Project volunteer roles

Role Purpose

The Manager leads the Ethics Team as a volunteer, ensuring that all research conducted across the organisation meets high ethical standards. They translate strategic goals into practical plans, support volunteers in their development, and maintain a positive, inclusive team culture. The Manager provides oversight, guidance and operational leadership to ensure ethical, responsible and consistent research practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support the Ethics Team to deliver high‑quality ethical oversight.

• Translate strategic objectives into clear operational plans and manageable tasks.

• Allocate volunteer capacity effectively and ensure smooth day‑to‑day functioning.

• Provide expert guidance on ethical standards, research integrity and data management.

• Support project teams in designing ethically robust research methodologies.

• Make operational decisions that maintain compliance and effective team performance.

• Monitor and evaluate volunteer performance, supporting development and confidence‑building.

• Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive volunteer environment.

• Resolve conflict, encourage collaboration and strengthen team cohesion.

• Supervise Senior Officers/Senior Researchers/Senior Advisors and provide ongoing support.

Competency Requirements (Manager)

To succeed in this volunteer leadership role, the Manager should demonstrate:

• Strong ethical awareness and the ability to guide others in applying ethical principles.

• Clear, confident and sensitive communication skills.

• Collaborative leadership that encourages shared responsibility for ethical practice.

• Professionalism, integrity and fairness in all interactions.

• Confident problem‑solving and risk‑aware decision‑making.

• The ability to translate strategy into practical, achievable plans.

• Supportive people‑management skills, including coaching, feedback and conflict resolution.

• Effective resource and capacity management.

• A commitment to volunteer wellbeing and positive team culture.

Role Requirements (Manager)

Because this is a senior volunteer leadership role, the following experience is required:

• At least 4 years of experience conducting research and managing ethical considerations, including applying ethical frameworks and handling data responsibly.

• A minimum of 2 years of progressive supervision experience in a research or ethics‑related context (e.g., supervising researchers, overseeing ethical review processes, or leading project teams).

• A strong understanding of research governance, ethical risk and responsible data management.

• Experience supporting others’ development, ideally in a volunteer or mixed‑experience environment.

Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.

If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.

• Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
• Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
• How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
• Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.

How does it work?

In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.

We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.

Important information:

In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.

Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

About the Role

We are looking for a volunteer Trusts & Foundations Bid Writer to help secure funding from charitable trusts and foundations. The role involves researching suitable funders and preparing compelling grant applications to support our work and help expand our impact.

This is a great opportunity for someone with strong writing skills who wants to support a meaningful cause and gain experience in charity fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

• Research charitable trusts and foundations that align with our mission

• Identify funding opportunities and deadlines

• Write and submit high-quality grant applications and funding proposals

• Tailor applications to match each funder’s priorities and criteria

• Gather supporting information such as project details, budgets, and impact data

• Maintain a simple pipeline of potential funders and application statuses

• Assist with writing reports or updates for funders where required

Skills & Experience

We’re looking for someone who ideally has:

• Strong written communication and storytelling skills

• Attention to detail and ability to follow funder guidelines

• Ability to research and identify funding opportunities

• Experience with grant writing or charity fundraising (desirable but not essential)

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

• Passion for supporting charitable causes

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in charity fundraising and grant writing

• Opportunity to make a real impact by helping secure vital funding

• Flexible volunteering that can fit around your schedule

• A reference and recognition for your contribution

Support Provided

• Background information about our organisation and projects

• Access to relevant documents and financial information

• Guidance and collaboration with the team where needed

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community through a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Droitwich Spa.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP), which supports career changers and newcomers to the UK in bridging employment gaps and tackling discrimination in the job market. We are currently working towards SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) certification to provide formal accreditation for the time our team members spend with us. This will allow participants to count their contribution as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), a vital step for those qualifying via the SQE route. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact while directly enhancing the employability and professional standing of legal professionals.

Head of Department (Legal)

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity for a career step-up, providing experience in managing legal teams and departmental operations within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring every individual we support is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Legal) oversees a team of dedicated legal professionals and graduates who operate in a capacity similar to paralegals. You will bridge the gap between Directors and the legal team, turning high-level objectives into actionable legal support plans while ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and social justice advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Developing and managing the legal department’s roadmap to support Quilombo UK’s social justice initiatives.

• Team Supervision: Overseeing the work of legal graduates, many of whom are working towards their LLM (Master of Laws), ensuring their contributions are technically sound and ethically grounded.

• Departmental Leadership: Coaching the legal team to maintain 100% project visibility and ensuring all work meets the rigorous standards required for future SRA accreditation.

