Project support volunteer roles in ferryhill, county durham

JOB BRIEF

We are seeking a strategic and persuasive Lobbyist to join our advocacy team at The IWI: International Women’s Initiative. In this critical position, you will leverage your extensive political acumen and strategic insight to influence legislation and policy on behalf of The IWI. The Lobbyist will play a critical part in shaping public policy and advocacy initiatives that align with our mission and objectives. They will serve as a key liaison between our organisation and governmental entities, ensuring that our interests are effectively represented and advanced. Ideal candidates for this role possess a keen understanding of advocacy, the legislative process, excellent communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to the human rights of women. We encourage applicants who may not meet every requirement to apply. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a valuable addition to our team. As an organisation which is run 100% by volunteers, this position will move to a paid position in the near future. PERFORMED REMOTELY

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, community leaders, coalitions, advocacy                     groups and other stakeholders to promote The IWI's objectives;

o Monitor and report on legislative developments and emerging issues that may impact The IWI;

o Collaborate with internal teams to align lobbying efforts with broader organisational goals and messaging;

o Draft and advocate policy proposals, position papers, policy briefs, reports, and testimony to articulate our stance on key           issues, while representing The IWI in public forums;

o Prepare reports and recommendations for senior staff;

o Draft and disseminate press releases, position papers, and other communication materials to promote The IWI                         advocacy initiatives;

o Utilise social media platforms to enhance public engagement and support for The IWI lobbying efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

o 5+ years of experience in lobbying, public policy, or government relations, with a proven track record of successful                     advocacy efforts;

o Deep understanding of the legislative process and the political landscape, particularly as it relates to CEDAW;

o Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively;

o Experience in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including lawmakers, industry               groups, and grassroots organisations;

o Previous experience in government or advocacy roles;

o Strong network of contacts within the legislative and regulatory community;

o Strong understanding of legislative processes, political systems, and stakeholder engagement strategies;

o Able to work independently with minimal supervision;

o Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred:

o Advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field;

o Experience in women’s human rights relevant to The IWI's mission;

o Proven ability to navigate complex political environments and build consensus among diverse groups;

o Membership in relevant professional organisations or certifications in lobbying or advocacy is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES

o Proficiency in using advocacy management software and tools for tracking legislation and stakeholder engagement;

o Strong analytical skills to assess the impact of proposed legislation on organisational objectives;

o Familiarity with social media and digital advocacy platforms to enhance outreach efforts.

SOFT SKILLS AND CULTURAL FIT

o Exceptional interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively with diverse teams;

o Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for                         advocacy;

o Integrity and professionalism, demonstrating a commitment to ethical lobbying practices;

o A passion for public service and a deep understanding of the issues affecting women’s human rights globally.

Social Friday

Social Friday reinvents the end of the workweek by transforming unproductive Friday hours into a global tradition of purpose, teamwork, and impact—connecting businesses, nonprofits, and communities through hands-on engagement.

Fridays are the least productive time of the week. Work slows down, focus fades, and hours are lost. The numbers are staggering:

• Unproductive Friday hours cost the U.S. economy $1.9 trillion annually.
• 1 in 4 people worldwide feel lonely, struggling to reach their full potential.
• The U.S. Surgeon General calls loneliness an epidemic, costing employers $154 billion yearly.
• Remote and hybrid work has widened the gap, leaving employees more disconnected than ever.
• Societal tensions are rising, creating an urgent need for initiatives that bring people together.

Governments debate the four-day workweek—but what if, instead of subtracting a day from work, we added purpose to Fridays?

We face a choice: -Accept the status quo and keep losing trillions. +Or flip the script, turning Fridays into a force for good.

Social Friday isn’t just a project—it’s a movement. A global tradition in the making that transforms the least productive hours of the week into moments of connection, impact, and purpose, where doing good becomes a habit.

Beyond one-time events, Social Friday is designed to scale into a lasting global movement, embedding social impact into work culture and everyday life.

Public Relations & Storytelling Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

READY TO SPARK CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER?

If you believe words can shape culture and stories can spark change, this role is calling your name.

At Social Friday, we’re not just sharing messages. We’re creating a global shift in mindset. We turn the least productive hours into powerful moments of connection, awareness, and community. Through stories, events, and shared action, we make doing good a mental well-being workout. A habit. A lifestyle.

Now we’re looking for a communicator who can bring that message to the world. Someone who turns quiet ideas into loud conversations. Someone who makes people feel, care, and act.

THE MISSION Social Friday is the Olympics of Giving Back. Our goal is to transform Friday afternoons into something meaningful. We partner with nonprofits, companies, and individuals around the world. Together, we build a more connected and conscious society. Your voice will carry that mission across borders and platforms.

