Media relation manager volunteer roles

Trainee Research and Development Officer

Are you interested in the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Are you keen to work in the NGO/international development sector?

Do you need some practical experience in the field?

Look no further, as McAndrew Leadership is launching a fresh appeal for new research and development interns!

Come and join us for a 3-6 month internship to conduct exciting local and international development research, help design international development projects, receive training and practical experience in grant writing and other key skills, and much more!

Interested? Read on and apply!

McAndrew Leadership is looking to hire Programmes Research and Development interns to assist staff in the following areas of focus:

• Proposal Writing.

• Donor Mapping.

• Project Research.

• Organisational, Strategy and Partnership Development.

Location: Southgate

Length of Internship: Interns are required to commit to a minimum of 3 months for their internship. After 3 months, depending on performance, interns will be offered the opportunity to continue their internship on an allowance basis.

Hours of work: Interns are asked to commit to a minimum of 3 days per week. However this is flexible and we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements.

Salary: Unpaid - however upon the completion of the internship training period, paid internships will be made available if resources are available.

This is offered as a hybrid internship position. Days you are requested in office, travel allowances will be offered.

Job description

McAndrew Leadership is a UK-based consultancy that delivers services and training to international development charities, private sector organisations, individuals and others, to enable them to drive their development practices and unleash their potential. We train, mentor and empower current and future leaders, their teams and their organisations, to build the skills and knowledge needed to enhance their capacities and expand their prospects. 

For those new to the sector of international development, McAndrew Leadership is the ideal place to apply their knowledge gained from university into real-life scenarios, to deliver positive change.

This role is ideal for any individual who wants to gain invaluable experience working in the international development sector. Interns are an invaluable part of our team and will play an active role in producing proposals for development projects, conducting in-depth research on development issues, developing training sessions and much more, while making sure that client needs are met as part of their day-to-day tasks. Being exposed to multiple different organisations - each with their own unique characteristics - will give the applicant a wide range of different experiences during their internship.

Research will be focused on sourcing key data and information on international development issues, best practices and practical frameworks for NGOs operating internationally. The successful individual will play a vital role in gathering the knowledge required to achieve client organisations’ strategic objectives and priorities. They will also help to enhance the presence of our consultancy services online through social media, blog posts and website content development. 

The main tasks in the role will include the following:

1.     Conduct background research on key international development issues in relation to clients' projects.

2.     Research funding opportunities that align with the interests of McAndrew’s clients and focus areas.

3.     Designing projects for multiple initiatives with different organizations that have a UK and international focus.

4.     Writing tailored proposals and grant applications on behalf of clients, to provide them with vital funding.

5.     Deliver work to support the growth and development of our clients' membership bodies, most notably the Alliance of NGOs and CSOs for South-South Cooperation (ANCSSC). 

6.     Research innovative programmes to support clients' work to tackle development issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

7.      Assist in promoting McAndrew's online presence through social media, blog posts and our website. 

8.      Supporting the team in creative brainstorms and other tasks.

9.      Other task as required by the line manager.

10.   Attending in-house and external training workshops.

Essential Skills:

1.     Qualified to a degree level, preferably in International Development or a related field.

2.     Fluent in English.

3.     Strong written communication skills.

4.     Strong knowledge and understanding and/or previous experience in international development and humanitarian emergencies.

5.     Driven, motivated and meticulous attention to detail.

6.     Strong sense of initiative, proactive thinking and ability to work under pressure.

7.     High energy with a friendly personality.

8.     Display initiative and responsibility, with a keen willingness to learn and develop.

9.     Ability to create and innovate.

10.   Ability to work well on own initiative.

11.    Adept at using Microsoft Office.

Desirable skills:

1.     Previous experience of working with NGOs/international development agencies.

2.     Knowledge of Arabic or French is an asset due to ongoing cooperation with Arabic-speaking partners.

3.     Knowledge and understanding of current international development issues and events.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

We’re looking for an outstanding trustee who is a bold and visionary leader in their field to join our Board of Trustees. You will help us achieve our vision of making sure our members have an outstanding experience during their time at UCL and at one of the best student unions in the world.

We’re looking for an inspirational leader in a field related to one of our services or values to join us in our mission. That mission is to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for better.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the mission, vision and values of the Students’ Union and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose through our 2025-2030 Strategy, Making More Happen. The Trustees ensure development of, and agree, a long-term strategy and approve and monitor plans and budgets to deliver the strategy. There are five meetings a year, and as an External Trustee you will work with our Board and Senior Management Team to affect change and ensure everything we do for our 50,000 members is led by our values to be Community Building, Empowering, Inclusive, Democratic, Bold, Sustainable and Fun.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter by email no later than 17.00 on Tuesday 5 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview on Tuesday 19 or Thursday 21 May 2026 and will join our Board for a four-year term beginning in June 2026.

Please note that this position is only open to candidates who are neither a student, alumnus or employee of UCL.

The food system is unsustainable and unjust, and it’s damaging the health of a generation. We are a youth activist movement set up to challenge a food system that’s been set up to fool us all. We're looking for a new Chair who shares our passion for empowering youth leadership and transforming our food system