Volunteer roles for the International Development sector
Are you the future FOMA leadership?
FOMA trustees seek Expressions of Interest (EoI) from parties that would like to explore the options to take forward FOMA under new trustee leadership, or merge FOMA with an exsisting organisation, as outlined below. Trustees are open to considering EoIs from any person or organisation, including organisation and people we have worked with previously.
Background
The Friends of Malawi Association (FOMA) was formed in 1969 to foster friendship, goodwill and understanding between
the people of the United Kingdom and the people of Malawi. It is strictly non-political. Many of the members have lived
and worked in Malawi and wish to maintain their links with the country and with one another. There are two entities that
form FOMA:
● Friends of Malawi Association - where FOMA members pay to be part of and support the organisation
● Friends of Malawi Association Charitable Trust Fund - which seeks to help the people of Malawi by providing
small project grants
FOMA has an active membership of around 300 people, and has a (mainly passive) income of around £10,000 per year.
Each year FOMA organises a Spring meeting online and Summer Garden Party as well as an AGM in September. At these
events there is the chance to hear about the projects we support, talks on Malawi’s history and current events, and meet
other members.
FOMA has delivered a huge amount of positive social impact, by providing grassroots grants to people or organisations
running projects, normally up to £1,000. We have a role is supporting people and organisations that are normally
overlooked by international development funders, due to the small size of grants. FOMA has funded over 255 projects
since 1990, totalling around £250,000. More information available on the FOMA Website.
FOMAs Future
FOMA was established to continue bonds of friendship between people in the UK and Malawi after Malawian
independence in 1964. This created a strong platform of members, but over time FOMA has not attracted new younger
members leading to the membership being largely an older demographic.
In late 2024, FOMA’s treasurer Peter Lawrance very sadly passed away. He will be very much missed, not in the least
because of the huge amount he did for FOMA as Treasurer, managing events and donations. FOMA’s trustees are now
unable to continue running the organisation in its current form.
Trustees are looking for options to continue the
organisation in its current format, if a suitable new treasurer and other trustees can be found:
- Recruiting a new treasurer, and other trustees to continue the organisation in it’s current format. Trustees have put out a live advert for this role.
However, the organisation has struggled to recruit new trustees in the past, and therefore the current trustees are also
considering the following options outlined by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO):
- Merger. A merger is where two or more organisations formally come together. It’s most common for one organisation to transfer everything they own to the other. Typically this leads to one legal entity being closed. Trustees are happy to consider possibilities for merging FOMA to another organisation, in order to deliver the most social benefit from FOMAs history and association of members.
- Radically change FOMA ways of working. Since FOMA was established, the world has significantly evolved. Indeed, over the last year, the massive reduction in Foreign Aid globally has sped up this change. FOMA trustees would be open to a new set of trustees taking forward the organisation in a new direction. Examples of this may be to explore a partnership organisation like Scotland Malawi Partnership or a more Malawi based organisation.
- Closure. If the other options do not appear to present a viable alternative, then trustees will close FOMA. Given how far the world has moved on since FOMA was established in 1962, this may be the right option and will allow FOMA trustees and member to support new causes in Malawi.
FOMA trustees seek Expressions of Interest (EoI) from parties that would like to explore the options outlined above. Trustees are open to considering EoIs from any person or organisation, including organisation and people we have worked with previously.
In your EoI please outline the option you would like to explore, and summarise how you could see the option working in practice. Please summarise the inputs and help you would like from existing trustees. Please outline how you think the option would deliver on the FOMA Charitable objectives. Trustees will consider these options, before presenting an suggested option to members at the next FOMA AGM in September.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking an experienced Events & Community Fundraising Officer (Volunteer) to join our Fundraising team on an unpaid, volunteer basis. This will be remote support, unpaid volunteering on average 8 hours or 1 day per week to drive funding for our International WASH projects.
EQUAL AQUA is an award-winning NGO providing equal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. Equal Aqua is managed by an international team of 30+ volunteers, based mainly in the UK and Uganda, but spanning over 10 countries.We are looking to expand and diversify our team of volunteers – seeking candidates with knowledge and skills in various fields, and a deep passion for our cause.
JOB SUMMARY:
Join our team as a Volunteer Events & Community Fundraising Officer, working alongside the Fundraising Manager to develop and expand our community engagement and events portfolio. Play a pivotal role in creating innovative fundraising products, fostering relationships within our local communities, and supporting key fundraising initiatives to drive income growth and supporter engagement.
ROLE & RESPONSBILITIES
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Collaborate with the Fundraising Manager to design and implement community and events strategies, including the development of new fundraising products and campaigns.