YOUR ROLE As part of our PR & Communications team, you will:

• Write clear, bold, and compelling press releases, articles, and stories
• Build strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets
• Create a consistent public voice that reflects our values and energy
• Identify speaking, interview, and media opportunities
• Pitch Social Friday to podcasts, publications, and global platforms
• Support our founder with communication strategy and media presence
• Track coverage and measure communication impact
• Turn awareness into momentum and curiosity into commitment

WHAT YOU BRING

• Experience in PR, media relations, or communications
• A strong portfolio that shows your storytelling and outreach skills
• Excellent writing and a sharp sense for what moves people
• Confidence in building relationships and securing coverage
• A belief in human connection, purpose, and impact
• Bonus if you have experience with social impact or NGOs

JOIN THE MOVEMENT This isn’t just a role. It’s a chance to shape how the world hears and feels Fridays. A chance to turn words into impact. To make doing good trend. To make Fridays count.

Are you ready to be the voice behind something that matters? Let’s reinvent Fridays together.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 weeks

IT & Systems Lead Volunteer: Build the Digital Backbone of SUNSHINE!

We're incredibly excited to be launching SUNSHINE, a brand-new charity in London with a heartfelt mission: to combat loneliness by bringing people together, spreading joy, and building community spirit! Through grassroots activities and programs, we'll foster connections, enhance well-being, and help transform lives for the better.

Are you a tech wizard passionate about using your skills to make a profound social impact?

Do you thrive on setting up efficient systems that empower an organisation to thrive and serve its community?

As our IT & Systems Lead Volunteer, you won't just manage hardware and software; you'll be the architect of SUNSHINE's digital foundation, ensuring we can connect, support, and transform the lives of vulnerable people across London with seamless efficiency!

We're searching for a dedicated individual to take charge of our essential IT and systems setup. This is a critical role that involves everything from configuring our Google Drive or Microsoft Office environment and setting up secure communications, to researching and implementing the ideal CRM or cloud-based service user management system. Your expertise will directly enable us to manage our operations, safeguard sensitive data, and deliver our services to vulnerable people with professionalism and ease. Imagine the incredible impact of knowing your technical skills are directly empowering friendships to bloom, wellbeing to flourish, and crucial support to reach those who need it most.

If you're ready to apply your IT prowess to a cause that truly brightens lives and strengthens communities, step forward and help build the digital infrastructure that will make SUNSHINE shine brighter than ever!

Growth Pillar Malawi

Growth Pillar is an innovative and holistic entity geared to catalyse sustainable development and foster both individual and community resilience to environmental, systems and technological change through on-going research, evidence-based strategic policy analysis, programmatic innovation, and provision of technical assistance and enabling resources.

We work with a diverse portfolio of clients including corporate enterprises, financial institutions, public sector bodies, non-governmental organizations, families, and individuals.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together extensive local and international experience, sector-specific expertise, and a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping both local and global contexts. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, customized solutions through rigorous, participatory, and context-sensitive approaches.

Growth Pillar addresses complex and interrelated challenges through its integrated programs across research, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, and wellness. Here are the key challenges it solves:

1. Lack of Data-Driven Decision Making and Strategic Policy Implementation • Insufficient use of evidence in decision-making: Many organizations and policymakers operate without solid data, leading to ineffective programs and missed opportunities. • Disconnect between policy and implementation: Even well-designed policies often fail due to poor contextual understanding or weak execution mechanisms. • Inefficient use of development funding: Donor and public sector investments can be wasted without clear targeting or robust monitoring systems.

2. Entrepreneurial Barriers and Limited Business Growth • Early-stage business failure and stagnation: Many entrepreneurs struggle with refining their ideas, accessing funding, and building resilient models. • Lack of access to strategic guidance: Startups and SMEs often operate without experienced mentorship or market insights. • Youth unemployment and underemployment: Limited job opportunities leave young people disengaged and economically vulnerable.

3. Agricultural Underperformance and Climate Vulnerability • Low agricultural productivity and outdated practices: Smallholder farmers often lack access to modern technologies and inputs. • Lack of climate resilience: Climate change threatens food systems, but many farmers are unprepared to adapt. • Underutilization of innovation in agribusiness: Traditional farming systems often lack access to digital tools and innovative approaches.

4. Poor Mental Health, Well-being, and Social Support • Neglect of mental and emotional well-being: Individuals and teams frequently lack access to mental health support, leading to stress, burnout, and reduced performance. • Limited awareness and uptake of wellness services: Mental health remains stigmatized or under-prioritized in many cultures and workplaces.

5. Fragmented Development and Siloed Sector Approaches • Lack of integrated, cross-sector solutions: Development efforts often operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies and limited impact. • Weak collaboration among stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and private entities often lack coordination and synergy. • Barriers to inclusive development: Marginalized groups frequently remain excluded from innovation, entrepreneurship, and social services.

