports those responsible for a department, business or organization’s operations. It would involve collaborating with those who hold titles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Departmental Head, Director General (DG), Executive Director (ED), General Manager (GM) or President.
Human Resources
This function deals with the hiring, administration and training of personnel.
Information Technology
This function oversees the installation and maintenance of an organization’s information and communications systems.
Marketing
The marketing function is responsible for defining, pricing, promoting and distributing an organization’s product or service.
Operations
This function involves planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling the resources needed to produce goods and services.
Technical
This function is centered on the technical aspects of product strategy, planning and design. It would involve development, engineering, infrastructure and networking.
What it Means to be an Advisor
Your Catalyste+ Advisor Journey
Our Volunteer Services and in-country teams support you throughout your journey—from application to going on an assignment. You’ll be joining thousands of Catalyste+ Advisors who help build stronger economies for better lives through volunteer work.
Becoming a Volunteer: Application and Assessment
Application
Fill out the Catalyste+ Advisor application form and attach your résumé in Microsoft Word format, making sure your contact information (address, phone and email) is included on your resume. Please note that you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and covered under a Canadian provincial health program (e.g. BC Services Plan, OHIP, Quebec Health Insurance Plan).
Revision
We carefully review each application to ensure a strong match between an Advisor’s skills and the needs of our programs.
Orientation
You will receive a link to watch a 15-minute orientation video that provides information about Catalyste+ and how to apply and prepare for an assignment.
Interview
We will contact you to schedule a phone interview, followed by a reference check.
Becoming a Volunteer: Onboarding
1
Compliance Training
The compliance training consists of three online modules:
Ethics and Code of Conduct, Global Workplace Harassment, and Intercultural Communications.
2
Criminal Record Check
Catalyste+ requires a criminal record check from all Catalyste+ Advisors going on assignments.
3
Review Catalyste+ Policies
You will be required to read and understand Catalyste+’s policies. A signed acknowledgement form must be returned through an online portal.
4
Administration Fee
Pay the one-time $100 administration fee to payments@catalysteplus.org using Interac e-Transfer.
5
Welcome!
Successful candidates will receive a welcome letter and log-in information for the myCatalyste+ online information portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a volunteer?
Please refer to the steps specified in the “Become a Volunteer” section earlier on this page.
What costs does Catalyste+ cover for Advisors for national assignments?
Catalyste+ covers the costs associated with: 1. *Travel costs to and from the assignment, 2. Food and accommodation (up to a maximum of the established daily rate), 3. Travel and accident insurance Incidental costs. *When booking airfares, Catalyste+ must comply with the requirements stipulated in our funding agreement with our program funder, which states: “Global Affairs Canada will limit the reimbursement of plane tickets to the lowest fare available at the time of reservation even when the Organization chooses not to use this fare”. This means that you must accept the most direct and cost effective route to and from the assignment and travel will be in economy class. If you would like to book upgraded seats, you will be responsible to pay the difference. Please speak with your Program Coordinator if you would like to learn more.
Can I take my spouse/partner with me on assignment?
Yes, you can bring your spouse/partner at their own expense and only with the permission of both Catalyste+ and the client. Our funding applies only to the expenses of the Advisor, not the spouse/partner.
What are Catalyste+ Advisors expected to do?
As an Advisor you are expected to: 1. Work cooperatively with Catalyste+ staff, clients and partners in order to meet their defined needs 2. Act as a mentor and/or advisor to the client/partner you are working with. 3. Execute your assignment to the best of your ability, including pre- and post-assignment planning and requirements. 4. Represent Catalyste+ to the best of your ability at all times in accordance with our Code of Conduct.
How do virtual assignments work?
With an internet connection and the proper tools, Catalyste+ Advisors can facilitate a transfer of knowledge and offer their expertise to support partners in a remote capacity. You can apply for a virtual assignment using the same process as an in-person assignment.
Who do I contact if I cannot log into myCatalyste+ account?
Email volunteerservices@catalysteplus.org for assistance.
What costs does Catalyste+ cover for Advisors for international assignments?
For international volunteer assignments, Catalyste+ covers the costs associated with: 1. *Flights to and from the country of assignment, 2. Entry visas, 3. Health and accident insurance, 4. Medical clearance/vaccinations, 5. In-country travel related to the assignment (not including personal travel), 6. Food and accommodation up to a maximum of the established country daily rate, 7. A per diem spending allowance. *When booking airfares, Catalyste+ must comply with the requirements stipulated in our funding agreement with our program funder, which states: “Global Affairs Canada will limit the reimbursement of plane tickets to the lowest fare available at the time of reservation even when the Organization chooses not to use this fare”. This means that you must accept the most direct and cost effective route to and from the assignment and travel will be in economy class. If you would like to book upgraded seats, you will be responsible to pay the difference. Please speak with your Program Coordinator if you would like to learn more.
Do I need health insurance?
All Catalyste+ Advisors must be covered under a Canadian provincial health program (e.g. BC Services Plan, OHIP, Quebec Health Insurance Plan). Applicants without this coverage will not be permitted to go on assignment.
How long do assignments last?
In-person international assignments typically last from two to four weeks. In-person assignments in Canada typically last from two days to two weeks. Virtual assignments vary from one to two months depending on the program and assignment type. There are some exceptions for mentoring assignments, which could last up to a year with a few site visits.
How much notice will I be given before having to go on assignment?
We try to provide Advisors with as much notice as possible about a potential assignment. Typically, for assignments in Canada, successful candidates will be given two weeks to one month’s notice to prepare for and deploy to assignments. For international volunteer assignments, successful candidates will typically be given two weeks up to a few month’s notice.
What is myCatalyste+?
myCatalyste+ is our internal web portal that gives you access to all current Advisor opportunities, as well as detailed information and any documents necessary for your assignments. You will gain access to myCatalyste+ upon becoming an active Catalyste+ Advisor (CA).
If I have a question about volunteering but it is not listed here, who do I contact?
For questions in English, please contact Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@catalysteplus.org. For questions in French, please contact servicesvolontaires@catalysteplus.org.