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Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with local schools, community groups, corporate partners, and individual fundraisers to generate new income streams.
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Develop engaging supporter journeys to inspire memorable experiences, encourage repeat contributions, and deepen supporter loyalty.
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Support the team in planning and delivering special events, including the annual fundraiser concert, Water Wheel, and other high-profile fundraising activities.
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Secure new corporate partnerships through sponsorships, Charity of the Year and other award programs, and collaborative fundraising initiatives.
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Lead and coordinate supporter-led fundraising activities, fostering volunteer involvement and building a vibrant, diverse supporter community aligned with our mission.
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Assist with planning, promotion, and execution of both EA-organized and third-party fundraising events.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
Experience:
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Demonstrated success in achieving or surpassing fundraising or sales targets within the charity, nonprofit, or commercial sectors.
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Proven experience working in supporter-focused environments.
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Solid project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
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Experience working within high-performing teams, including remote working arrangements.
Skills:
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Excellent networking and relationship management capabilities.
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Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation abilities.
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Proficiency in IT tools such as Windows, MS Office, and fundraising databases, particularly Raiser’s Edge (or similar).
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Exceptional time management and prioritization skills.
Knowledge:
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Good understanding of the charity sector, including its challenges and opportunities.
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Knowledge of regional and corporate fundraising practices.
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Familiarity with sector legislation and best practices related to fundraising, data protection, health and safety, etc.
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Deep understanding of EA’s vision, mission, and achievements.
DESIRABLE:
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Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel as needed.
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Previous experience within the voluntary or charity sector is advantageous.
COMPETENCIES
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Proven ability to motivate and influence supporters to meet and exceed fundraising targets.
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Confident in asking supporters for donations and ongoing support.
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Skilled in creating compelling, engaging fundraising products.
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Ability to match supporters' interests with suitable fundraising opportunities to maximize income.
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Strong organizational skills to effectively allocate time and resources for maximum impact.
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Recognizes and celebrates supporters' contributions to foster ongoing engagement.
BENEFITS
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At EAU all volunteers work remotely & flexibly, enabling you to balance work, holiday & personal commitments anywhere in the world.
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Join a diverse international community & gain a sense of fulfilment by contributing directly to impactful programmes that EAU delivers.
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Increase your opportunities for personal growth through exposure to new skills, experiences & perspectives that working for an NGO can bring.
-
We also offer opportunities for networking, internships, mentoring & training to support you in your role.
Our Vision: To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability
Our Mission: We will achieve this by working with partners and local communities to develop the required WASH skills, knowledge and practical interventions
Objectives:
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To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
-
To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
-
To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
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32,866 people with improved access to safe water
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11,044 people with improved sanitation
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11,755 people with improved WASH knowledge and skills
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3,877 people with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge
-
British High Commission award winner
VALUES:
At Equal Aqua we champion bottom-up grassroots development. To make this possible, we have created a proactive and friendly environment, which strives to create practical and lasting solutions to WASH-related issues. Each member of Equal Aqua is passionate about WASH inequalities, and our values are a central basis for inspiration and the culture of the organisation.
Why volunteer for EAU?
By volunteering for EAU you will directly contribute to making tangible and positive changes to people’s lives in Uganda. Your efforts will help us to grow and empower our team of international volunteers, enabling us to reach more communities and transform more lives. You will also get to meet & collaborate with a great team of volunteers from all over the world. If you like the sound of this role, we encourage you to apply even if you aren’t confident that you meet all of the requirements – you may be just who we’re looking for.
*Please note that all members of Equal Aqua work remotely and on a voluntary basis. We ask that volunteers contribute on average 1 day per week and commit to the role for 12 months as a minimum.
Interviews will take place via MS Teams where you will meet an informal panel of volunteers.
Data Protection and Privacy:
As a non-profit organization, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of all applicants' personal information. We process your personal data in line with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where relevant.
Any information you share with us during the recruitment process will be used solely for assessing your suitability for the position and will be handled confidentially. Your data will be stored securely, accessed only by authorized staff, and retained only for as long as necessary for recruitment purposes.
You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data at any time. By applying, you consent to the processing of your information in accordance with these principles.
DEI statement:
EAU is committed to offering equal opportunities and treatment to all its volunteers. We see diversity as a strength and anyone seeking volunteering at Equal Aqua is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We don’t regard colour, religion, ethnicity, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status.
We are extremely proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. To make your recruitment experience with us accessible to you, we encourage you to let us know if you have any individual requirements.
‘Equal Aqua’ is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; it operates equally and in unison with ‘Equal Aqua Uganda’, a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both).
What motivated you to apply for this role with Equal Aqua?