Through our multidisciplinary team, we offer services in the following areas:

1. Research, Policy, Innovation and Development: We drive impact through evidence-based research, strategic policy analysis, and innovative development solutions. We generate actionable insights across sectors such as health, agribusiness, human development, and entrepreneurship; empowering clients with data-driven and proven approaches that foster informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

2. Entrepreneurship and Business Development: We empower entrepreneurs and businesses to grow, adapt, and thrive. We provide tailored support to refine ideas, overcome challenges, and scale sustainably. Through practical tools, expert guidance, and strategic insights, we help entrepreneurs successfully launch, manage, and expand their ventures in dynamic and competitive markets.

3. Agribusiness and Agricultural Development: We support agricultural transformation through innovative, sustainable, and market-driven solutions. We help clients enhance productivity, adopt climate-smart and resilient practices, and unlock opportunities across the agribusiness value chain. Our services align with global food security goals, contributing to resilient farming systems and inclusive growth in rural and agricultural communities.

4. Social, Health and Wellness: We promote holistic well-being by addressing the social, emotional, and physical health needs of individuals, families, and teams. We offer personalized support to improve mental wellness, strengthen relationships, and enhance productivity; by helping clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and lead healthier, more balanced lives at home, school, work, and beyond.

At Growth Pillar, we are driven by the belief that real change starts with people who care, people like you.

Volunteering with us is not just about giving your time. It’s about using your voice, your skills, and your passion to help build stronger communities, support meaningful causes, and be part of something bigger than yourself. Whether you are interested in research, entrepreneurship, agriculture, wellness, marketing, business development, social media management, human resources, etc., there is a place here for you to grow and contribute in ways that matter. You will be joining a team that values collaboration, creativity, and purpose. You will learn, connect with inspiring people, and work on real solutions to real challenges and make a tangible impact.

So, if you are ready to give back, grow personally and professionally, and be part of something truly rewarding; we would love to have you on board.

Let’s do good, together.

Marketing Officer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Role Description

• Support the development and implementation of sales and marketing strategies.
• Creating awareness of products and services offered by the company.
• Plan advertising and promotional campaigns for products or services on a variety of media (including marketing campaigns on social media platforms, print etc.)
• Liaise with stakeholders and vendors to promote success of activities and enhance the company’s presence.
• Prepare content for the publication of marketing material and oversee distribution.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities for promotion and growth.
• Maintaining a healthy relationship with the clients.
• Respond to the client queries regarding products and services in a timely fashion to explain the advantages of the products or services offered and follow up with them in order to close business deals. Supporting the company to set and meet sales and marketing targets.
• Negotiating the deals with the clients.
• Assist with negotiations of collaboration agreements, and scopes of work with local and international partners.
• Develop creative strategies to retain clients including interviewing them to take their feedback and incorporate it into the growth plan.
• Assist in company’s branding and media communication activities such as press releases, advertisements, marketing collaterals, social media and web site.
• Create, monitor, and report on key performance metrics to determine effectiveness of sales and marketing efforts and anticipate customer needs.
• Participating in internal and external exhibitions and conferences.
• Writing monthly reports on the performance of the campaigns.
• Assist with special projects and tasks as requested.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Grant Researcher / Bid Writer: Unlock the Future of SUNSHINE!

We're incredibly excited to be launching SUNSHINE, a brand-new start-up charity in London with a heartfelt mission: to combat loneliness by bringing people together, spreading joy, and building community spirit! Through grassroots activities and programmes, we'll foster connections, enhance well-being, and help transform lives for the better.

Do you have a knack for research and a talent for crafting compelling narratives?

Are you driven by the idea of securing the essential resources that will bring joy and connection to countless lives in London?

As a Grant Researcher / Bid Writer for SUNSHINE, you're not just writing applications; you're unearthing opportunities, articulating our vision, and securing the foundational funding that will turn our dream of a connected community into a vibrant reality!

We need a meticulous and persuasive individual to identify potential grants, trusts, and foundations that align with our mission. Your vital research and skilled writing will be crucial in drafting compelling applications that showcase SUNSHINE's unique power to combat loneliness, foster connections, and transform lives across our city. Imagine the immense satisfaction of knowing that your words directly led to the funding that launches new programs, expands our reach, and brings warmth to those who need it most.

If you're ready to use your research and writing prowess to ignite a movement of joy and ensure SUNSHINE shines brightly across London, your expertise is invaluable. Join us and help secure a brighter, more connected future!

While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise,                           practice your passion within real-life scenarios.

We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.

Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission 

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.​

ABOUT TESYouth 

TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.