• Social Justice Advocacy: Managing caseloads and research projects that tackle systemic inequalities and discrimination within the community.

• Operational Control: Maintaining 100% visibility of all legal tasks via project management tools and providing weekly reports to Directors on risks, progress, and Work in Progress (WIP).

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, Graphic Design, PR, and Production teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives

• 15% Profit Share: A share of the commission for work carried out, divided among individuals at the HoD level for specific tasks.

• 10% Business Development: An additional commission if new work or clients are brought into the organisation independently by the HoD.

Requirements

• A strong legal background (GDL, or equivalent) with a deep commitment to social justice.

• Experience in a supervisory or management role, ideally overseeing paralegals or junior legal researchers.

• A clear understanding of the SRA regulatory framework and the requirements for Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (VOLUNTEER ROLE)

SUNSHINE Charity – Because No One Should Live in Lockdown Forever

Do you remember lockdown?

1. The stillness.
2. The worry.
3. The long days without connection.
4. The feeling of being cut off from the world.

Now imagine living like that every single day — not because of a global crisis, but because loneliness has quietly become someone’s reality.

At SUNSHINE, we refuse to let that be anyone’s everyday life. Not in London. Not in our communities. Not while we’re here.

We’re here to bring back joy, connection and human warmth — and we need a steady, strategic, compassionate leader to help us build the charity that will make that possible.

Who We Are

SUNSHINE is a brand‑new, grassroots, 100% volunteer‑powered charity on a mission to brighten the lives of people experiencing loneliness and social isolation. We’re small, passionate, and building something hopeful from the ground up. We’re awaiting our charity number — but our purpose is already alive and growing.

Now we need someone who can help us turn that purpose into a strong, sustainable, well‑run organisation.

Your Role: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

This is not just a role — it’s a partnership.

As our COO, you will be the No. 2 in the charity, working closely with our Founder & CEO to shape, manage and grow SUNSHINE during its most exciting and fragile early stages.

You will help transform a hopeful idea into a fully functioning, impactful charity.

You will:

• Support the CEO in the day‑to‑day running and strategic development of the charity

• Oversee operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely and with heart

• Help build our internal structures, systems and processes from scratch

• Support the Heads of Departments (Volunteering, Services, Marketing, etc.) to deliver their work effectively

• Ensure good governance, compliance and best practice as we grow

• Champion a positive, caring, sunshine‑filled organisational culture

• Be a key decision‑maker, helping guide the charity through its early growth

• Bring stability, clarity and leadership to a fast‑moving, hopeful start‑up environment

Your leadership will help us become a charity that people trust, love and feel safe turning to.

Who You Are

• You’re someone who thrives in building things — systems, teams, structures, solutions.
• You’re calm, organised, strategic and people‑centred.
• You care deeply about community, connection and doing things the right way.
• Maybe you’ve worked in operations, leadership, governance, project management, charity management or organisational development.
• Maybe you’ve been a No. 2 before — or maybe you’re ready to step into that space for the first time.

What matters most is your heart, your integrity, your steadiness, and your belief that loneliness should never be a life sentence.

Why Join Us Now?

Because this is the moment everything begins.

You won’t just be joining a charity — you’ll be helping to build it. Your leadership will shape our foundations. Your decisions will shape our future. Your presence will help us bring sunshine into lives that have been dark for far too long.

If you want to be part of something hopeful, human and life‑changing, this is your moment.

How to Apply

Send us your CV and a short statement about why this role speaks to you.

We welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences and walks of life.

Let’s build a charity full of sunshine — together.

This friendship group was started to provide opportunities for people with learning disabilities to make friends, go on monthly trips and overall have a lot of fun. You can help us make that happen!

An opportunity is available to volunteer at a friendship group for adults with learning disabilities No prior experience is required. Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and a supportive attitude are what matter most.

Projects You May Support

Volunteers can choose to help with one or both projects:

1. Friendship Group

• When: Every Tuesday during term time, 1:30pm–4:30pm
• Where: Canning Town Library

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting participants during various activities (e.g., reading tasks).
• Encouraging communication and helping build friendships.
• Boosting confidence through positive interaction.
• Assisting with setting up and packing away activities.
• Helping individuals get refreshments.
• Building trust through calm, kind engagement.
• Reporting any concerns, incidents, or disclosures to staff.