Please include answers to the following questions in your cover letter:
How would you go about implementing an effective strategy to deliver on this role for Equal Aqua?
Are you able to work independently, be proactive and take the initiative? Please provide a specific example.
How many hours per week are you able to dedicate to Equal Aqua?
Registered Charity
21 - 50
To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a remote, creative & proactive Content Creator to join our Communications team on an unpaid, volunteer basis, providing 8 or more hours per week support on average to our International WASH programmes. .
EQUAL AQUA is an award-winning NGO providing equal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. Equal Aqua is managed by an international team of 30+ volunteers, based mainly in the UK and Uganda, but spanning over 10 countries.We are looking to expand and diversify our team of volunteers – seeking candidates with knowledge and skills in various fields, and a deep passion for our cause.
JOB SUMMARY:
Join us as part of our Communications team to help deliver powerful content for our internal & external communications strategy. You will be working alongside the Communications Manager & Communications Officer to develop our digital content & increase our presence on social media platforms. Provide creative support for enhancing donor prospects, generating demand & increasing engagement through compelling narratives to support EAU projects & fundraising initiatives.
ROLE & RESPONSBILITIES
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Write engaging, accessible copy for social media posts, blogs, and newsletter updates.
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Develop storytelling materials, such as case studies and fundraising spotlights, aligned with EAU’s brand voice.
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Ensure alignment with the EA communications calendar and major WASH/sector events.
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Design on-brand visuals for social media posts, including carousels, infographics, and WASH project graphics.
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Assist with basic video editing and formatting of short clips for social media and the website.
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Work within established brand and content guidelines to ensure consistency.
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Work to project briefs and meet agreed timelines; maintain clear communication with other volunteers.
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Understand how data and analytics informs content performance.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL:
Experience:
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Proven ability in creation of high-quality social media content and graphics.
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Skilled at video editing (e.g. Canva, or Adobe Premiere Pro).
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Strong copywriting, research and storytelling skills (long-from and short-form).
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General understanding of social media best practices.
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An eye for visual consistency and experience working with brand guidelines/briefs.
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A proactive, collaborative, flexible, and self-directed approach to volunteering
Skills:
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Familiarity with tools such as Monday, Google Analytics, Notion, or Mailchimp.
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Knowledge of tools like Monday/Buffer to track tasks and maintain project visibility.
DESIRABLE:
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Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel as needed.
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Previous experience within the voluntary or charity sector is advantageous.
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Experience working with virtual teams.
COMPETENCIES
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Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
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Excellent time management and organizational skills.
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Creative thinker who can develop innovative solutions.
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Detail-oriented with commitment to accuracy and quality.
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Strong technical and data awareness.
BENEFITS
-
At EAU all volunteers work remotely & flexibly, enabling you to balance work, holiday & personal commitments anywhere in the world.
-
Join a diverse international community & gain a sense of fulfilment by contributing directly to impactful programmes that EAU delivers.
-
Increase your opportunities for personal growth through exposure to new skills, experiences & perspectives that working for an NGO can bring.
-
We also offer opportunities for networking, internships, mentoring & training to support you in your role.
Our Vision: To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability
Our Mission: We will achieve this by working with partners and local communities to develop the required WASH skills, knowledge and practical interventions
Objectives:
-
To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
-
To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
-
To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
-
32,866 people with improved access to safe water
-
11,044 people with improved sanitation
-
11,755 people with improved WASH knowledge and skills
-
3,877 people with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge
-
British High Commission award winner
VALUES:
At Equal Aqua we champion bottom-up grassroots development. To make this possible, we have created a proactive and friendly environment, which strives to create practical and lasting solutions to WASH-related issues. Each member of Equal Aqua is passionate about WASH inequalities, and our values are a central basis for inspiration and the culture of the organisation.
Why volunteer for EAU?
By volunteering for EAU you will directly contribute to making tangible and positive changes to people’s lives in Uganda. Your efforts will help us to grow and empower our team of international volunteers, enabling us to reach more communities and transform more lives. You will also get to meet & collaborate with a great team of volunteers from all over the world. If you like the sound of this role, we encourage you to apply even if you aren’t confident that you meet all of the requirements – you may be just who we’re looking for.
Please note that all members of Equal Aqua work remotely and on a voluntary basis. We ask that volunteers contribute on average 1 day per week and commit to the role for 12 months as a minimum.
Interviews will take place via MS Teams where you will meet an informal panel of volunteers.
Data Protection and Privacy:
As a non-profit organization, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of all applicants' personal information. We process your personal data in line with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where relevant.
Any information you share with us during the recruitment process will be used solely for assessing your suitability for the position and will be handled confidentially. Your data will be stored securely, accessed only by authorized staff, and retained only for as long as necessary for recruitment purposes.