2. Joy Hub

• When: Usually the last Tuesday of each month during term time (timings may vary; activities announced up to 4 months in advance).
• Purpose: Monthly free outings planned by the Friendship Group—examples include bowling, cinema, theatre, and museum visits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring everyone feels included.
• Encouraging individuals to participate and build confidence.
• Helping with practical tasks such as navigating meeting points, refreshments, and transitions between activities.
• Building rapport through supportive, calm interactions.
• Reporting any concerns or incidents to staff.

Skills You’ll Develop

• Communication: Adapting language, using non-verbal cues, and practising active listening.
• Empathy & Patience: Understanding diverse needs and responding calmly.
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
• Leadership: Taking initiative while supporting individuals with varying needs.
• Problem-Solving: Managing challenges in a person-centred environment.
• Composure: Staying calm in potentially challenging situations.

Useful Experience (Not Essential)

• Disability awareness
• Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality, and disclosure
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals
• Understanding of neurodiversity and person-centred approaches

Enthusiastic learners are encouraged to apply even without direct experience!

DBS will be provided!

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers.

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

LONELINESS AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS MANAGER (VOLUNTEER ROLE)

SUNSHINE Charity – Because No One Should Live in Lockdown Forever

Do you remember lockdown?

1. The quiet.
2. The worry.
3. The long days without seeing anyone.
4. The ache of missing connection.

Now imagine living like that every single day — not because of a global crisis, but because loneliness has quietly become someone’s normal.

Since lockdown ended, loneliness has slipped out of the headlines. But it hasn’t slipped out of people’s lives.

At SUNSHINE, we refuse to let loneliness be forgotten. We’re here to bring it back into the spotlight — and we need someone bold, creative and passionate to help us do it.

Who We Are

SUNSHINE is a brand‑new, grassroots, 100% volunteer‑powered charity on a mission to brighten the lives of people experiencing loneliness and social isolation. We’re small, passionate, and building something hopeful from the ground up. We’re awaiting our charity number — but our mission is already alive, growing and ready to shine.

Now we need someone who can help the world understand why loneliness matters — and what SUNSHINE is doing to change it.

Your Role: Loneliness Awareness Campaigns Manager

This is your chance to lead campaigns that spark conversations, shift perceptions and bring loneliness back into the public eye.

You will be the person who helps people see loneliness again — and see SUNSHINE as a beacon of hope.

You will:

• Create and lead awareness campaigns that highlight the reality of loneliness today

• Develop messaging that is emotional, human and impossible to ignore

• Work with our Marketing & Communications team to amplify our voice

• Raise awareness of SUNSHINE’s services, helping people find support

• Engage communities, partners and local groups to spread the message

• Use storytelling, social media and creative content to make loneliness visible

• Help shape national and local conversations around loneliness

• Ensure loneliness stays on the agenda, not forgotten after Covid

Your work will help people understand that loneliness is still here — and that SUNSHINE is here to help.

Who You Are

• You’re someone who cares deeply about people and community.
• You’re creative, passionate and not afraid to speak up for those who feel invisible.
• You understand how powerful awareness can be in changing lives.
• Maybe you’ve worked in campaigns, communications, advocacy, marketing or community engagement.
• Maybe you’ve led awareness projects before.
• Maybe you’re simply someone with a strong voice and a big heart.

What matters most is your drive, your imagination, and your belief that loneliness should never be ignored.

Why Join Us Now?

Because this is the moment everything begins.

You won’t just be joining a charity — you’ll be helping to shape its voice. Your campaigns will spark conversations. Your creativity will shift perceptions. Your work will help people feel seen, valued and connected again.

If you want to be part of something hopeful, human and life‑changing, this is your moment.

How to Apply

Send us your CV and a short statement about why this role speaks to you.

We welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences and walks of life.

Let’s make loneliness impossible to ignore — together.

Love social media, photography or content creation? This is your chance to build real experience while helping a meaningful community project grow.

Join AkiOke and gain hands-on experience capturing and sharing the energy of a music club for young adults with learning difficulties.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to help grow AkiOke — a welcoming music club.

Social Media Volunteer

• Attending sessions help us with our social presence
• Help us share our story on Instagram & Facebook
• Support us in capturing the energy of the group

 Real-world experience in social media and content creation
 Hands-on photography and video skills

 Strong content for your CV or portfolio
 Opportunity to take ownership and shape our online presence
 A chance to build confidence and creative skills
 Flexible, low-pressure environment

WHO THIS ROLE SUITS:

• students or early-career creatives
• Anyone interested in social media, photography or marketing
• Friendly, reliable people who enjoy working with others
• No formal experience needed — just enthusiasm and willingness to learn

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.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Stourbridge.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process