You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data at any time. By applying, you consent to the processing of your information in accordance with these principles.
DEI statement:
EAU is committed to offering equal opportunities and treatment to all its volunteers. We see diversity as a strength and anyone seeking volunteering at Equal Aqua is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We don’t regard colour, religion, ethnicity, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status.
We are extremely proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. To make your recruitment experience with us accessible to you, we encourage you to let us know if you have any individual requirements.
Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; it operates equally and in unison with Equal Aqua Uganda, a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (EAU refers to both).
Please include a summary of your Content Management experience using concrete examples and a brief summary of why you want to volunteer with us in your cover letter. Thanks
Registered Charity
21 - 50
To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together.
You can apply now to join us on our 6 or 12 month long-term placements starting in either January/February or August/September next year, to work with locally run NGOs abroad on impactful projects that matter. Examples include:
- Human rights projects
- Women’s empowerment projects
- Supporting the elderly or people with compromised health and/or disabilities
- Environmental and wildlife conservation
- Sustainable agriculture projects
- Providing education, care and support for children growing up in adverse conditions
- Sports, arts or cultural projects
- Community development programmes
- And many more!
In addition, 3 to 5 month short-term placements with flexible start dates are also available in some of our partner countries.
Whether you join us on the long or short term programme, this experience will allow you to further your personal and professional development and be part of an exchange of cultures and ideas. In addition, you’ll gain valuable transferable skills and experience and boost your independence and confidence.
As a volunteer, you will live in accommodation within the local community, in most cases with a host family. This provides an immersive experience where you can develop your language skills and engage closely with the people and culture of your host country. To help you with this, a course of language lessons is also included as part of the long-term programme.
While we have projects to suit most areas of interest, ICYE UK doesn’t recruit based on specific pre-existing skills or qualifications. All we look for are passionate volunteers with a desire to gain cultural, language and work experience while contributing to the work of a local NGO abroad. A wonderful opportunity for those looking to volunteer overseas for all or part of a gap year, either after school or after finishing university, as well as for anyone interested in broadening their horizons during a career break.
Not sure where you want to volunteer? We currently have places available in over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa, so no matter where you choose to go, you’ll connect with new people, have new experiences, learn, grow, and make an impact.
We know that volunteering overseas can seem daunting, but we’re supportive every step of the way. Before your placement, we offer pre-departure training in skills such as intercultural awareness. We also provide extensive pre- and post-trip support, including how to fundraise for your experience if you need to. Plus, our partner organisations abroad will provide a number of further trainings and will be on hand for any additional support you may need while in the host country.
To make the experience more straightforward, the fee you pay to take part will cover your accommodation and three daily meals for the duration of your placement, being matched with a project in the host country, airport pick-ups, language classes (long-term only), medical and third-party liability insurance, training and evaluation camps, monthly pocket money (long-term only), administrative costs, help with organising flights and visas, support with fundraising where needed, and extensive general support throughout your placement.
Get in touch to find out more, or to start your experience!
*Note: You must be based in the U.K. to apply for this opportunity*
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of four student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.
InterVol is looking to increase its presence on university campuses around England and Wales, and therefore we are accepting applications from university students interested in setting up a student committee.As a committee member, you will be responsible for recruiting students to volunteer locally and abroad, liaising between the board of trustees and the committee, and recruiting committee members for the next academic year. The student committees will be supported by the trustee board, who are drawn from past student committees.
Setting up a student committee is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience, gain a developed insight into the charity sector and international development, and create positive change in your community and abroad. All student committees are supported by the trustee board, and there will be training provided.
As a committee member you will:
·Work with the student union at your university to establish an InterVol committee.
·Recruit students to volunteer locally and abroad. This will involve attending freshers’ fair, hosting information evenings, and running team-building days.
·Organise local volunteering opportunities and liaise with our international project partners.
·Recruit committee members for the following academic year.
·Oversee volunteer fundraising.
·Commit to being involved with the student committee for two years.
·Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.
Person Specification:
·Experience of volunteering in the UK or abroad.
·Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.
·Capable of leading teams and working under pressure.
·Well-versed at time management and staying organised.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking individuals who can empower those aged between 4 and 16, to support and share our mission within their current school or youth provision setting (Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and Youth Groups).
You will encourage your group to share the mission of Mary's Meals, raise awareness of our work and fundraise.
What support and resources will i receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 2.4 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.
What is the role of a Community Volunteer?
Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:
- Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
- Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
- Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
- Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
- Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
- Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
- Distribute and display promotional materials
- Place collection tins in local community areas
- Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
- Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
- Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals
What support and resources will I receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Training and if desired, public speaking training
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills.
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.